She sighed. “Okay, but if Logan’s busy, then don’t bother him. I only live a mile or so down the road. I don’t mind walking.”

“No worries,” she said with a grin. “I promise I won’t bother Logan.”

Valerie disappeared inside the bar, and a few moments later, the door to the bar flew open so hard that Sidney thought it might break from its hinges. Brett stood in the doorway, his face twisted with anger and his hands fisted at his sides.

She didn’t know why he was so mad, but she’d forgotten how intimidating he could look when he was worked into a frenzy. Although she’d never felt intimidated by him in the past herself, she could understand why others would feel that way. And just seeing him like that again only made her doubt his earlier declaration.

Changed man, my ass. Looks like the same old Brett as always.

Annoyed that she had started to believe him, she crossed her arms defensively. “What are you doing out here?”

Valerie stepped out from behind him with a huge grin spreading her face. “He’s your ride home.”

Chapter Six

Damn his sister.

When Valerie had showed up in the storeroom and told Brett that Sidney needed him right away, she’d scared the hell out of him. The panic that had run through him when he thought she was hurt or in trouble had sent him flying down the hallway and through the bar like a runaway freight train. He hadn’t been able to get to her fast enough.

Valerie could’ve just told him that Sidney needed a ride home. It’s not like he minded. “What happened to your date?”

Sidney didn’t reply right away so Valerie answered for her. “He got wasted, lost his car keys, threw up in the cab, and then he left.”

Brett’s eyes narrowed onto Sidney. “He just left you here?”

She shook her head. “Um, not exactly. I volunteered not to go.”

He couldn’t help grinning. Sidney always had a weak stomach when it came to certain smells. She’d once gone through four different car fresheners before she found one that didn’t make her sick to her stomach. “I can take you home.”

She shook her head. “It’s okay. I can walk. It’s not that far.”

“I was heading home anyway. It’s on the way. I don’t mind. Besides, you really shouldn’t be out walking this late at night. Especially in the rain. It’s not safe.”

Sidney sighed, as if she didn’t seem too happy about his offer. “Okay, fine.”

Valerie smiled. “Good, it’s settled then. You two have fun,” she said, heading back inside the bar.