Page 30 of Finding Redemption

“Ha! I like her.”

“Me too.” I whip my head around, my mouth hanging open.

“Huh?”

“No.” He waves his hands, laughing. “We’ve known Ava all our lives. She’s like my sister.”

“That’s… actually… nice.” My mouth falls slack.

“I can be nice. I’m not always an asshole.” He smirks. “Besides, a love like theirs only comes around once in a lifetime,” he says, watching his brother and Ava on the dance floor.

“Yeah, few and far between,” I can’t help but agree.

He turns back to me, making my heart skip a beat when his blue eyes gaze into mine. Snap outta it, girl.

“You don’t feel that way about the big guy?” He jerks his head toward Alden.

“Not exactly, but things could change.” I shrug, knowing I’m a complete bull-shitter but there’s no way Walker’s gonna know I don’t have a boyfriend.

“How long have you been together?” What?

I swallow hard against the lies I’m about to spill. “We grew up together too.” That’s the truth, the only one I’ll utter tonight.

“And it grew into love.” I lick my lips nervously as Walker’s gaze flickers to my mouth. His lips part when I sink my teeth into my bottom lip.

“No, I’ve always loved him.” All right, that’s true also but not the way he thinks.

He blinks rapidly before his eyes flash to mine. “You’re in love with him.” Not said as a question. “If you’ll excuse me.”

Walker stands abruptly, striding away from me without a second thought. “What just happened?” I wonder aloud as I look around the room, astonished to be faced with Alden staring at me, mad as hell. He saw Walker’s dismissal of me. I shake my head in total disbelief.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” I jump as Ava’s voice surprises me. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“Oh. I’m fine.” I shake my head in dismay.

“Where did Walker go?” She scans the room.

“He left.” I shrug.

“What the hell? Well, it was good to meet you.” She smiles at me, but I still haven’t shaken Walker’s hasty exit.

“Yes, it was great to meet y’all.”

She grabs my phone. “Here’s my number. Text me sometime, and we’ll grab drinks.”

“You’ve got a deal.” I offer a weak smile.

As Ava walks away, I spot Riley near the door with Walker. Walker’s shaking his head as if he’s arguing with Riley. I narrow my eyes, trying to read their lips. It’s much too dark in here to see them clearly.

“What’d you do?” Alden.

“Ugh, I made him think we were a couple.” I throw my head back against the seat, covering my face with my arm.

“Why?”

I peek out and sit up, baffled by his question. “Huh? To make him jealous. Besides, you’re the one dedicating songs to people,” I growl.

“There’s a difference in me making him jealous and you messing it up. What did you say?” He stands with his hands on his hips.