Looking between them like I was watching a tennis match I became increasingly annoyed. I opened my mouth to tell them the only person who had a right to my business was me, but Rhys opened his mouth first.

“You think? Hate to burst your bubble, but the only men in Parker’s life who have a right to her business is her dad and the guy in her bed.”

“Yeah? I’ve known Park for twelve years.” Ren leaned forward. “I have more right to her business than you. I know her better than anyone. Well, except Theo.” He shrugged. “And just a heads-up, no one’s getting in there like Theo.”

Confusion and fury rooted me to my chair.

“Ren, man, not cool,” Navin practically growled.

“Yeah, think it’s time we got you home before Parker decides to beat your ass.” Elijah pushed back from the table and gave me a sympathetic smile. “Sorry, Parker.”

I shook my head, mute with anger.

“Aw, shit.” Ren rubbed a hand over his eyes. “Fuck, shit, I’m sorry.” He looked at me in horror. “One too many beers and a shitty friend am I. Sorry, Park.”

“It’s fine.” It was not fine.

“Let’s go.” Elijah nodded at Ren as he stood. He turned to Rhys. “Will you see Parker home?”

Rhys’s expression remained confusingly blank. “Of course.”

“Park, I really am sorry,” Ren said again as he stood. “You know sometimes I say shit without thinking. I’m an asshole.”

It was true that for a very smart guy, he didn’t have a filter between his brain and mouth sometimes. “It’s okay,” I said, this time meaning it.

He gave me a remorseful smile. “We’ll talk later when the memory of my assholery has faded.”

This time I did smile. “We’ll do that.”

Relieved I was no longer pissed, Ren grinned. “See you later.”

“I’ll see you guys out.” Dean stood, carrying the crate of beer that we’d won as he followed the boys out of the bar.

“Let’s get you home.”

Looking over at Rhys, I sighed. “You don’t have to see me home. I can get a cab.”

His expression tightened for some reason. “I’ll see you home.”

As soon as the cool night air hit, I felt a wave of exhaustion rush over me. “Well … that was fun.”

“You know your boy Ren is in love with you, right?”

The idea made me guffaw.

My reaction did not make Rhys happy, or I was misinterpreting the way his jaw muscle ticked as he clenched his teeth.

I rolled my eyes. “I’ve known Ren since freshman year of college. We’re best friends. He has a long-term girlfriend who is lovely and intelligent. Trust me, he’s not in love with me. He’s more like an overprotective big brother.”

“You know, for a smart woman, you’re fucking clueless sometimes.”