Chapter 3
Three
DARCIE
The honky tonk bar wasn’t crowded, so when the five of us entered, everyone turned and took notice. A lick of fear ran up my spine, and I worried Bubba had been right. I didn’t want to hear “I told you so” the rest of the night, so I sauntered up to the bar, acting like the carefree girl I pretended to be.
“Hey, darlin’.” The older gentleman leaned across the bar, his eyes swooping over me. “You’re not from around here, are you, sweet thing?” I could hear the men at my back bristling at his words. I needed to stop this pronto before our night ended with us in jail.
“There’s nothing sweet about me, mister.” I smiled, but it wasn’t kind. “How about you take my drink order and quit playing around like you don’t know damn well we’re not from here?”
The man bristled for half a second before showing off his gapped-tooth smile. “Damn, suga’. You know how to put a man in his place.” He laughed. “What you having?”
“A bucket of long necks.”
He nodded, respect entering his eyes as he moved to fill our request. I wasn’t sure if it was standing my ground, knowing some lingo, or if I’d ordered a drink that couldn’t be tampered with, but the man seemed to soften.
Turning, I assessed the bar. Now that the show was over, the rest of the patrons had returned to their beers and conversation. Grayson smiled at me, leaning against the bar next to me.
“Every time I think you can’t get sexier, you go and surprise me, Sunflower.”
Grinning, I turned toward him. “You haven’t even uncovered half of my sexiness, Pretty Boy,” I purred.
Grayson’s eyes heated, and he leaned closer, groaning. “You’re the sweetest torture.” His eyes dropped to my lips, and I leaned in to take the kiss he offered. Before our lips touched, a bucket was placed between us and we jumped apart.
“Twenty bucks,” the man gruffed, and Grayson handed him a few bills.
He grabbed the bucket and my hand, pulling me to the circular booth the others had grabbed. Bubba and Maddox stayed on the outside, pushing Brooks, Grayson, and me together in the middle. Grayson handed out the bottles, and we all sat with them as we took in the bar.
Now that we weren’t the focus, it seemed like the standard hole-in-the-wall. The floors were scuffed, the posters faded, and the jukebox had seen better days. It kept playing the same three songs, and I couldn’t determine if it was stuck or if someone really liked those songs. Despite the rundown look of the place, the people were vibrating with energy. They might not have as much as others, but they took care of themselves and enjoyed the life they’d been dealt.
I learned that early on in Nashville. Some people were never happy, no matter how much money they had in their bank account, while others who had less were always the first to help, even if they needed it themselves. Respect those people, and you’d have an ally for life.
“I want to dance,” I said, swaying to the music.
Bubba glared, but Grayson ignored him and shoved Maddox out of the way. He turned back to offer me his hand, and I giggled. Giggled!
I took it and let him hoist me into his arms. Grayson spun me around, the smile on his face wide as he carried me to the dance floor. It didn’t matter that no one else was dancing. Anytime I was with Grayson, he always made me feel like the only girl in the world.
When the song switched, I whirled around at the jukebox, surprised that Bubba leaned against it. He smiled and nodded, and I turned back to the handsome man in my arms as Morgan Wallen’s “Spin You Around” played.
“Never thought I’d see the day,” Grayson whispered.
“What’s that?”
Our cheeks were pressed together, one hand in the back of my hair and the other wrapped around my back. I could feel every beat of his heart, inhale of breath, and smile as it grew against my cheek.
“Bubba in love.”
“You underestimate him then. He’s the most loving person I know.”
Grayson pulled back. “You misunderstood. He loves with everything he’s got. But he rarely allows others to love him back. So, to let himself be loved and fall is new. You’re good for us, Sunflower.”
“Oh.” I smiled, my cheeks heating at his words. Grayson grinned wider, spinning me out and then back. He led me in a two-step, and we easily moved around the bar. By the time the song finished, we’d drawn a crowd, and a few other couples had joined us. So when a faster song came on, I broke our hold and slid right into my old role of line dancing instructor.
The small dance floor filled with each song as others joined us to follow my lead. Maddox and Brooks joined me, but Bubba stayed to the side, carefully watching us. Between songs, a few of the women asked me to show them the steps so they could keep up when the next song started.
I felt lighter than I had in years as I twirled around, stomping my feet and just letting myself be free. Sweat stuck to my body, and I pulled my shirt away from my chest to fan myself. Maddox placed a glass of water in my hand, and I drank it greedily. The bar was fuller now, with several couples dancing and more gathered around the bar. I saw a couple of girls eye my guys, curious about who was with me and who was single since they had taken turns dancing with me. Thankfully, it was only looks, and I didn’t have to stop myself from making a scene.
Because I would. They were mine.
Snorting, I shook my head. Bubba had been so worried I’d draw attention, but the four of them had all the eyes on them. Silly men.
“Step outside with me,” Grayson suggested, offering his hand. The promise of cooler air had me agreeing quickly. I didn’t look to see if the others would follow.
The night air instantly cooled my skin the second we stepped out the door. The street lights lit up the area, and the music became muted outside the bar. Now that the overpowering sound had disappeared, everything outside practically screamed at me. Grayson pulled me to his chest and leaned against the brick wall.
“Having fun?”
“Yeah. You?”
“I’m with you, so of course.”
I smiled, my eyes drifting over the baseball cap. “This look, I don’t hate it as much as I thought. I miss your hair, but the hat’s working for you.”
“Oh?” He smirked, his eyes glittering. “Maybe I’ll have to wear one at the shop more often if it gets you to visit.”
“If you want me to visit, all you gotta do is ask, Pretty Boy,” I teased back.
“I remember you mentioning something about me wanting to show you my wrench.”
“Pretty sure you already did that.” I laughed, loving how lighthearted he made me feel.
That was the thing about dating multiple men. They all gave me something different. Grayson was lightness and laughter. Brooks was sweetness and trust. Waylon challenged and respected me. And Maddox was belief and comfort.
And together, we were united. A family. A club. A unit.
Grayson kissed me, taking his time to relish it. He always kissed me like he couldn’t wait a second longer to taste and show me how he felt. My cowboy hat fell backward, but we didn’t stop to pick it up. Our kiss turned hungry, his hands pulling me closer and unraveling my braids. I rocked his erection into my belly, whimpering to feel more.
I wanted to climb him, but the longer skirt kept me from lifting my legs. Stupid skirt! From here on out, only short ones. Otherwise, what was the point? I wanted to be bent over and railed in a sundress, not inhibited by the damn thing.
I grunted when I couldn’t get the friction I wanted. Grayson broke our kiss, nibbling on my neck and gripping my ass in his hands.
“Fuck, Darcie. I want you so bad. Do you think?—”
“You dropped this.”
We jumped, and I spun around. My breath heaved out of my chest as I stared at the man holding out my hat. He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes behind wire-rimmed glasses. He flicked his gaze over me, but not in a predatory way, more like he was sizing me up. I quickly assessed myself that my body was covered, then peered at Grayson, wondering if he felt as odd about this man as I did. His lips were red and swollen, and his hat was slightly askew from my fingers.
“It’s bad luck to let them touch the ground, but maybe that’s just a ranching thing,” the man said, drawing my attention back to him. He motioned with the hat toward me, and I remembered why he’d interrupted us.
“Right. Thanks.” I took it, and he continued to stare at us.
“No problem.” Again, that creepy non-smile.
Suddenly it dawned on me how out of place he was. He was dressed in a plain suit—gray pants, a white shirt, and a gray jacket. A tie was tucked into his pocket like he’d tried to look more casual but couldn’t fully commit. Something about the look pinged in my gut, and I tried to recall why it seemed familiar.
I traveled back up to his eyes, finding them scrutinizing me. He waited, as if he wanted me to figure something out. Straightening my back, I focused on the information at hand.
He was middle-aged, probably in his mid-forties, based on the wrinkles around his eyes and the light gray sprinkled in his dark hair. His eyes were brown, and his face had a slight stubble. There were no other identifying characteristics, almost as if he tried not to stand out. No watch, trimmed nails, and standard dress shoes. Nothing flashy, but everything was well-kept and clean. Ordinary.
“Can we help you?” Grayson asked, but the man ignored him.
My mind whirled, the puzzle pieces slotting into space as he continued to watch. His dark eyes lit up when he saw the light bulb go off in my head.
“It’s a pleasure to formally meet you, Darcie.”
“How the fuck do you know her name?” Grayson shouted, moving me behind him.
“You’re Agent Bones,” I said, knowing I was right. Grayson whipped around, but I held the agent’s eyes.
He nodded, smiling at me like a proud teacher. I narrowed my gaze. Why was he here, and why was he so interested in me ?
“Perhaps we should head inside and join the rest of your group? Though, I suppose they should be leaving any second?” He glanced at his wrist despite not wearing a watch.
I opened my mouth to argue, but the door opened, and the sound blared out ahead of Maddox, Brooks, and Waylon. Their eyes landed on me first, searching me to ensure I wasn’t hurt. Agent Bones looked over his shoulder and nodded, dropping his hand.
“Right on time, Maddox.” Maddox’s head shot up, and he stiffened at the sight of the man standing before me.
“Agent Bones. I don’t remember having a meeting.”
“That’s because you’ve been ignoring me. So I had to take matters into my own hands.” He turned, smiling that non-smile at Maddox. “You undersold your protege. Darcie clocked me before I could introduce myself.”
Maddox’s face hardened, and he stood next to me. “She’s not part of the deal.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. She’s the whole reason you have one.”
“Fuck that,” Waylon growled.
“Maybe we should move this conversation before we draw too much attention,” I suggested, much to the dismay of the men around me. Brooks had come to stand behind me, meaning I was surrounded by three guys, with Bubba blocking the agent’s path.
“Great idea. We could head to the diner around the corner. I’m famished.” He patted his stomach, smiling as if we were old friends deciding where to grab a bite to eat.
“Lead the way,” Bubba urged.
The agent laughed, shoved his hands into his pockets, and whistled as he led us away from the bar. I glanced back at it with longing. So much for a nice night out.