Page 40 of Trying Not to Need You

Dixon snorts into his drink. Macklin mutters, “She’s not wrong,” under his breath.

Bowen shoots them both a look before returning his attention to Courtlynn, eyes narrowing in mock irritation. “Brood attractively?”

She shrugs. “It’s a skill. I’ll give you that.”

“You’re unbelievable.” Bowen shakes his head as if he’s over my sister, but something tells me that’s not the case. He engages with her. Every. Single. Time.

“And you’re predictable,” she fires back. “I walk in, you pretend you’re annoyed, and then you spend the next hour hovering within ten feet of me.”

“I do not hover.”

“You absolutely hover.”

“I supervise my employees. I make sure my guests are happy. I’m doing my damn job, Courtlynn.”

“Mm,” she hums, unconvinced. “Keep telling yourself that.”

For a second, they just look at each other, neither willing to give an inch. The music swells, bass thumping through the floor, and Courtlynn’s lips curve into something softer, more playful.

“Relax, Bowen. I’m not here for you. Just ignore me, and this night will be more enjoyable. If you’re lucky, I might even stay out of trouble tonight.”

By trouble, she means not dancing on the bar. I’ve been on the end of those phone calls, where Bowen tosses her over his shoulder and either takes her home or deposits her in someone else’s car to do it.

One of these days, they’re going to figure it out. For the rest of us, I hope it’s soon. Although it is free entertainment.

Bowen arches a brow. “You? Stay out of trouble?”

She flashes him a grin. “No promises.”

“Yeah.” He leans back in his chair, eyes still locked on hers. “You’re not capable,” he mutters.

“Now, children,” Ellison speaks up, resting her hands on her belly. “It’s New Year’s Eve. Put this”—she waves her hands in the air at them—“whatever this is, behind you. New Year, new outlook.”

“New family,” Copeland says, leaning down to kiss her softly, his hand resting over hers where my niece is growing.

I feel a hand on my shoulder, and I turn to see Macklin, standing behind me. I didn’t even notice him get up. He leans in close, placing his lips next to my ear. “What do you want to drink?”

“I can get it.”

“I know you can, Bay, but let me.”

“Just a beer is fine. I don’t plan on drinking much tonight.”

He nods, then hesitates. He’s so close I could lean in just a little and kiss him, but I refrain. Finally, he stands but keeps his hands on my shoulders. “Anyone need anything?” he asks the table.

“I’ll go with you,” Courtlynn says.

“Watch it, brat. I had to cut you off last year,” Bowen reminds her.

Living up to the name, Courtlynn sticks her tongue out at him and walks away from our table.

“I’ll go with her,” Leighton says, standing. “Kelly and Lorna are on their way, too,” she explains. Kelly is her best friend, and Lorna is Courtlynn’s.

“Where’s Sophia tonight?” Kinzie asks me, sipping her cocktail.

“Her brother and his wife just had a baby, so she’s spending the week in Cincinnati, visiting with them and helping them out. Her parents went, too.”

“That’s sweet of her,” Ellison says.