Chapter 1 #2
“Don’t even think about it,” I state, not even caring if I sound a little harsh.
Alex chuckles beside me and grabs my shoulder. “Well, happy hunting, my friend. If she turns you down, let me know. She’s free rein after that.”
His stupid comment doesn’t warrant a reply.
My eyes land back on the beauty at the bar.
Lizzie greets them warmly and hands both ladies a drink.
Allison hands over some cash and waves off the change.
Then, they move farther into the room, finding a vacant small round table off to the side, and like the stalker I apparently am, I continue to watch.
“Yo, brother, wipe your chin. You’re starting to drool,” Camden announces right before he shoves his elbow into my gut.
I give him my full attention. “Don’t make me kick your ass in front of your friends.”
He snorts a laugh and shakes his head. “Lizzie would have your ass.” He pauses before adding, “You know what? Go ahead and try it. I think I’d like to watch that show.”
“Me too,” Charli chimes in, smiling widely.
“I’ve heard enough from the peanut gallery,” I say, setting my beer down on a nearby table.
I ignore their comments as I head toward where the beautiful woman is sitting.
I nod at a few patrons I know—okay, fine, I pretty much know everyone—and even though a few try to engage in conversation, I offer a polite smile and keep moving toward my destination.
When I reach their table, I flash one of my most charming grins. This baby has gotten me out of some trouble over the years—and maybe into a little trouble too. “Good evening, ladies.”
The brunette who’s captured my attention gives me a friendly smile. “Hi.”
Extending my hand, I take hers when she offers it. “Cade Miller.”
She doesn’t blush or turn on her own charm as I bring her hand to my mouth and place a gentle kiss against her knuckles. “Oaklee.”
“A beautiful name for a beautiful woman.”
The corner of her mouth curls up. “Does that line actually work?”
She catches me off guard for a slight second, mostly because I can tell she’s not asking to flirt. “Sometimes,” I reply honestly, pulling out the third chair at the table and taking a seat. To her friend, I ask, “How have you been, Allison?”
“Good,” she replies, hiding a smile. “You?”
“Can’t complain.” I return my gaze back to Oaklee. “Wanna dance?”
She glances around the room. “No one is dancing,” she points out, as an old Tim McGraw song plays on the jukebox.
I shrug. “I’m more of a leader than a follower.”
“I’m sure you are,” she retorts, a faint little smile on her kissable lips.
“So, what do you say, Oaklee? Wanna dance?”
She opens her mouth and hesitates in whatever response she was going to give. “Sorry, but I’m dating someone.”
I bring my hand up to cover my heart. “You wound me.”
She snorts and glances at her friend. “I highly doubt that.”
“No, you do. See, I came over here because you look like you love me.”
She barks out a laugh, throwing her head back in the process. My dick twitches in my pants and my hands itch to slide through her hair. It looks so soft and inviting, and all I can think about is feeling it slip through my fingers. “Isn’t that a country song?”
I nod. “Sadly, they stole the idea from me.”
She shakes her head, clearly not buying what I’m trying to sell. “Copyright infringement is no laughing matter.”
“You’re right, it isn’t. Maybe I’ll look into it. Can you file a lawsuit based on a song concept?”
Grinning, she shakes her head. “I don’t think so.”
I tsk. “Well, too bad for me.” I adjust my position in my chair, since my pants feel a little snugger than they did earlier, and ask, “So what brings you to town?”
“A job,” she replies, taking a drink of her beer.
“What kind of job?”
“I’m a nurse,” she confirms. “Allison and I went to nursing school together, and she called me last week and told me about the vacancy at the clinic here in town. I had an interview with the clinical director earlier today.” Dina oversees all the clinics and moves from clinic to clinic throughout the workweek, depending on where she’s needed.
“And?” I ask, really hoping she’s about to tell me she was offered the position.
“And I’ll let them know Monday if I’m accepting the position,” she tells me before glancing to her friend.
“She will,” Allison states proudly, looking at her friend. “You’ll be a huge asset. You have great bedside manner, are personable, and are easy to work with.”
“Good bedside manner, huh? Did you know I’m looking for a personal nurse?” Of course, I waggle my eyebrows.
She rolls her beautiful brown eyes. “Charming.”
“Thank you,” I boast, earning a laugh from both ladies. “So, when you take this job, you’ll be working here? Moving here? Both?”
Oaklee doesn’t reply for a few seconds, as if gauging how much of her personal life she wants to give out. Honestly, I’d rather her be a bit private and selective than giving all her information to a virtual stranger. “I would be relocating,” is all she says.
“Great! I’m an expert on Cooper Town, and I make a great tour guide.”
She smirks a little, taking a small drink. “I have Allison, who is also an expert on Cooper Town.”
“Yes, but I’m way better looking,” I reply with a cheeky grin. Turning to Allison, I add, “No offense.”
She barks out a laugh. “None taken, actually. You know, Cade, I’ve never seen a man work so hard for a phone number in my life.”
I feign shock. “I haven’t even asked for her phone number, Allison.”
“Yet.”
Flashing a charming grin, I agree, “Yet.” Returning my gaze to Oaklee, I say, “So what do you say? Phone number?”
She turns to her friend and asks, “Didn’t I tell him I was seeing someone already?”
Allison nods. “You did.”
“Huh, I thought so,” Oaklee states.
Leaning forward, I place my elbows on the table and hold her eyes. “I get it. All I’m gonna say is, when that guy singles you up, I better be your first call.”
The corner of her mouth curls up. “I think that’s another country song.”
I huff out a deep breath. “Damn country artists, always stealing my lines.”
She leans back into her chair, taking me in.
I can practically see her wheels spinning.
I’m sure she thinks I’m just another drunk guy in a bar, hitting on her, and while part of that may be accurate, I’m not drunk.
I’m just a man who finds her incredibly attractive and would love the opportunity to get to know her better.
But I’m also not one to poach another man’s woman.
If she’s in a relationship, then I’m out.
However, I’ll be waiting, biding my time, because something tells me that guy has no idea what kind of a gem he truly has.
If he did, he would have traveled to town with her and would be here, if anything to keep the assholes like me from hitting on his girl.
Standing up, I give her my full attention. “The best part of my night has been meeting you, lovely Oaklee.” I reach for her hand and bring it to my lips, placing a gentle kiss on her knuckles. “I’ll see you around.”
“Have a good evening,” she replies, her smile both playful and full of shock by everything that’s transpired. I’m sure it’s not every day she has some guy basically throw himself at her.
I walk to the bar and hold up my finger to Collin, indicating I’d like another beer. Leaning my elbow against the bar, I turn my attention back to the table I just walked away from and smile when I see two brown eyes.
She watched me walk away.
In those eyes, I see it.
Interest.
She may have a boyfriend, and it may not happen right now, but Oaklee Last Name Unknown will be mine.
I know it.