CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
I pause just outside the entrance. An invisible band cinches around my ribs, making it difficult to take a decent breath. Familiar nerves join forces with doubt. The latter is what plagues me.
This is a bold move. Probably too fast and forward, considering the panic ready to send me skittering back home. But I’m supposed to be brave. Take chances. Discover the unknown. Become the best version of myself. That’s the entire point.
Music thumps from inside as I gather my scattered courage. It’s just like every other time I’ve stopped by. But the encouragement is a farce. I rub my clammy palms along the silky fabric hugging my curves. A downward glance confirms I’m still securely fastened in this impulsive purchase. All that’s left to do is… leap.
I bounce on the balls of my feet in preparation. Fellow pedestrians send me curious looks, which does little for my confidence. Their interest is warranted. I’m loitering on the curb while giving myself a pep talk. That’s my final cue.
Unfiltered noise greets me when I yank open the door. Too many voices compete against the country song currently playing. I blink at the busy scene. How silly of me to assume a Wednesday evening would be less popular at the infamous cock den. Before regret can sink its claws into my guts, a shrill call freezes me on the spot.
The loud wolf whistle rips across the room. An abrupt quiet descends on the throng as all eyes shift to Harper. When people realize she’s staring at me, they’re quick to follow her lead. The urge to duck and cover trembles my knees. Instead, I square my shoulders and creep forward into the crowded space.
My heart races faster with each step I take. The attention I’m receiving is impossible to miss. Gazes skim over my face to concentrate on my chest. I focus on Harper, ignoring those hovering in my peripheral. A direct path to the rail forms as people move aside. The impulse to curl into myself clenches my muscles but I won’t surrender. I’m not weak.
There’s a riot in my flexed stomach as I approach the bar. Every stool is occupied. An awkward pause rattles me as I decide where to stand. I scoot into the gap between two seats and wave at my friend.
“Holy shit, babes.” Harper’s mouth hangs wide open. “You actually went through with it.”
I fidget with the hem that ends at mid-thigh. “Did you doubt me?”
“Nope, I’m damn proud.” Her smile couldn’t get wider if she tried.
“Um, yeah. Thanks for the warm welcome. Everyone is staring.” Including the men next to me.
“Can you blame them? Your tits are—”
“Fuckable,” the guy on my right cuts in.
Harper lifts her brows. “You’re not wrong, but I’d watch what you say to her.”
His perusal roams over me at a lewd pace that makes my skin crawl. “And why’s that?”
Her lips flatten into a firm line. “You don’t need a reason, Roy. Get your butt off her seat.”
He guffaws. “We reserving spots now?”
“For her? Bet your ass. This is Ridge’s future wife.”
My belly swoops and flutters at the title. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard the claim. I certainly hope it’s not the last.
Roy shifts to fully face me. His eyes widen. “Oh, damn. Are you the one Lonny yelled at? He almost pissed himself just recalling how Crusher almost beat him to a pulp at Pampered Pooch.”
Another burst of pride shines from the sassy bartender. “Yep, that’s her. The one and only.”
“Well, shit. If you’ll excuse me, I’ll be on my way.” The man snags his beer from the counter and ambles off into the swarm.
“There you go.” Harper points to the available spot.
“That wasn’t necessary.” But I slide onto the leather cushion.
“If I didn’t boot his ass, Ridge would.”
“More than likely,” I laugh.
“Zero hesitation. Guaranteed,” she corrects. “Especially with you looking like a juicy snack dangling over dozens of salivating savages.”
I follow her stare to my plunging neckline. Harper is responsible for this racy idea. Her role as instigator comes naturally, and I was happy to comply. Which reminds me…
“Not sure if you’ll have time to play, but I brought Uno.” I set the cards on the wood surface.
“Huh?”
“You told me to bring a game.”
“That”—she points at the deck—“isn’t what I meant.”
I frown. “You don’t like Uno?”
A gleam flashes across her gaze. “I do, but I’m gonna like seeing Ridge lose his shit even more.”
“Why would he do that?”
“Let’s find out.” Her attention slides to a point over my head. “Someone’s ears were burning.”
I feel him before I see him. His warmth against my back is a comfort I’ll gladly sink into. A tattooed arm slides around my waist and yanks. I recline backward against a muscular chest that moonlights as my pillow.
“Hey, sweetness.” Ridge’s warm breath coasts along my neck to awaken a shiver.
I sag into his capable grip, allowing him to support my weight. “Hi, boyfriend.”
His coarse stubble rasps along my throat when he nuzzles into me. “You good?”
“She couldn’t be better. I was about to make her a Slippery Dickery. Unless you wanna have at it, boss.” Harper holds up a cocktail shaker.
“Nah, I’m good on this side.”
“Where you can play guard dog,” she quips.
On cue, tension radiates from him while he scans our surrounding area. I rest my palm on his and thread our fingers together. A calm quickly loosens the rigidity in his stance.
I swivel sideways on the stool, tipping my chin upward in a silent request for a kiss. Ridge dips to accept my invitation. Our mouths meet for a brief but electric moment. A sizzle sparks in my veins when his tongue sneaks out to lick my lower lip before he straightens. His relaxed grin mirrors mine, but then he glances down at my outfit. I teeter in limbo for his judgment.
“You look”—his throat works audibly—“incredible.”
“Thanks, boyfriend.”
He scrubs over his mouth. “Gonna get me arrested.”
My ears must be deceiving me. “What was that?”
“These jokers won’t be able to resist. Too damn tempting.”
“She sure is.” The comment comes from the man beside me.
“Must be fucking joking,” Ridge snarls. The softness in his expression morphs into steel edges sharp enough to maim as he glares at the guy. “Care to repeat that?”
“Nope, just shooting the shit with my buddies.” He turns away.
My boyfriend throws invisible daggers at the customer’s back. I sit still while waiting for him to forgive the minor interruption. Meanwhile, the person sitting on my left must smell the anger wafting from him. He voluntarily vacates his seat before becoming the next target. Ridge claims the stool, seeming far too pleased with his ability to chase people away without a word.
“Where were we?” He lifts our connected hands to pepper kisses along my knuckles.
A sigh breezes from my parted lips. His eyes are pools of liquid fire as he shamelessly admires me. I might melt from his smolder. My dopey grin suggests as much.
“Good grief, Callie is sexy.” Harper reappears from serving others in her section. She fans herself, looking positively giddy while assessing her boss’s response. “Is it hot in here? Must be the fumes rising from her cherry cobbler.”
I scowl at what I’ve recently discovered is a code for my virginity. “Very funny.”
“You won’t be laughing when he’s gobbling it.” She mimics the act of eating.
“Harper,” I hiss.
“Don’t pretend your cooter cake isn’t eager for him to have a taste.”
“You’re incorrigible.” I duck my head to hide the flames blazing across my cheeks.
“I’d suggest you knock it off unless you want to lose your job.” Ridge’s authoritative reprimand demands obedience.
It also gains the attention of the guy sitting beside him. “Hey, Crusher. This is unexpected.” He leans over to glance at me. “Got yourself a yummy treat, huh?”
Ridge has the front of the guy’s shirt in a fisted grip before the man has finished speaking. “Care to rephrase that?”
He flounders in the presence of such animosity. “Uhhh…”
Ridge’s jaw ticks. “Is this a prank? Is every dude in my bar that desperate to send me to jail?”
“Nah, Crusher. We’re solid. I was just… making polite conversation. Didn’t mean any harm.” There’s a plea in his statement.
“Doesn’t matter. Leave her out of it.”
“Absolutely. I’ll mind my business.”
“That’s what I thought.” He tightens his hold for several seconds before releasing the latest victim to his wrath.
“This is even better than I thought!” Bliss drips from Harper’s tone.
“It’s not nice to take enjoyment from another’s torment,” I scold.
“Oh, puh-lease. Ridge is a big boy. If he can dish out the roast, he better be prepared to have a serving. Besides, I didn’t encourage anything other than flaunting your newfound confidence. You’re radiant, babes. Comfortable in your beautiful skin. Own that shit.”
“She’s right. Sorry, sweetness.” Ridge rips off his hat, dragging a hand through his hair. “I’m a tad disturbed from these assholes objectifying you.”
Harper snorts. “A tad?”
“What do you expect? They’re acting like they haven’t seen a woman before.” He adjusts our position so my legs are framed with his. “I’m crazy about you, love. Clearly. My emotions can run aggressive and get the best of me.”
Warmth bathes my entire face but I don’t hide from him. “I think you’re doing just fine.”
His thumb traces the flush staining my cheek. “My reaction probably isn’t attractive. Definitely not rational.”
On the contrary, and the tingles spreading through my lower belly confirm as much. But I can’t admit that in such a public space. “You’re defending my honor.”
Ridge smirks. “That’s giving me far too much credit for acting unhinged and possessive.”
“I don’t see it that way. You haven’t shamed me or made me feel bad for wearing a dress that’s revealing.”
“It’s your choice. I’ll never take that away from you. But these fuckers”—he blindly swats at the crowd—“can kick rocks.”
“Always protecting me, right?”
“And I don’t plan to fail.” Which has him boldly pointing at a man sitting across from us. “Are you attached to your eyes?”
The guy nods but doesn’t dare to speak.
“Then I’d recommend you take them off my future wife or I’ll remove them from their sockets for you.”
The man immediately averts his gaze like a chastised kid.
“Blatant pricks,” Ridge grumbles.
I squirm in my seat, slightly ashamed to be turned on in this situation. “Maybe I should go.”
He tightens his hold on me. “You’re right where you’re meant to be, sweetness.”
“Not sure your customers would agree.”
“They’ll get over it.” In the next instant, his thunderous expression strikes a guy sitting several spots down the rail. “Need an actual excuse to drool like a teething infant ogling a tit? How does my fist breaking your jaw sound?”
The man dashes out of sight before I can blink. Ridge is practically vibrating in place, scanning the room for anyone ballsy enough to test his nonexistent patience. One peeks over in our direction and an animalistic growl rips from my boyfriend. It seems the last straw has just been tossed down.
“Oh, shit.” Harper whips a white towel in the air while backing away. “Crusher is about to unleash the beast.”
As if scripted, Ridge leaps off his stool. The abrupt motion sends the seat crashing to the floor. But that doesn’t properly announce his upset.
“Everyone get the fuck out of my bar!” His bellow is loud enough to tremble the walls. “Roosters is closed.”