Chapter 33
The Salty Dawgwasn’t too crowded, but Emma still found herself looking into all the corners as soon as they entered, searching for a familiar figure.
Beside her, Blaze tensed. “You feel something?”
She shook her head as she glanced up at him. “Nothing. I’m just paranoid, I guess.”
“It’s a good idea to look for danger whenever you enter a room. Note the exits, places to hide if there’s trouble.” He nodded toward the bar. “That’s solid oak and it’ll provide temporary cover if there’s any gunfire.”
She thought she should feel terrified at what he said, but she was oddly comforted. Blaze was always looking out for her, even when they were at odds.
Rory was behind the bar, filling orders. She looked subdued tonight. It didn’t take long for Emma to guess why when her gaze landed on Chance sitting with Kane, Seth, Ethan, and Alex.
Rory was no doubt feeling the embarrassment of having lost control and hitting a man where he was already hurt. Blaze had given her a rundown of the circumstances that had led up to the incident when they’d been setting up the kitten’s litter box and bed in his master bathroom.
It was typical Rory in Emma’s opinion. No matter what she said about Chance being a jerk, if she wasn’t attracted to him, he wouldn’t get beneath her skin the way he did.
Blaze’s friends saw them and waved. Emma found herself walking over with him, though she’d planned to eat at the bar.
“How’s the kitten?” Alex asked. He was a strikingly handsome man with dark hair and piercing eyes. He had an aura of command about him that was hard to ignore.
“She’s got food, water, a bed, and a litter box now,” Blaze said. “When we left, she was eating.”
“That’s good,” Alex replied. “Did you name her yet?”
Blaze shook his head. “Not keeping her. Just helping out.” He glanced at Emma, and she felt the warmth of that gaze slide into her skin. “Emma’s going to keep her, though.”
She wanted to curl her hand into his, but she resisted the urge. It wasn’t that long ago she’d been angry at him, or that he’d told her there could be nothing between them. She’d apologized for pushing him, but nothing had really changed between them. The fundamental problem was still there.
“I’m calling her Kitty at the moment, but it’s not permanent. How’s your arm, Chance?”
He jerked his attention to her from where he’d been watching the bar. Watching Rory, no doubt. “Uh, great. Thanks.”
“Good. Let me know if you have bleeding, swelling, or redness.”
“I will,” he said sheepishly.
“You joining us for dinner, Doc?” Kane asked.
“Oh, I, uh…”
Six pairs of eyes in six handsome faces watched her expectantly. It hit her that she liked these men. Really liked them. They didn’t have to lift a finger to help her out, but they had. Cameras, time to install them, teaching her to defend herself. The way they’d given her privacy during her panic attack but still managed to provide water and a blanket for her without comment or judgment. Blaze was always there to protect her, too, and that had to involve some kind of understanding with his partners.
“Yes, thank you, I’d love to join you.”
She could visit with Rory afterward. Alex pulled out a chair beside him and she sat down. Blaze sat across from her. It was somehow worse than having him beside her. If he was beside her, she could be aware of him but not looking straight at him.
Now she had to meet those sky-blue eyes with their depths that hinted at secrets he would never share. Again and again, their eyes met, held, and her reservations dripped away like ice beneath a winter sun.
She found herself wanting to press her mouth to his, lose herself in the deliciousness of his kiss.
And more. She’d seen his naked chest last night. The broadness of it, the honed muscles, the warrior’s scars that marred his perfect skin in places. She wanted to see all of him, wanted to slide her body against his and feel his possession when he took her.
He’d told her there couldn’t be anything between them, but the things she saw in those eyes when they held hers said otherwise.
It was exciting and frustrating and confusing all at once. She didn’t need to be hung up on this man, and yet she feared she wasn’t going to be given a choice.
“I want to thank you for helping out last night,” Alex said as she cut into her chicken-fried steak and tried not to stare at Blaze too often. “And for your discretion.”
“You’re welcome. I admit I don’t quite understand what happened, and I think y’all need to take a hard look at some of your business practices, but helping people is what I do. I’d never want any of you to think you couldn’t come to me for care.”
“Appreciate that, Doctor Sutton.”
Because she was feeling brave and edgy and so many other things she wasn’t quite sure how to name, she gave him a meaningful look. “I won’t turn a blind eye to any illegal activities if I see them, but I also won’t ask what’s going on. That’s not my priority.”
His eyes glittered but he nodded. “Appreciate that, too.”
Emma cocked her head. “You aren’t going to protest about my illegal activities comment? Assure me that’s not the case?”
“Nope. That’s what guilty people do. We’re just a group of friends who opened a business together. We’re new at the business and we may make some mistakes, but mistakes aren’t illegal.”
“Mistakes can be deadly, though.”
“They can. Hopefully we won’t make those kind.”
She smiled at him. “I hope not. I can fix a lot of things, but not that.”
He laughed. “Guess not. We’ll be mindful in future, I promise.”
A change came over him in the next moment. His chin lifted, his eyes flashed, and his jaw tightened. He was looking at something behind her, but she shouldn’t turn and look. But what if it was Simon?
That was the thought she needed to make her swivel around anyway. It was rude to stare at people, rude to make it seem like you were looking at them on purpose when you didn’t know them, but the woman who’d walked into the Dawg was so striking Emma couldn’t help but stare. Tall with hair the color of golden wheat and sunshine, she surveyed the room like a queen.
Emma had never seen her before, but that didn’t mean anything since she’d only been back in Sutton’s Creek for a short time. Whoever the woman was, she hadn’t grown up here.
“Excuse me,” Alex Bishop said before he was on his feet and moving toward the golden-haired woman in the jeans and navy silk shirt.
Emma turned to find Blaze also looking in that direction. His gaze dropped to her, and he gave her a half smile. “You doin’ okay, babe?”
Her heart thumped at the endearment. “Yes. You?”
He patted his unfairly flat belly. “Full as a tick. Isn’t that what y’all say in the South?”
Emma grinned. “We do. It’s not a very appealing comparison though, is it?”
“Nope, but it fits the bill when you eat a hamburger the size of that one.”
“Nobody made you.”
“Just Theo Harper and his Big Dawg Burger.”
“Theo loves to cook. Thankfully he’s good at it.” Emma glanced over her shoulder at Alex and the newcomer. They were at the bar and the woman was looking at the menu. Alex was standing beside her, saying something she nodded at.
“Who is that?” she asked when she turned back to Blaze. “I’ve never seen her before.”
“She visited the range a few days ago. I don’t remember her name.”
“She’s very pretty.”
Blaze’s eyes sparked. “So are you.”
Emma felt a blush heat her cheeks. “I didn’t say that for a compliment.”
“I know, but it’s true.”
Chance was beside Blaze. He took a drink of his beer and nodded. “It’s true, Doc. You’re very pretty.”
Blaze growled, “Mind your own business, Chance.”
Emma laughed. “It’s okay. I don’t mind when handsome men tell me I’m pretty.”
Chance elbowed Blaze. “She said I’m handsome.”
“You both are.”
“Yeah, but which one of us is better?” Chance asked with an eyebrow waggle.
She knew he was only doing it to rib Blaze. “Find your own girl,” he growled.
Emma’s body softened at the way he said those words. Like she was his and Chance was poaching. Did he want her to be his? Or was he pushing his friend away with no intention of acting on his own desire?
Emma pushed her chair back and stood as her body heated again. “You know what? I’m going to go talk to Rory now. Y’all duke it out and let me know who’s more handsome when I get back, okay?”
Chance laughed. “It’s me, Doc. No need for fighting.”
Emma waved a hand over her head and kept going until she reached the bar. She took a seat at the end and waited for Rory to finish pouring an order. Rory looked beautiful tonight. Her hair was down, curled at the ends, and she’d taken time with her makeup. She wore jeans and cowboy boots with a long-sleeved red plaid shirt unbuttoned over a white tank top.
“Looking hot tonight, Ror,” she said when her friend strolled over and plunked a glass of white wine in front of her. “Any reason?”
Rory didn’t so much as glance at Chance. “Nope. Just put on some clothes.”
Emma wasn’t sure she believed that for a second. “Okay. Thought maybe you were looking for that Vitamin D tonight.”
Rory snorted. “I wish. The guy from Huntsville is promising, but I’m not quite there yet. I had breakfast with him this morning, and I liked him. But he might be a little too nice, you know?”
“Not sure I do, but I trust you.” Emma sipped her wine. She’d had water with dinner, so she didn’t feel like she was in danger of imbibing too much. “Who’s the stunning blonde?”
Rory looked in the direction she’d indicated. “I’m not sure. Haven’t seen her before tonight. Looks like she’s gotten the attention of one of our One Shot guys though.”
“Yeah, he physically reacted when she walked in the door. I was sitting beside him, or I wouldn’t have noticed, but it was like a stallion scenting a mare. I swear every cell in his body went on alert.”
Rory sighed. “Must be nice. All I get are the assholes who’ve had a little too much to drink and think I’m an easy lay.” She paused and her eyes flashed. “You know, I think I’m sick of men. I should just stick to Gus and save myself the hassle.”
Emma reached over and squeezed her hand. “The right one will come along. You just haven’t met him yet.”
“I don’t know that he will, Idgy. I’ve tried before and it doesn’t work out.”
Emma couldn’t help but grin. “You haven’t called me that since we were teenagers.”
EG for Emma Grace had morphed into Idgy when they were kids. Emma hadn’t heard it in years, not since they’d grown up and gone their separate ways.
“You haven’t seemed like an Idgy for a long time.”
“I do now?”
It was Rory’s turn to squeeze her hand. “Yes. You belong here, girl. In Sutton’s Creek. I know it’s a big change for you, and maybe it’s not going to be easy, but right now you seem happy. That’s what I want for you.”
Warmth flooded her. “Thank you, Ror. I’m mostly happy. I didn’t know how much I needed a change.”
She’d always thought that working harder and longer would get her where she wanted to go in life. She’d envisioned succeeding at a level that would awe everyone who’d ever known her. But what was the point in that if she was overworked and unable to enjoy the life she’d built?
Life wasn’t perfect, far from it, but she was enjoying working with her dad and Brenda, even if the patients weren’t quite as welcoming as she’d like. And then there was Blaze and her kitten, coming to the Dawg whenever she wanted, and seeing her friends and family almost every day.
The only thing keeping her from being happy was Simon. A chill shivered down her spine.
“I’m glad you came back.”
“Me too.” She twirled the stem of her glass. “What happened this morning with Chance?”
Rory’s face turned red. “I don’t know. He makes me so mad that I do stupid stuff like sock him in the arm. I swear I didn’t know he had stitches though.”
“I know you didn’t, babe. But maybe don’t hit people, hmm?”
Rory dropped her chin and shook her head. “I know better, I swear I do. It was a stupid thing to do, and I’ve apologized and given him dinner on the house. I think I just need to avoid him in the future, though. He makes me see red and I don’t know why.”
“You want to know what I think?”
Rory looked wary. “Not sure I do, but you want to tell me so go ahead.”
“I think he gets to you because you’re attracted to him. So maybe bang him and get it out of your system.”
“Not going to happen.” Rory looked militant. “I am not attracted to him. I mean sure, he’s sexy and he’s got those damned muscles, but he’s a player, Emma Grace. I don’t get involved with players these days.”
“I know, honey. Mark did a number on you, and I get why you’re cautious, but are you going to let that asshole affect the rest of your life after all these years?”
“I don’t want to, but somehow he does anyway. We were only weeks from the wedding when I caught him screwing Tammy. And now they’re married and have two kids. Thank God they moved to Decatur and I never have to see them.”
Decatur was across the Tennessee river, not more than fifteen miles away, but Mark’s job was there. Tammy was busy getting involved in the Junior League and posting on social media about the big house they’d bought in the historic district and their perfect children. Emma wasn’t friends with her, but Tammy’s posts sometimes came across her feed because other people she knew shared them. Made her mad every time, but she never said a word to Rory.
“They deserve each other, and I hope they’re miserable. But how is a one-night stand to get a man out of your system getting involved with anyone?”
Rory glanced toward the table where Chance sat with his friends. “What if he’s so amazing in bed that I want more? Then my emotions get involved and, boom! He marries some skanky woman who pretended to be my friend while screwing my man behind my back.” She shook her head. “Not gonna do it.”
Emma sighed. “Okay, fine. I get it. Just a thought.”
Rory slipped away to pop the caps off a few beers for Amber before returning with a smirk. “Speaking of banging hot men, why haven’t you gotten naked with Blaze yet?”
Emma blinked even as fresh heat bloomed inside. “Ouch. Guess I deserved that. And the answer is, it’s complicated.”
“Always is.”
“I want to,” she admitted, her heart pounding to hear the words coming from her mouth. “And I think he does, too. But he says he doesn’t want to get involved, so nothing happens even when I think it might.”
“Dang.”
“Right. Dang.”
Rory sighed and leaned against the bar with a defeated kind of sigh. “It’s a fucked-up world, isn’t it? Handsome, sexy as sin men moving to our town without any girlfriends or wives, yet neither of us can manage to get laid because either they have hang-ups or we do.”
“I’ll drink to that,” Emma said, lifting her glass to clink with Rory’s water before taking a big swig. The wine burned going down, but she didn’t care. “He gave me a kitten.”
Rory’s eyebrows lifted. “A kitten?”
She nodded. “He found one at the range and brought it back with him. Then he went to get food and litter while I watched her. Of course I fell in love that fast, and now she’s mine. I’ve never had a kitten before.”
“Oh my God, the man gave you a kitten but won’t give you some hot lovin’?”
Emma laughed. “I know, right? He does sweet stuff like that and even when I get mad at him, I want him.”
Rory looked intrigued. “What does he do to make you mad?”
“Well, he bosses me around when he’s teaching me to defend myself. And he bosses me around about stepping out of the apartment without him as my fire-breathing shadow.”
“Dunno, babe, but with that weirdo stalker you’ve got, you might want to listen about that one.”
Emma sighed. “I know.”
She told Rory about going to use the treadmill when Blaze was still asleep and how mad he’d gotten. She left out the part about how Chance got his stitches or Blaze’s nightmare because those weren’t her stories to tell.
“He was a bit angry when he banged on the door,” she finished. “But he admitted it was safe to go downstairs before the building was open to the public.”
“So you got your apartment back and he gave you a kitten in return.”
“Yep.”
Rory smirked. “And now you want to jump him again.”
“Is it that obvious?”
“Yeah, girl. Totally. But I’d be pissed off too if I were you. He makes hot eyes at you, kisses the fire out of you, and then does nothing about it. Think he got in some kind of accident where the parts don’t work and he just doesn’t want to have to admit it?”
Emma laughed. “No. Pretty sure the parts work just fine. I’ve felt the evidence even if I haven’t felt the evidence.”
“Welp, I’m at a loss.” Rory frowned. “We should make a pact that if we reach forty and we’re unmarried and childless, we marry each other, maybe adopt a kid or two, and be a platonic lesbian couple for the rest of our lives.”
“Oh God, Rory,” Emma said after she managed to swallow her wine without snorting it through her nose. “Don’t say things like that when I’m drinking.”
Rory grinned. “Hey, it’s an idea. Put it on the back burner and we’ll talk about it again in six years. Also, don’t look now, but Mr. Tall, Dark, Sexy, Broody is on the way over here.” She cocked her head. “Hmm, wonder if he’s gay? Maybe that’s why he doesn’t want to be hands on.”
Emma’s insides were fluttering. She couldn’t see Blaze approach, but she felt him. “He doesn’t kiss like he’s gay.”
“Bisexual then, and you aren’t his dream man.”
Emma snorted. “I love you, Ror.”
“Love you, too,” Rory said with a wink. “Hey, Blaze. Need a refill? Or maybe you’d like Theo’s number? He’s not gay, but you could try.”
Blaze stood at the end of the bar, his gaze darting between them in somewhat adorable confusion. Emma bit the inside of her lip to keep from laughing.
“Uh, no thanks. Not gay, not planning to try it.”
“Whatever. Drink?”
“No. Came to ask Emma if she wanted to head back home and check on her kitten.”
Emma swallowed her mirth and blinked up at him. “That would be great. She’s probably lonely all by herself.”
Rory gave her a meaningful look as she hopped off the barstool. “Remember what I said.”
“Hard to forget, Ror,” Emma said with a grin. “See you tomorrow.”
“Should I ask what that was about?” Blaze said when they went out the front door into the cool evening.
It was windy, which was typical for March, and the wind bit into her cheeks.
“Rory and I are getting married in six years. If we’re both still single, that is.”
“Uh, okay.”
“A platonic lesbian relationship where we’re done with men but live together and maybe adopt a kid. It was Rory’s idea.”
He laughed. “I see. And she thinks I’d like to marry Theo or something?”
Emma followed him through the front door of the Sutton building. Her belly was warm from the wine, and her inhibitions were maybe slightly less strong than usual.
“No, she suggested you might be gay. You know, since you don’t actually want to sleep with me even when we both know I’d say yes if you asked.”