Unmistakeable by Abby Reynolds Read Free Book Online Page A

at Alaska then looked away.
    Alaska rested her hand on my thigh, squeezing it gently.
    It made my hair stand on end.
    “Now I need to find me a wife,” Sage said. “They’re either sluts or the good ones are taken.”
    “Craigslist,” Scotty said.
    Sage glared at him. “I don’t want to pick a serial killer. I’ll pass.”
    “Where do you think I found Livia?” Scotty said.
    Sage hit him in the shoulder. “You’re so full of it.”
    I spotted Payton across the bar. She was talking to her girlfriends then her eyes glanced my way. She did a double take when she saw me with Alaska. Then she marched to our table.
    This should be good.
    “It worked.” She held up her hands in victory. “I knew it would work.”
    Alaska narrowed her eyes. “What are you talking about?”
    “You actually think I’d go for your man?” Payton laughed. “There are too many fish in the sea to take your leftovers.”
    Alaska looked at me, the confusion in her eyes.
    “She and I were never together. She was just trying to help me win you over,” I explained.
    “So you manipulated me?” She didn’t sound happy.
    “Don’t get mad at him,” Payton said. “This guy has been working his ass off just to be with you. Frankly, I don’t know how he stands you.”
    Sage laughed at her comment.
    “Now don’t be a bitch to him and just be happy.” She pointed her finger at Alaska. “I mean it.” Then she walked away, shaking her ass the whole time.
    Sage turned in his seat, wanting to get a good view. “She’s cute.”
    “Who?” Livia asked. “Payton or her ass?”
    “Both.” Sage gave her a smug look.
    I looked at Alaska, seeing the fire in her eyes. I knew she felt cheated and embarrassed. I played her directly into my hands. “I never wanted Payton. It’s always been you, Alaska.”
    “I can’t believe I fell for that…”
    “I’m sorry. I was desperate.”
    She seemed to calm down. “It’s okay. This is what I wanted anyway.”
    I released the tension in my shoulders. That could have gone a much different way. I was going to tell her myself but I wanted to wait for the right time. Having Payton drop it on her like that wasn’t exactly what I had in mind.
    I leaned close. “What would you like to drink?”
    “I’ll have what you’re having.”
    “You still have good taste.”
    She smiled at my comment then turned her face.
    “I’ll be right back.” I turned to Livia. “Don’t scare her off.”
    Livia rolled her eyes. “Go to hell and burn there.”
    “So I can see Satan, the being you worship?” I left the booth before she could shoot a comeback at me.
    I ordered the drinks at the bar then waited for them to be handed to me.
    “I hear through the grapevine you’re off the market.” A sultry voice reached me from a short distance.
    I turned to see Vanessa, one of my regulars. “I am. Looks like our fun is over.”
    “For now. This won’t last long.” She had a knowing look on her face.
    “Shows how much you know.” I grabbed the drinks and carried them to the table.
    Livia and Alaska were talking about the gallery, stuff I didn’t have any opinion on. Scotty rolled his eyes while Livia chatted away. Sage kept eyeing Payton, unable to stop looking at her.
    “She’s slutty,” I said to him.
    “She is?” He sighed miserably. “Damn. Why can’t I find a girl with good morals?”
    “Because you’re looking in a bar,” I snapped.
    “That’s where you met me,” Alaska said.
    I turned to her. “And do you remember how the conversation went? I didn’t ask to take you to coffee and talk about your every dream and hope.”
    She sipped her beer. “I’ll never forget it.”
    I really wanted to kiss her, to taste the foam on her lips, but I held it back. I knew she wanted to go slow and that was fine with me. I wanted to be inside her like crazy, but I wanted her to be ready. If we made love then she took off, it would hurt too much.
    I turned to Livia, unable to look at Alaska a second