Page 49 of Fake It For Love (Faux Love)
CLAIRE
Iwasn’t sure if this was his idea of a joke or if it was really happening. I looked to the door of the bar. No one was chasing us. “Were you just trying to get out of there?” I asked. “You didn’t have to be so dramatic.”
He grinned and I was certain he was the hottest guy on the island. “I was actually not hating it,” he said.
“Then why did you just pull me out of there like the hounds of hell we’re on our heels?” I asked.
“Because there was a good chance that would happen,” he answered.
“What are you talking about?”
“There was some guy trying to start shit,” he explained. “I tried to walk away, but he was drunk and stupid. If I didn’t get my ass out of there, I was seriously going to be leaving in cuffs. I didn’t want to risk ruining our stay here.”
“Are you serious?” I asked wide-eyed.
“Yes. We should probably get out of here, just in case he comes looking for me.”
I still couldn’t quite believe it was real. I didn’t have much of a chance to ask anything more. He hailed a cab and pulled me in. I turned to him and tried to get a read on him. I didn’t know him well enough to know if he was lying. I didn’t think he was, but then again, it was hard to say.
“Spill,” I said. “What happened?”
“I was going to the bar to get us drinks when some woman tripped and pushed against me,” he said. “I caught her and helped her get to her feet. She was stumbling drunk. I offered to help her to a chair. Her drunk-ass boyfriend showed up and shoved me. He was trying to fight me. He was just as drunk as she was. They were both hot messes. He wouldn’t leave me alone. Then Derrick came running over and added fuel to the fire.”
I groaned. “I can only imagine.”
“I don’t fight,” he said. “I tried to diffuse the situation, but the guy just wouldn’t leave me alone.”
“I can’t imagine anyone trying to fight you,” I said. “You’re the tamest man I’ve ever met. You’re so mellow.”
“You’ve heard of resting bitch face, right?” he asked.
“Of course,” I said. “More than once. I’ve even been accused of the affliction a few times myself.”
“I have a different affliction,” he said. “Ever since I grew into my height, guys—usually stupid and drunk guys—see me and they immediately want to fight me. It’s like they look for the biggest guy in the room and that’s who they want to fight. I don’t know if it’s to try and prove themselves or they just want to see how long they can last against a guy my size.”
“Really?” I asked with a laugh. “I can’t imagine that.”
“Oh, it’s true,” he said. “It happens almost every time I go to a bar. It’s one of many reasons I avoid the bar scene. It’s just not worth it.”
“Have you ever had to fight?” I asked.
He grimaced and looked away. “Yes. Not because I wanted to. I had no other choice. I avoid them the best I can. I am not a fighter. It’s just not in my nature, but I’m also not going to stand around and get my ass kicked.”
“I don’t blame you.”
“It’s especially important I don’t get into fights these days,” he said.
“Why?”
“Because I have a lot more to lose,” he said. “In every sense of the word. One of these guys gets a glimpse of my net worth, and they are coming after a massive settlement.”
“Even if they started it?” I asked.
He smirked. “It’s exactly why they start it. It doesn’t matter who starts it. It’s all about who gets the most damage. I’m a big guy and when I hit, I make sure it lands. Unfortunately, that lands me in a lot of trouble. I have to be especially careful with the company. I can’t get a lawsuit slapped on me. It will stain the company name. I just have to be the one with a cooler head.”
“You have to be the one to run out of a bar,” I joked.
“Yep.”
