Chapter 8 Tropes #2
Hailey said something about steamy sex scenes, and she and Joy laughed.
Then Joy asked Amy another question, but Amy didn’t register it because her focus was on whatever was going on between Micky and Shane.
Micky was frowning as he looked up at Shane—nearly everyone had to look up when they spoke to the deputy.
Shane was doing the talking, hands on his slim hips, expression placid, mouth moving calmly.
Amy couldn’t read lips, but the men’s body language fascinated her.
Now Micky shifted weight from foot to foot and folded his arms across his puffed-out chest. Then he closed his eyes and shook his head.
Vehemently. Shane’s eyes slitted as if he was evaluating what Micky had said.
More head shaking from Micky, but this time, his jaw flexed.
Huh.
Amy’s stolen glimpses of the two men captured the exact moment that the discussion ended. Micky stormed away, and Shane turned and looked right at Amy. That look shot straight to her toes. Then Estelle was back at his side, and the connection was severed.
“Amy?” Joy prodded.
Busted. “Um, what was the question?”
She had asked for pictures, so Amy pulled up a photo on her phone of her and her folks taken the year before when they came to visit her in Fall River.
Hailey crowded in for a closer look, and Joy let out a low whistle. “Yeah, how could your mom not notice a guy who looks like him?
Amy stole another glance in Shane’s direction. He and Estelle were in a group of six but separated now. “My dad’s really handsome, even now,” she said distractedly.
“I can’t imagine how much more good-looking he was thirty years ago,” Joy went on. “But your mom’s a knockout too.” She batted Amy’s arm with the back of her hand. “Amazing genes. No wonder you’re so gorgeous.”
“No, I’m not!” It was a knee-jerk reaction and out of Amy’s mouth before she could corral it.
Joy raised a dark eyebrow. “We’re going to need to work on your self-image, girl, because it’s outta whack with reality.
” She tapped the edge of a coaster on the bar.
“I think I get it, though. If you have to put up with the bullshit that comes out of people’s mouths like that Mark asshole, some of it’s probably going to sink in, and you’ll believe it on some level.
And that’s what pisses me off about guys like him.
He has no flippin’ idea who you are or what your story is, and he jumps to a conclusion that’s completely wrong. ”
Amy squeezed Joy’s arm in gratitude. “It is what it is, and I don’t have the bandwidth to get my panties in a twist over people like him.
Honestly, I’ve heard crap like that my whole life, and usually I let it roll off my back.
” Amy realized vaguely that she let a lot of stuff roll off her back.
Shifting her focus back to the moment, she basked in the fuzzy feels from Shane’s showdown and the way the rest of her Fall River family had circled the wagons—for her.
“It shouldn’t have to roll off your back,” Joy huffed in indignation.
Then her tone turned playful, and a grin spread across her classically beautiful face.
“Although, it was practically worth it to watch Shane hulk out and go all ‘Who did this to you?’ I love how he told that guy to stick it. That was scorching hot!” Joy dropped her voice into a conspiratorial timbre.
“And if you tell Charlie I said so, I’ll deny everything.
” With a little cackle, she lifted her chin toward the cluster that included Estelle and the deputy.
“Obviously, Estelle thinks Shane getting his lawman on was hot too. If she plays it cool, she might get her wish and get him horizontal tonight. And God, do I hope she does so she quits bugging me about it.”
And just like that—for reasons beyond her comprehension—Amy’s fuzzy feels evaporated. She tried to shake it off by picking up a different thread. “I’m not sure I understand. ‘Who did this to you?’ What does that even mean?”
“It’s a trope. It’s when the hero’s protective side comes out in spades. He rushes in and defends his heroine. Like what Shane just did for you.”
“He’s the hero and you’re the heroine,” Hailey added helpfully.
What? “But I’m not—”
Hailey gave her a broad grin. “You need to read more romance novels.”
“Didn’t it kind of tickle your ovaries?” asked Joy … and she was serious. “It tickled mine.”
Truth be told, what Shane did practically popped Amy’s ovaries, but she couldn’t admit that to anyone—especially herself. Flummoxed, she stammered, “I n-never expected …”
“For our deputy to come to your rescue?”
“No,” she hissed. Tongue-tied, she blurted the first thing that popped into her muddled brain. “I can’t believe he used the ‘C’ word.”
Hailey cocked an eyebrow. “Amy, do you even know what the ‘C’ word is?”
“Sure. It stands for cockroach, cat, and councilwoman. Among other things.”
They all burst into laughter that drew some of the crowd’s attention—including the subject of their conversation, who simply smiled and shook his head as if he knew exactly what they were talking about. Amy couldn’t stop her blush from spreading.
With a snicker, Hailey gestured toward the deputy thronged by an entourage of female fans, including, of course, Estelle.
“I guess we’re not the only ones whose ovaries were affected by Shane’s alpha reveal.
If they keep batting their eyelashes at him like that, it’s going to be hard for him to get that big head of his through the door. ”
An odd defensiveness surged inside Amy. Shane didn’t have a big head. But she didn’t have time to protest because Joy cut off whatever might have tumbled from her mouth by deadpanning, “My money’s on Estelle winning this particular battle.”
“Didn’t you fix them up once?” Hailey asked.
Joy nodded. “Several times.”
“I’m guessing by the smiles on their faces that it went well,” Hailey chuckled. “Good. It’s about time Shane got a girlfriend, even a long-distance one.”
Mildly horrified by the direction of this conversation, Amy sat quietly, retracting into her shell, wondering how she could slip away and get her butt home.
Joy rested her elbow on the bar behind her and leaned back. “Oh, I don’t think this is a long-term thing. More of a convenience.” She placed her free hand against the side of her mouth and whisper-shouted, “As in fuck buddies who help each other out by scratching certain itches.”
Amy’s hand flew to the side seemingly on its own—she had no idea where it was going—knocking over her glass of champagne. “Darn it!”
What a klutz!
Her blush doubled in heat, rising from her chest to her scalp. Hailey grabbed a wad of cocktail napkins and began dabbing at the puddle.
Amy tried to take over—this was her mess, after all—but Hailey pushed her hand away. “I got this. You get yourself another glass of champagne.”
“No, I don’t think I sh—”
“Barkeep!” Hailey barked at Noah, who stood behind the bar socializing and not working for a change.
“What’s up, surfer girl?” he called back.
“Amy spilled her drink. How about a refill?”
Noah held up his index finger, the universal sign of, “Just a sec.”
Amy ducked down, her head turtling between her shoulders. “Do you have to announce how clumsy I am to the entire bar?” she grumbled. Oh, how she’d like to disappear until her cheeks cooled.
Joy patted her arm. “Speaking of scratching itches, I’m gonna go find that sexy husband of mine.” She hopped off her seat. “Later, Aims.”
When Amy dared lift her head moments later, a fresh glass of champagne sat before her.
A quick tour of the room told her Micky hadn’t come back, and Estelle had once more captured Shane’s arm, though he didn’t look as pleased about it as she did.
Were they really casual, convenient hookups?
Something about his posture said otherwise, especially when he broke her hold, stepped back, and parked his fists on his waist, a slight frown marring his handsome features.
Hailey leaned her forearms on the bar top and winged an elbow at Amy. “So what’s the story?”
Amy lowered her voice. “I’m not sure, but I think he’s not into her and she’s not getting the message.”
Hailey turned toward her, her nose crinkled in confusion. “What are you talking about?”
“Estelle hanging on Shane, and Shane being annoyed about it. What are you talking about?”
“Oh. I was wondering if you’d told Micky yet.” Hailey’s eyes lit with … something. Uh-oh. “Are you jealous of Estelle?”
Amy turned a scandalized look on her best friend. “What? No! Of course not.” That betraying blaze rushed from Amy’s neck to her forehead. It had been busy heating up and cooling down all night. Hopefully her coloring masked her agitation.
“Not that I would blame you,” Hailey murmured in agreement. “I mean, he is a hunk, with or without the uniform.”
Amy swatted her arm. “Are you forgetting you’re a happily married woman?”
“So what if I am? It doesn’t mean I’m blind.”
“Who’s a hunk?” Noah rumbled from behind her.
Hailey’s back jerked. She glanced at him over her shoulder. “Oh, um … Amy was just saying she thinks Shane is a hunk.”
Amy’s chin hit her chest. A twinkle of surprise shone in Noah’s green eyes.
She spluttered. “No, I did—”
“Sorry, Aims. Gotta get back to work.” Hailey added a quick apology under her breath before bolting.
That little stinker!
A slow grin tugged one side of Noah’s mouth.
“Hailey was kidding. I never said that,” Amy said lamely.
He nodded and pointed at her flute. “Understood. But I’m putting that on Shane’s tab.” He winked at her, damn him.
What was this, middle school?
Amy threw back a quarter of the glass. Good grief! How long before that false rumor gets around town? Everyone will think I’m dumping Micky to go after Shane! And back went more champagne. I’m going to kill her. As soon as I can get my hands on her, I will strangle my best friend.
Noah and Hailey moved to the far end of the bar, leaving Amy to stew. Hailey shot her a contrite look, and Amy narrowed her eyes. “I’m going to get you.”
“Get who?” a low voice vibrated behind her.
She jolted and nearly spilled the fresh pour. Whipping her head to the side, she leveled her startled gaze on Shane. “Um, nothing.”
He took the empty barstool beside her and pointed at her glass. “Is that the refill for the spilled champagne?”
Oh great. Apparently everyone knew. She let out an extended sigh. “It is. And you need to know that Noah’s putting it on your tab.”
One eyebrow dipped. “Not that I mind, but did he say why I’m buying you a glass of champagne?”
Her blush hadn’t faded yet, so he probably couldn’t tell it was pulsing like a beacon.
“Um, not really.” She rushed to add, “And I do appreciate the gesture—that you didn’t sign up for voluntarily—but I’m not sure how much of this I’m going to drink.
I’m facing an early morning, and I’m already exhausted.
It’s been a fun day, but all of me wants to go home and snuggle under the covers.
” Oh Gaia. She was babbling. That didn’t sound like she’d just invited him under the covers, did it?
And why were her nerves suddenly skittering all over the place?
The Celtic Knots were weaving their way toward their instruments, ready to start another set. It was definitely time to go.
Shane looked around the tavern’s interior. “Where’s Micky?”
“No idea. You two had your heads together, and I haven’t seen him since.” She paused to gauge his reaction, but the poker face that had been missing in action earlier was now firmly in place. “I don’t need him to give me a ride, though. I can walk.”
“I don’t think so. I mean, you can walk, but it’s freaking cold out there.” He waved a hand toward the big picture window at the front of the tavern. “I’m about to leave. Why don’t I give you a ride?”
“Um, I d-don’t think so,” she stuttered as her pulse picked up its pace. “I couldn’t inconvenience you like that. I mean, don’t you have a date with Estelle tonight?”
He shook his head. “Nope, no dates, and you’re not inconveniencing me.
I’m the one who offered. Actually, I’m insisting.
” He looked down at her with the same warm smile he’d been giving her all evening—the same one he’d given her for years—but this time, it caused cartwheels to turn in her tummy. Lord, I am tired!
She surveyed the crowd, but no one was watching them. Not even Estelle, who seemed to have vanished. As for Micky … Nope, still nowhere in sight. “I need to stop by the shop first, so it’s really best if I just go on my own.”
“I disagree. Have you noticed anything else out of place lately?”
“Not at all. I must’ve dreamed it.”
“I’m still coming with.”
She snorted. “Is this an accident prevention thing that’s part of your civic duty? You know how clumsy I am, and you’re afraid I’ll fall down and freeze to death on my way there, and then you’ll have to scrape me out of the ice?”
His russet brows furrowed. “You’re not clumsy, but you do look tired.
A four-block walk is fine in the summer, but not on a night like this.
I watched you work your ass off all day, and I hate the idea of you trudging through the cold tonight.
So while it might be part of my civic duty, it’s also plain old courtesy.
Let me do this for you, Amy.” His kind words were like a caress that soothed her jagged nerves.
“Let me do this for you.” Who says that? Who does that?
Shane.
He lifted his chin toward her glass. “So you’re not going to drink that?”
“No. Do you mind?” She winced, feeling guilty about leaving a full flute of champagne that Shane would pay for. It wasn’t Veuve Clicquot, but it wasn’t cheap either.
“Not in the least.” Shane cuffed her arm. “Let’s grab your coat and get you home. First stop, the coffee shop.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
After he helped her on with her coat, he led her outside and opened the passenger door of his pickup, giving her a hand up. “Hop in. I’ll have it warmed up in a sec.”
Amy glanced at the tavern’s big picture window, once more strafing the crowd for Micky, but the only face she clearly saw was Estelle’s peering out the window. The woman’s glasses couldn’t hide the displeasure flashing behind her glasses.