Don’t Hurt Us (Maple Springs #4)

Chapter 1

Maverick

Four Months Ago

“Alright, Tim. I think it’s time for you to call it a night.” I take the empty mug and place it in the sink behind the bar.

“C’mon, Mav. Just give me one more.” He holds up two fingers and sways on his seat.

“Nah, I think Ginny’s probably worried about where you are. Do you have a way to get home, or do you want me to call Colt?”

“I don’t need the sheriff,” he scoffs. “My feet work just fine.”

“I'm pretty sure they won't.” I grin and watch as he tries to stand up.

He’s an older man and comes in every Friday night after work. He’s a total light weight and always has been. Two beers make him tipsier than most men after six.

“I’ll take him home,” Bill says in a gruff voice.

I keep my attention on him and make sure he isn't too tipsy to drive. He’s had two beers over the last two hours, but he had some food too. He should be fine, but I care about my customers and the people in this town. I don’t want him getting behind a wheel if he shouldn’t be.

“Be safe, guys.” I tap the bar with my knuckles and turn to serve someone else. It’s not too busy tonight, but the night is still young. There’s no telling what it’s going to be like in an hour or two.

“Can I have a martini?” A woman slides onto the stool in front of me and bats her lashes.

I narrow my eyes and take a careful look at her.

I don’t think she’s twenty-one. Though I’ve allowed some people to get by over the years, I don’t do it often.

Skylar was one of the only ones I consistently allowed to get away with it.

I knew she needed it a little more than others, plus there was no doubt Colt and Tucker were going to be there to take care of her.

“I guess that depends on how old you are.” I fold my arms on the bar and lean on them.

The guys keep making fun of me and saying all I do is flirt with the women who come into my bar.

They aren’t wrong, but I don’t do it because I want to date them.

I want them to trust me and know I'm here if they want to talk. I want to be able to tell if they’re here to drown their sorrows or just have fun.

If they’re here to have fun, I’m happy to help them with that. If they’re trying to escape something, I try to be a listening ear and help them in a different way.

“I’m twenty-two.” She slips her bottom lip between her lips and bites down gently.

She wants me to find her attractive so I’ll overlook how young she is.

I don’t know the guys she showed up with and I’m not letting her get drunk and chance them doing something to her. I don’t want that on my conscience.

“Then let me see an ID.” I arch a brow, smirking when her face falls. She thought this would be easier.

“I must’ve left my wallet at home,” she mutters under her breath as she pretends to rifle through her purse.

“Huh, I must’ve left all my clean glasses at home too.” I stand to my full height and fold my arms over my chest.

“Seriously? You won't give me a drink?” She stares at me in disbelief. I'm the only bartender here so she can't go flirt with someone else and try to get a drink out of them.

“I’ll give you a drink,” I say slowly.

Her face lights up and she looks even younger. Her face is caked with makeup, trying to make herself look older, but I’ve become a pro at this over the years. She doesn’t stand a chance at me serving her.

“Once you show proof of your age,” I finish, making her brows tug together and a frown take over her face.

“You’re such a jerk!” She shrieks, but I don’t care.

“Well, you can tell your friends they’re not getting served alcohol without an ID either,” I call to her retreating back. She flips me off, stomping over to the guys.

My lips lift with amusement when she tells the guys what I said. It’s clear they’re all underage. At best, one of them might be twenty-one. If he is, I’ll serve him, but only a few drinks. He won't be able to order enough to get himself drunk, let alone all of them.

My guess is they’re from the next town over.

Every once in a while, we get a group who thinks they can fool me into giving them alcohol when they can’t find anywhere else to go, but it isn't often. I think my reputation has spread, because we get them less and less often. Sometimes I swear they’ll come, hoping they can trick me just for bragging rights.

“Are you breaking another woman’s heart?” Colt slips onto the stool the girl was just occupying.

“Always.” I grin as I grab a beer for him and pop the top.

“Did she really expect you to believe she was twenty-one? She looks sixteen.” He peers over his shoulder at the girl.

“Apparently. She tried to pull the ‘Oh, I must’ve left my wallet at home’ routine,” I do my best impression of a breathy woman’s voice.

“Anyone else I need to keep an eye on?” He surveys the bar, taking in who’s here.

Colt’s an amazing sheriff. He doesn’t try to use his power to get anyone to bend to his will.

He simply wants to keep everyone safe. If he can do that without making your night miserable, he’s happy to do so.

He isn't going to yell at you for drinking a little too much or anything, but you better not get behind a wheel. If you do, he’ll make you regret it.

Most nights, he’ll stop by for a beer so he can see who he needs to worry about. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him have more than one or two beers. The man is always mentally on duty, even when he isn't in uniform.

“Nah, Bill just took Tim home. I think everyone else is good. I can text you if I notice anyone who might be trouble.”

“I swear I get less and less texts from you. Do you not love me anymore?”

“Well, since Skylar rolled back into town, I haven’t seen much of you or Tucker. He’s too busy making up for lost time and you’re too consumed with trying to get Leslie’s attention.” I smirk.

“Hey, there. There’s no reason to be mean. One day I'll convince her to date me. This is a long road, there’s no need to rush things.”

“You’re just lucky Tucker’s already taken or she might fall in love with him.” I’m totally screwing with him, but it’s too fun not to.

“Why would she fall in love with him? I’m so much better,” he scoffs and lifts his beer to his lips with a scowl.

“Only because you have the uniform. Women love that stuff. But what if another young and attractive man moves here and becomes a deputy?”

Tucker texted me earlier to let me know we’re getting a new deputy. He said Colt’s really upset the guy’s young and cute. I think more than anything, he’s worried this guy will steal Leslie from him.

I can’t imagine that’s going to be an issue. Leslie’s head over heels for Colt. I can see it in her eyes every time she looks at him. It’s the only reason I haven’t flirted with her. I don’t want a woman who’s interested in someone else. I want their sole focus to be on me and only me.

The door opens and closes. I glance up to see who entered my bar and swallow hard. She’s so beautiful and completely out of my reach.

Sydney.

“Hey, Colt. Maverick.” She nods to me as she slips onto the stool and places her small clutch on the bar top.

“Hey, Syd. What can I get for you?” I work hard to keep my tone smooth and even. I don’t know why, but it’s difficult to be my easy-going self around her.

Maybe because you’ve had a crush on her for years.