Page 47 of Just Ten Seconds

I pull my arm back. “Don’t touch me.”

His eyes curve in as he looks at me like I’m being a bitch. “I’m just trying to be nice.”

“And I just want to be left alone.”

He puts his hand on my waist, spinning me around so his body is holding me still and sending a ripple of unease up my spine. “Holy shit. I know who you are.”

“No, you don’t.” I push on his chest, so hard that I’m released from his grasp and my back hits the edge of the mahogany bar.

“Hard to forget a face like yours. Total trophy wife.”

“You have no idea what you’re talking about.” I give him a shove, even harder than I intended, making him almost fall backward.

He straightens himself while grabbing his chest, rubbing where my palms forced him backward.

My palms are sweaty; my head is light. I need to get out of here.

With a lift of his head, he peers down at me and leans toward me, so close that I can smell the sweat that beads off his neck. “Listen to me, you little—”

“She said no, asshole.” Nick appears to my side.

“It’s okay.” I dismiss him with a tremulous voice.

I look up into the dark expression on Nick’s face.

“No, it’s not. Jackie, get her out of here.”

Jackie pulls me from behind, ushering me toward the back of the bar.

“What about Nick?” I ask as she drags me to the small hallway by the women’s restroom.

When we’re in the alcove, she looks me over to see if I’m okay.

“He’s got it under control.” She looks back toward the bar.

Nick and Manny are giving the guy a piece of their minds, and Joe, the bar owner, is telling the bouncers to escort the guy out.

Jackie runs a hand through her hair. “Are you okay? Sorry about that. That guy was a bona fide asshole.”

I catch my breath. “Yeah, I’m fine. Do you know him?”

“No. He must be a local. The bar is open to the public now.”

“He recognized me.”

She shuffles her feet as she looks up at the ceiling. When her gaze is back on mine, it’s with an exhale. “It doesn’t matter. I know none of this has been easy. Just don’t let that jerk ruin your night.”

“Ruin my night? It’s your birthday. You should be dancing, not here with me. We can’t even have a fun night out without me wrecking it with my past.”

Exasperation blows from her lips as she places her hands on her hips and scrunches her face with a shake. “Mara, when are you going to stop blaming yourself for everything that happened?”

“Possibly never,” I say and am immediately annoyed at myself. “Shit. I’m sorry. I’m being a Debbie Downer.”

“Yes, you are, but I get it. Listen, the party is over, and the bar is filling up with regulars. Why don’t you head home and try to rest? I know coming out tonight was a big deal.”

“It wasn’t that big of a deal. You’re my best friend. Not coming to your party wasn’t an option.”

She walks forward and gives me a hug. “That’s why I love you. If you want to stay, I’d love it, but if you want to head out, I understand.”