Pretty sure he wouldn’t know a Brioni if I strangled him with it. Morrison was a walking example of how money couldn’t buy taste—or class. But whatever. Quibbling over designer clothing with him would be a waste of time. I wasn’t going to let him ruin my night. Or hers. So I would keep it on a leash for now. As long as he didn’t go near Bailey.

I drew in a breath, steadying myself. “Just be smart and steer clear of her. Neither of us wants a scene. After all, we’re here for the kids.”

“Exactly.” Luke smirked, taking another pull of his highball. “Even you wouldn’t be crass enough to start something tonight.”

“See, that’s where you’re confused,” I said. “I don’t start things. I finish them.”

He made a face. “What the hell is that supposed to mean?”

“Fuck around and find out.” I turned, then, and strode toward my girl.

49. Extra Lucky

CHAPTER 49

EXTRA LUCKY

Chase

My hope that the night would continue to go smoothly may have been unrealistic. First, my conversation with that lowlife Morrison, then Kristen ran smack into me. Literally. As I turned to leave the bar, she walked right into my chest. Given that I’d been standing there all along and I wasn’t exactly easy to miss, it was suspect.

“Kristen. Hey…” I took a step back to put some distance between us. Bailey was still at our table with her back turned to me, engrossed in a conversation with Shiv and Zoe. Where the hell was Penner?

She was making eyes at me—and I was trying hard to miss them. “How are you?” she purred.

“Good.” It was difficult, but I vowed I would make an effort to be civil. “You?”

“Great.” She took a sip of her drink, wrapping her cherry-red lips around the straw in a way that was intended to be suggestive and made me infinitely more uneasy.

“So, you and Penner, huh? Good for you guys.” Penner was a decent enough guy, which probably meant she’d eat him alive. I thought about warning him, but he probably wouldn’t listen anyway, and getting involved like that had the potential to stir up drama I didn’t need. Easier to steer clear of that tire fire in the making altogether.

Kristen glanced over to where he was standing with a group of guys from our team. Her face was impassive. “Yeah, I guess he’s all right.”

Damn, that was cold. Considering he brought her as his date tonight, I hoped she at least liked him a little.

“How are things with your girlfriend? Hailey?” Her arched brows knit together. “Kailey?”

“Bailey,” I said, for the millionth time. “They’re great.”

A frown glanced across her face, and she quickly forced a bland smile. “Oh, that’s nice.”