His eyes darted between Dean and me. “And you ... Why were you getting in her space?”
Dean’s eyes went wide. “I-I was just trying to talk to her.”
“She didn’t seem interested.”
“Mark, he’s fine.” I said it before I could think. “Seriously. I just didn’t like the smell of his beer.”
Dean nodded. “The beer. Shit, that would do it. Could I get a water instead?”
“Only if you give Grace some space,” Mark said. “Head to the bar and don’t distract Tammy. I’ll get you water in a second.”
Dean looked at me, but I knew that it would look worse if he insisted on staying with me.
“Yeah, of course.”
“Now foryou,” Mark said. “You can use my BBC if you need it.”
My eyes widened. Had I heard him right? “Yourwhat?”
“The Bell’s Brews Closet.”
“Oh,” I said. “That makes a lot more sense.”
“And I knowyouwon’t violate it. Let me tell you the code.”
As much as I didn’t want to need it, I had no idea how thenight would go. Being the good girl had its benefits. I would use them as long as it lasted. “That would be great.”
Mark told me the number and I committed it to memory. Then Mark went to meet Dean at the bar.
I moved to a different spot, one that didn’t smell offensive, and texted Dean.
I really am fine. I just discovered I hate the smell of alcohol. Who knew?
That looked bad, though. I’ll get it together.
Dean
Don’t worry about how it looked. Take Mark up on his offer if you need to. I’m sorry for getting in your space. I should have seen you were trying to get away from me.
It was just the beer. I promise. Enjoy the party.
I’ll be enjoying the bull.
Just don’t die before you meet our baby.
Promise I won’t.
I was tempted to text him even more, but I was tackled into a tight hug.
“You’re here! You made it!” Jade clung to me like an octopus. I could smell one of Tammy’s cocktails on her, but it wasn’t as offensive as Dean’s beer or Atticus’s spilled drink.
“I did make it. Are you having fun?”
“I love it when Tammy bartends. I got here early to scope out the crowd, but it’s all locals.”
“It’s Mark’s birthday. It’s always locals.”
She groaned. “I need a hot man to stick his wang in me.”