“Looks that way.” He sighs, taking in the men now sitting in our space.

“Yeah, so you can run along now.” Jesse’s voice cuts through the awkwardness, taking it to a whole new level.

“Excuse me?” Grant turns his gaze to where Jesse sits, then steps around me and places himself between Jesse and me.

“You heard me.” Jesse shrugs; his normal smartass grin lifts at the side of his mouth. Jesus I’ve missed that.

“You got a problem there, man?” Grant calls him out, not really understanding what he’s getting into here.

“Grant—” I begin but shut up when Jesse stands and steps into Grant’s space.

“Yeah, you.” Jesse’s grin grows deeper when he notices just how much he stands over Grant. A thrill spikes through me seeing him stake his claim, but I quickly shake myself out of his spell.

“Jesse, what’s your problem?” I step around Grant and plant myself between them.

“This guy is. Fucking rubbing up on you on the dance floor. You that hard up, sweetheart?” He keeps his stare on Grant but addresses me. Asshole.

“That’s none of your business, Jesse.” I step closer into his space, ready to take him on. No way is he going to just push his way back into my life this weekend when I’ve told him no.

“Oh, it fucking is, sweetheart.” He shakes his head, not giving in.

“Jesse, I’m no longer your concern. I’m a big girl and I’ve got this.” I turn and take Grant’s hand. “Let’s get out of here.” I find myself saying, getting lost in the frenzy Jesse brings to my life.

“No fucking way are you leaving with this asshole, you hear me?” Jesse’s hand snakes out taking my free hand in his.

I try to pull out but he doesn’t relent.

“So what, you don’t want me but no one else can have me, is that it?” I drop Grant’s hand and step back into Jesse’s space, ready to go up against him again. His grasp on me tightens when I move in close but I don’t read into it. I’m going to stay strong.

“This has nothing to do with you and me. You’re in Vegas, Bell. You don’t go off with fucking strangers, ever.” His voice drops and his head dips closer to mine.

“What if I wanna get laid? What then?” I push, knowing it’s not going to end well. It’s like the old Jesse and me. Him pushing, me reacting. I don’t even care if our friends are openly watching us now. I’m too lost in my own anger.

“Sweetheart, you need a cock, I’m more than willing to help you out. But you’re not having his.” He pulls back, releases his hold and directs his stare back to Grant on the last sentence.

“I don’t want yours. Been there, done that. I’m not some hang along.” I throw his words from the funeral back at him, regretting it instantly.

“Jesus,” someone curses beside us, but I don’t have a moment to react when I watch Jesse cringe.

He quickly recovers before lowering his gaze. “I deserve that, but put all of that shit aside right now, sweetheart. You’re not being smart.” His hand reaches out, grazing my fingers. I snatch mine back not needing his touch. “I’m not letting you leave with him. Don’t do this to hurt me, think about it,” he pleads, and it’s his tone that makes me listen.

He’s right. Whether it’s because he’s here in my space, or I’ve had too much to drink, I’m not thinking straight. I do want to hurt him, but at what cost?

“Grant, I’m really sorry.” I turn back to this innocent man and I try to excuse my behavior, but what’s the point. He’s not stupid, the electricity in the air is enough for everyone around us to sit up and notice.

“It’s okay, Bell. I get it. Here’s my number, maybe we can get coffee some time.” He leans down and kisses the side of my face.

“Thank you.” I smile and take his card. He steps back, throws one more glare at Jesse then turns and walks away, leaving us standing there awkwardly.

“Well, that was rather anti-climactic,” Lissy announces, breaking the thick silence.

“Shut up,” I say, moving over and taking a seat next to her. I can’t bear to look up at Jesse, so I focus on Kadence and Holly across from me.

“You okay?” Kadence mouths and I shake my head, too embarrassed to get into it right now. She offers a soft smile then turns to look at Jesse. I move my stare to my feet, still not ready to address what just went down.

“Okay, well, I think that concludes the night’s activities. Thank you for a great night, guys, but I need some beauty sleep before my wedding tomorrow.” Holly winks and then lets Sy pull her away. Kadence and Nix say their goodbyes shortly after and follow behind them, obviously in need of their own beauty sleep.

“Well, this blows. I’m nowhere near ready for this night to end. We still had strippers to see.” Lissy sulks next to me then turns her body toward Beau. “Unless you wanna fuck, Beau?” I’m not surprised by her directness. It’s just the way she is, but I am surprised when Beau shrugs first then nods.

“You good to get up to the room?” She turns back to me then shifts her gaze to Jesse.

“I have my room key. I’m good.” I keep my eyes off Jesse and try to figure out a way I can murder her and get away with it. She was telling me to get over him earlier. Now she’s pushing me to talk to him.

“I’ll make sure she gets up, Lissy,” Jesse adds, finally stealing my gaze.