Brendan’s shoulders stiffened. “Screw off. I’m waiting for someone.”
Cash bared his teeth in a not-so-pleasant smile. “Yeah, about that…I’m afraid Jen won’t be coming.”
Surprise flared in Brendan’s brown eyes. “What are you talking about? Who are you?”
Behind the counter, the bartender inched toward the telephone hanging on the wall. When she reached out for it, neither Cash nor the others missed the movement of that manicured hand.
“I’ve got this,” Jackson said.
He moved toward the pretty brunette, resting his elbows on the counter and flashing that aw-shucks smile of his. “Don’t worry, sugar, there won’t be any trouble,” Jackson drawled. “Just a few friends shootin’ the breeze.”
“Who are you?” Brendan repeated, beginning to look irritated.
Cash’s smile widened. “Oh, I didn’t introduce myself? I’m Jen’s boyfriend.”
The other man’s jaw went slack. Then he scowled. “Bullshit.”
“Sorry, man, but it’s the truth. And see, as her boyfriend, I’ve gotta admit I’m getting really fucking annoyed with your harassment.”
Brendan slid off the stool in a huff. “I don’t believe you. Jen would never go out with someone like you.”
He raised his brows. “Someone like me?”
“Yeah, the dumb muscleman type.” Contempt dripped from the man’s voice. “Military too, from the looks of you. Jen doesn’t date military muscle heads.”
Cash exchanged a grin with Dylan and Seth. Jackson, who’d lured the bartender away from the phone, glanced over and flashed a grin of his own before resuming his flirting.
“Military muscle heads, huh?” Cash slanted his head. “Well, these military muscle heads want to talk to you outside.”
“Fuck off.”
Brendan tried to take a step, but he hit a wall of—surprise—muscle. Dylan and Seth flanked Cash, and all three men crossed their arms over their chests.
“Get out of my way,” Brendan said through visibly clenched teeth.
“That’s not gonna happen,” Cash replied. “Not until we get some things straight. You’ve got two options here. Either you calmly follow us outside so we can continue this discussion, or I drag you out by the collar of your shirt.”
“I’d choose option one,” Dylan suggested.
“Yeah,” Seth agreed. “That shirt looks expensive. Wouldn’t want it getting ripped when Cash hauls you outta here.”
Brendan took another step forward. Hit another wall of muscle.
Bitterness crept into his tone as he capitulated. “Fine. Let’s go.”
Hiding a smile, Cash clapped his hand on the man’s shoulder and led him to the hallway at the rear of the bar. They received a few odd looks from the wait staff as they crossed the employees-only area.
A metal door met them at the end of the corridor. Keeping a hand on Brendan’s shoulder, Cash pushed open the door, which led out to a narrow alley separating the Tavern from the neighboring Chinese restaurant. Dumpsters cluttered the space, and the smell of garbage and urine wafted in the air. The sun hadn’t completely set yet, but the sky was cloudy, casting gray shadows over the alley.
Once outside, Brendan got a taste of freedom and tried to scurry away, his gaze glued to the opening where the alley connected with the street.
Cash swiftly stepped in his path. “Now, now, no running off,” he said pleasantly. “We haven’t had a chance to talk yet.”
Seth and Dylan flanked him again, while Jackson stayed by the door, his dark head scouting the alley and the exit of the restaurant next door.
“Look,” Brendan burst out, “I don’t know who you are, but my relationship with Jen is none of your business.”
“Relationship?” He made a tsking noise. “She dumped you, Brendan, and rather than handling the breakup like a mature adult, you’ve decided to play these sick games with her. But it stops tonight, understand?”
Tightening his jaw, Cash got right in the other man’s face. “Stop emailing her. Stop calling. Stop harassing her family and friends. As of this moment, Jen does not exist.”
Brendan looked livid, but his jaw remained shut.
“She doesn’t want to see you, she doesn’t want to talk to you. Hell, she doesn’t want to think about you. It’s time for you to get the message. Go to Oakland, do your investment banking thing, and leave Jen alone.”
Brendan’s nostrils flared. “Who the hell do you think you are, ordering me around? I don’t know you, asshole. And you know nothing about my relationship with—”
“Again with this relationship bullshit?” Cash sighed. “Just nod and tell me you understand, buddy. If you don’t, the only relationship you’ll be having is the one with my fist.”
Dylan snickered.