Chapter 5 #2
He gives her arm a squeeze. “Don’t worry. It’s an occupational hazard. At least tonight I’m cleaning up after a polite regular instead of the usual burly cowboys who treat spilling drinks like a competitive sport.”
If he didn’t have a wife and kids waiting at home, I’d be itching to tell him to back off—but as it stands, I’m glad he’s comforting her.
Once Ryker finishes cleaning down the bar top, he starts sweeping up the shattered glass on the floor. Luckily, it’s all on his side of the bar, so he doesn’t have to worry about drunken patrons stepping into it and adding to the mess.
When I glance back at Birdie her glum expression has me on my feet in an instant.
I put on my hat and make my way over, and it’s then that I notice her lace-trimmed camisole dips low enough to tease a hint of cleavage.
Her top is tucked into a leather miniskirt she’s paired with black knee-high boots.
She’s fucking stunning. Even after the incident, guys are eyeing the open chair beside her, as if debating whether to risk joining her.
There’s no chance I’m letting that happen.
She sways in her seat, squinting at her cocktail that miraculously made it out unscathed.
With my beer in hand, I drop onto the stool.
“Hey, troublemaker, what’s with the sad face?”
She groans when she sees me. “Ugh. What are you doing here, Walker?”
“Good to see you too,” I deadpan, taking a sip of my drink.
“Save the small talk.” She props her elbow on the counter with her cheek pressed into her fist. “Don’t pretend you didn’t witness me ruin my last shot at getting laid tonight.”
“Come again?” I almost choke on my beer.
“I was trying to find a guy to hook up with,” Birdie states casually, as if she were ordering dessert rather than announcing she showed up at the bar to pick up someone.
Damn, she’s got zero filter when she’s had a few drinks. No wonder Briar and Charlie usually make her the designated driver when they go out.
“That was reckless.” I point out the obvious. “What were you thinking?”
She downs the last of her cocktail in one gulp before jabbing a finger at me. “Oh, come on. You’re the poster child for one-night stands, so you don’t have any business judging me.”
I lift my hands in defense. “Hey, no judgment here. I just don’t want you getting hurt.”
The truth is, picturing her in someone else’s bed sends a sharp pang through my chest, and I rub at it instinctively. She might not be mine, but my body refuses to believe it.
Birdie snickers. “Please. I’m not some fragile thing you have to protect. And considering this is your usual hunting ground, it can’t be that dangerous.”
Touche. I don’t bother correcting her that it’s been a long time since I’ve picked up a woman. Even if I did, I doubt she’d believe me, especially if I explained why.
“Is it really so wrong that I wanted to be spontaneous for once?” she mutters, frowning at her empty glass. “I’m tired of being a virgin and am done sitting around waiting to do something about it.”
My eyebrows shoot up, and I lean back, staring at her in disbelief. “I’m sorry. You’re a what?”
“I’m a virgin,” she repeats, loud enough to turn a few heads.
I shift closer, reaching out to brush a stray lock of hair from her face.
“Are you telling me no one has touched you?”
She shakes her head, eyes locked on mine. “I… well, no. That’s why I figured I should just get it over with tonight.”
My fingers trail down her cheek. “That’s not something to check off like part of a to-do list. You should be cherished and adored your first time, and anyone worthy of you would know that.”
Her lips part slightly, her breathing shallow as she takes in my remark.
I knew she was inexperienced, but I hadn’t considered that she might be a virgin. I figured she’s had at least one bad experience that left her wary of men and sex. It’s not exactly a topic that comes up when I’m in the checkout line at the feed store or when we’re at the ranch with my sister.
Birdie might think she wants a quick fuck, but I’m confident she’ll regret it. And after the shit Dalton just pulled, something tells me he’s not that guy.
“Is it really that big of a deal?” she asks, leaning forward in her chair, giving me a better view of the swells of her breasts. “Surely all men are the same in bed.”
I drag my gaze back up to her face. “That’s where you’re mistaken.
” She’s in for a rude awakening if that’s her expectation.
“Most guys only care about one thing—themselves. If I hadn’t intervened, your little experiment tonight would’ve been a total letdown, and you’d have been left more on edge than you are now. ”
“Is that so?” She reaches over and plucks the beer from my hand and downs a generous swig. “Think you’d be any better, Deputy?”
She doesn’t give me a chance to answer before she’s out of her chair and sliding onto my lap, and I instinctively wind my arms around her waist to steady her.
“What are you doing, Birdie?” I keep my voice steady even though my pulse pounds in my ears.
The woman I’ve fantasized about for years is literally in my lap, enveloping me in her vanilla and orange scent. I want nothing more than to draw her close and nuzzle my nose in her neck, but I have to resist, no matter how fiercely every instinct is urging me to give in.
Birdie’s lip quivers, and her downcast eyes lift to meet mine as she murmurs, “Are you going to reject me too?”
Her sadness hits me square in the chest, and I pull her closer, my hand settling on her hip. “No, I like you where you are—far more than I should.”
The whole bar is watching, and I’m sure the rumors that’ll have spread come morning will be far more scandalous than the reality. But even all the whispers won’t stop me from savoring what could very well be the closest I’ll ever get to Birdie Matterson.
She squints at me, blinking slowly. “You’re only being nice because we’re friends and because Briar would never forgive you if you weren’t.”
My hand frames her cheek, and I’m struck by how soft she is beneath my palm. “No. I’m here because you’re important to me.”
It’s the most honest I’ve ever been with how I feel about her—partly because there’s a good chance she won’t remember in the morning, and partly because finally saying it aloud is like a weight lifted off my shoulders.
Birdie leans into my palm, her lashes fluttering before whispering, “Then I think you should be my first. I trust you.”
It takes every ounce of willpower to ignore the fact that she just asked me to sleep with her. Naturally, it’s my luck that I’m not only stuck in the friend zone but also the safe hypothetical she entertains after a few drinks. Fantastic.
I shake my head, moving my beer out of her reach. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
She straightens in my lap, her eyes locking on mine like she’s just had a revelation. “It’s actually the perfect solution.”
Good thing Ryker cut her off from more alcohol—she’s clearly not thinking straight.
“What is?”
Birdie loops her arms around my neck. “I want you to teach me.”
“Teach you what?” My voice is strained.
“Everything,” she says breathlessly. “Like how to flirt… and, um, how to have sex.” The last part comes out in a whisper.
My jaw drops as my grip around her waist loosens. “Whoa. Slow down a minute. You don’t mean that.”
Her playful smile fades, her expression growing earnest. “I’m serious, Walker. You’re experienced and I feel safe with you.”
I study her carefully. “As much as I wish I could take you up on the offer, I have a sneaking suspicion you’d never forgive me if I did.”
She purses her lips. “You’re wrong. I might be inexperienced, but I know what I want, and right now, I want you to fuck me.” She leans in, running her nose against my collarbone. “Please, Walker. Fuck me.”
Holy shit. Sober Birdie doesn’t swear. Ever. Tipsy Birdie, on the other hand is a flirty little firecracker with a mouth like a trucker.
But as charming as she is, I’d never take advantage of her while she’s intoxicated, and I’m certain that if she remembers this conversation come morning, she’ll want to erase the memory entirely.
I take a deep breath, trying to keep my composure. There’s only so much restraint one man can manage.
“It’s time we got you home,” I tell Birdie.
She huffs, tilting her head as she thinks over my suggestion. “Fine, but only if you come with me. And I want you to carry me.”
I smile, brushing a piece of hair from her face. “Anything for you, troublemaker.”
Content with my answer, she snuggles closer, her head settling on my shoulder.
I wish there existed a reality in which I could be her first, to show her how she should be worshipped and cherished.
Birdie deserves the world, and I want nothing more than to be the one to give it to her.
For tonight, though, all I can do is get her home safely, holding on to the hope that one day I’ll be able to tell her the truth about how I feel.