Page 34 of Her Filthy Grump
Cole says something, and Gavin cuffs him in the arm while laughing. Chief Monroe shakes his head over whatever antics they’re discussing. He’s got the seal of approval, and I’m just the dude passing through. They’re probably talking about Cole planning to ask Layla to marry him so they can live happily ever after. Peachy.
Chief Monroe nods at me as he walks past. “Kameron.”
“Hey, boss.”
“You’re late.” His eyes rake over me. When he found out I saved Layla from George the other night, he was appreciative. But his gratitude won’t save me from my tardiness or my obsession with Layla. “Everything okay?”
“Yes. Sorry I was late. There’s no excuse.”
“Good answer.” He smiles and squeezes my shoulder. “I like a man who takes responsibility for his actions. You’re a standup man for a city boy.”
That’s all I’ll ever be. The city boy who doesn’t belong in Meadow Bay.
After he retreats to his office, Gavin glances in my direction. “Hey, Kam. Come here.” He lifts his hand and beckons me toward them.
Great. I’m not in the mood to congratulate Cole on his wonderful life with Layla. Although I’ve never prayed for a call, the temptation to send up a wayward duck call is an impulse I can barely ignore.
“What’s up?” I brace my shoulders for the news.
“What’re you doing tomorrow night?” Gavin leans back in the seat. It creaks under his weight.
“Nothing.” Which is pathetic. I came here to lay low and re-group, but each day is like living in hell. I can’t stop thinking about Layla, and I’m miserable.
Watching TV is boring as fuck. I don’t want to hang out at the bar because every conversation seems pointless. And I sure the hell don’t want to see her making out with some random dude. A stab of pain shoots through my head. Only, it’s worse. It’s Cole.
“You should come over tomorrow night for a BBQ. I’ve invited the guys over.”
“That sounds fun, but I’m–”
“You’re not busy.” Cole snorts.
“How would you know?” My shoulders ache as I envision dropping his ass to the ground and punching his teeth in.
“Remember? I live at the end of the next block over from you. I can see your back yard from mine. You aren’t doing anything.” Cole cocks his head back as if to dare me to disagree.
“Fine. I’m not doing anything.” A little guy starts hammering nails into my brain. I don’t want to walk out on my back deck and see Cole’s white ass plastered to the window as he fucks my girl.
My girl?My eyes widen.What in the hell has gotten into me? I can’t….
What? What can’t I do? Why can’t I date her? That’s simple. She’s dating Cole, and her dad forbade me from seeing her.
“Then, come over. We’ll eat some burgers and dogs.”
Gavin nods. “And while we’re at it, we’ll coach Cole here to prep him for his next photoshoot with Layla.”
I yank out the chair. The feet scrap against the cement with the movement. “Big date planned?” I pray my expression doesn’t give anything away.
Cole shrugs. “I don’t know when it’ll be.”
“Layla’s got the cupid bug. She’s invited her best friend, Harbor, to be a part of the poses.”
“Gavin, let it go. I’m not Harbor’s type.” He shifts his attention to the wall behind me.
My mouth dries. Harbor? She’s trying to set Cole up with her friend. Thank God.
“She’s not a girl anymore. Stop treating her like one.” Gavin tents his fingers together on top of the table.
“Her dad hates me.”