Fighting Giants
Adele
Watching him, laughing and joking with his family, tickling the little girl and having a debate with the older boy, is doing things to my chest that I don’t know how to articulate.
He’s good with them but he talks to the couple with him too. Brie kindly pointed out that it is his sister and brother-in-law.
I didn’t believe it was the wife he just divorced, and he hasn’t mentioned kids. Not that we talked a lot about our personal lives. It was physical chemistry, not getting in too deep.
I’m busy washing glasses when I hear my name called. Well, not my name. My stomach swoops and I press my hand against it before turning to face him, taking a deep breath.
The booth he was at with his family is now occupied by a group of men. Curtis is dropping off bottles of 312 to them.
At this rate, we’re going to run out. I’ve already called Jay about upping the delivery tomorrow.
Daniel is resting one palm flat on the bar. This is the first time I’ve seen him in casual clothes. Funny how I’ve only seen him in a suit, or naked.
I walk around Sharlene who is at the register, and saunter to the end of the bar, maybe putting a little extra sway in my hips. His bare forearms draw my eye, then up to the biceps peeking out from his T-shirt sleeves. It’s dark blue and tight against his chest. He has a knowing smile across his gorgeous mouth when I finish my perusal.
“What can I get you?” I ask.
He chuckles at me, dipping his head. The way his eyes stay on me as he does it, makes my knees weak. “What I want you can’t give me right now.”
“Is that so?”
He’s the definition of confidence, relaxed and at ease in his own skin. The lighthearted teasing, bordering on being flirty with a touch of sexual innuendo, all works. Women around us are looking over at him.
He leans in a little closer, tilting his head and I sway towards him, like he’s caught me on a line. A growing, fluttery sensation starts in my chest and an ache floods between my legs, warmth spreading out through my body. I’ve only just gotten over the soreness from our night together, but I so desperately want a repeat.
I ache to reach out and touch his skin. I’m hyperaware of his scent, the closer he gets. But I can’t. Not here. And I need to seriously have more chill.
The only saving grace is he’s as affected as me. We can’t discuss what happened, not here.
My smile conveys the knowledge of what we did, and he lets out another small chuckle. Daniel runs the palm of his hand across his jaw, hiding that smile.
“I’ve seen the campaign you have going.”
The abrupt change to the silent signals has my brows creasing.
“That was genius.”
His praise shouldn’t make me feel the way it does. I don’t need the kudos from anyone for what I started three days ago. I’d hoped it would work, I never expected it to snowball the way it did. To have so many people reach out to support the bar. Sweeping my hair back I rest a hip against the back of the bar. Daniel runs his tongue across his top teeth.
Damn him. Just when I think I’m getting my cool back.
“Did it work? I saw a lot of the comments but is it enough?”
“Our lawyer is vetting everyone who came forward, verifying they were here. It’s a long process.”
His brows lift. I never said anything about the lawsuit, just that we’re getting some trouble. Internet sleuths found his name, not me. I will never stop fighting for this bar. It was a risk and right now it’s paying off.
The lawyers said it was not the best idea, but they are family friends, doing what they can to keep our side of things above the law.
“Hey,” Daniel reaches out his hand and touches my elbow. I jolt at the contact, but he doesn’t let go. His fingers stoke my skin in a soothing way. “You did the right thing.”
I know I did. Doesn’t mean I don’t regret having to take that route. I’ve not let anyone else see that. Only him. Showing vulnerability isn’t something I do often.
Shaking off the uncertainty I give him a decisive nod. “We’re not out of the woods yet.”
“I have a feeling you will be soon.”
“Do you know something?”
“No. I just see a strong defensive strategy he can’t fight against. Even with all of his expensive lawyers behind him,” he says it so confidently, I want to believe him. “Your passion for this place shines through, Blue. You didn’t give up. You kept the integrity of your family’s pledge. That’s worth more than any money.”
His eyes move to the poster on the wall, citing our beer will only ever be sold here.
“I’m thinking about counter-suing.”
He throws his head back and laughs. I’m offended, for a split second. Of course I’m not counter-suing. I just want this whole thing to go away. I’m hopeful it works.
Leaning my elbows on the bar I lower towards him. “Do you think he’ll keep fighting?” I ask in a moment of vulnerability. Faulkner is from his world, not mine. I’ll never think like someone of his stature. “The whole situation is like David and Goliath. I’m not sure how long I can fight the giant.”
“I don’t know him that well,” Daniel says, the flirty tone gone from his voice. He’s dead serious now. “The last time I saw him, he was punching me in the face,” he says dryly. He’s still pissed about that, and it makes me smile. “Blue, do you remember what happened to Goliath.”
“David kicked his ass.”
“Adele!”
The shout from behind reminds me I have a job to do, not stand here showing a side of myself to this man that I never do. Hearing the steadfast way he believes I can beat this, bolsters me.
“You better get back to work,” Daniel says.
“Yeah,” I reply reluctantly. “Is your family waiting for you?”
“No, they left. It was getting a little rowdy for the twins,” he says.
“They’re cute.”
“Runs in the family,” he winks.
“Cute is not how I would describe you.”
He’s full-on smirking, but he glances behind me. “I know you’re the boss, but I think you’re about to get told off.”
“Can I get you a drink, that way it looks like I’m working.”
“I’d love to help you with that but, I have to go. I have an early meeting.”
“It’s Sunday tomorrow.”
“Yeah, it’s the only time we can meet.”
“Okay, well, guess we both need to get back to it.”
Daniel straightens up. For a moment, he hesitates, then takes his wallet from his back pocket and hands me his business card. It’s best not to tell him I already have one.
“Are you free tomorrow afternoon?” he asks.
“Depends, why?” I tap his card against my palm.
“I want to show you something.”
“I’ve heard that before,” I grin at him.
Daniel shakes his head at me, trying not to show the scowl that comment caused. “I’ll pick you up out front at two o’clock.”
“Oh, you will, huh?”
Daniel crooks two fingers, a gesture meant to make me lean closer. I do. “Don’t worry,” he whispers into my ear. “This isn’t me falling in love with you.”
My lip’s part and without warning, he kisses me, his tongue strokes mine so fast it’s like a single heartbeat. Before I can even register his words, he’s walking away. Without so much as a goodbye, or a look back. Or my agreement to go out with him.
“Cocky bastard,” I mutter. I can’t suppress the feeling growing in my stomach. Anticipation, excitement, and red-hot lust. My body is way ahead of my thought processes. It wants me to go with him. No matter where it is.
I turn to the two men standing at the bar to distract myself from those thoughts.
“What can I get you?”