You Only (Cameron Farms Book 1) - Melanie Jayne Page 0,39
“I said get your fucking hand off me.” Her voice was vicious.
Izzy appeared out of the shadows. “Hale, is there a problem?”
She didn’t even look in his direction. “Yes, I’m tired of listening to his shit.” She kept Major’s hand bent back.
The man twisted his body to offset the pressure on his wrist. “Hale, please, let go.” Major was gasping.
“Hale, let go,” Izzy commanded.
Izzy’s tone broke through her angry haze. She dropped Major’s hand.
“Major, I think it’s time to go. Should I arrange a ride home for you?”
“No, no I’m fine to drive.” He was holding his wrist as if it ached.
“All right, you be sure to drive safely. Want me to walk you out?” Izzy stood close, towering over Major.
“I’m fine.” Major ran a hand through his hair and headed toward the house.
Izzy’s attention turned to Hale. “Honey, are you all right?”
“No,” she answered softly. She had just lost it, flashing back to the past, and almost broke a man’s wrist. Her stomach cramped at the realization. She laid her hand on her rolling middle and pressed hard.
Izzy leaned closer. “Was he bothering you? Did he do something that upset you?”
“He, um, he kept talking about me acting like a lady. Behaving like a lady. He was holding my shoulder, holding me in place. I couldn’t take it. It was like the same shit Lydia used to say to me.”
“Oh, Hale, I’m sorry.” He stepped into her, pulling her into his arms. “Major can be an ass.” He held her gently.
“Christ, I’m a mess.” She drew away. “Did I make a huge scene?”
“No, I don’t think so. I just happened to look and I saw him put his hand on your shoulder and I didn’t like how it looked. It seemed threatening to me so I came over to check on you.”
“He wouldn’t shut up.” Her voice was ragged.
“Come with me, I have something in my office that might be a help.” He kept his arm around her and led her toward the kitchen.
Hale stared straight ahead, mortified by her behavior.
They traveled along the hallway to Izzy’s office and the small half bath’s door opened. Finn exited in front of them and Izzy paused.
Finn scanned both Izzy and Hale. “Everything good?” His tone was loaded with doubt and curiosity.
There was a long pause. Izzy finally spoke. “We are going to break open my bottle of Scotland’s finest. Take a breather from the guests.”
Finn’s eyes were on Hale. “A break sounds like something I need.” He leaned against the wall to fall into line behind them as they passed.
They entered the home office, it was filled with books and soft chairs and a loveseat. There was a fireplace that he lit during the cold months. Hale loved this room; it was just like Izzy—masculine, filled with intelligence and warmth.
She veered to the love seat and Finn selected the large leather wing chair while Izzy made busy at the bar.
She could feel Finn watching her, and she became very interested in the magazines stacked on the end table.
Izzy opened the bottle and poured. He served Hale then Finn. When he returned with his glass, he said, “I propose a toast to our Hale.”
“Oh, you don’t need to do that.” She felt the heat spread across her cheeks.
“Go on, Izz,” Finn overruled.
“To sharing many more birthday celebrations.” They clinked glasses and sipped.
The one sip of the aged liquid burned a trail down Hale’s throat. She settled back onto the sofa and felt her emotions start to calm.
The trio enjoyed the quiet, each lost in their thoughts.
“I’m sorry that I invited Major, he’s acted like an ass all night,” Hale apologized.
“Oh, honey, you don’t need to apologize for him.” Izzy was quick to comfort.
“Major is, well…” Finn attempted to explain. “I think he was trying to impress you.”
“We’ve only been to dinner a few times.” She felt the need to explain.
“I think he felt the need to assert his claim.” Finn pointed out.
“His claim to what?” Hale was lost.
“Um, to you.” Izzy answered, looking at her. “Major gets a little jealous of him.” He pointed at Finn.
She grimaced. “I don’t want to be claimed by him.”
Finn shifted in his chair, not looking at her.
Izzy rushed to explain. “Major and Finn are the two most eligible bachelors in the area. I think that Major would like to be able to claim you as his girlfriend.”
Hale laughed. “You’re joking. I’m not some trophy.”
“No, but in their competition, you are a very nice prize.” Izzy informed.