Chapter Six
Adrienne
This place is packed.
I knew it would be.
Once word spread Kinsley was performing, the bar reached capacity quickly. Jameson is at the door, making sure no one else comes in so we don’t have the fire chief beating down the door and giving a citation for having too many people. They hired extra security to help keep the peace, both inside and out, and I’ve definitely noticed the presence of added security has helped keep the crowd under control.
Walker, Kellen, and I are manning the bar, with Garreth bouncing between bussing tables, restocking coolers, and jumping in when we start to get backed up. And you can’t beat the music. Even if country music isn’t my favorite, this girl has an amazing set of pipes on her, and her songwriting skills are top-notch. I find myself getting lost in the words, swaying back and forth to the beat of the song, and not doing what I’m paid to do.
“Adrienne, take your break,” Walker hollers, tossing two empty beer bottles into the trash bin and causing me to jump.
“Sorry, boss. I’ve got it,” I insist, grabbing a hot, soapy cloth and starting to wipe down the bar.
“No, you’re fine. It really is time for your break. Garreth will jump in. Take fifteen and put your feet up,” he maintains, flashing me a reassuring smile before serving another drink.
I toss the wet cloth into the bucket with sanitizing solution and move toward the end of the bar. Garreth is there. He nods toward the two pub tables pushed together in the back corner where the wives of the owners sit, as well as some staff members and their significant others. “Have a seat. See you in fifteen.”
As I make my way toward where everyone is sitting, including Stevie, Jack, and Caden, I feel a set of eyes on me. I’ve felt them off and on throughout the night, and each time I looked up, my suspicions were confirmed when I found Caden watching me. There’s a hunger in his eyes, but it’s also more than that. There’s intrigue.
When he realizes I’m heading their way, he jumps up and offers me his seat. I want to decline his offer, but honestly, my feet need a few minutes. I could head to the employee break room in the back hallway, but I really wanted a few minutes to visit with my friends. “Thank you,” I say, slipping onto the high-back stool he vacated.
Caden nods and places his hand on the back of my stool. I can feel his fingers brush against my shoulder blade as he rests his hand, sending shock waves of awareness through my veins. “What do you want to drink?”
I glance down at the table, realizing I’m an idiot. “I’ll get it,” I insist, turning to slide off my seat.
His big, warm hand moves to my shoulder, gently holding me in place. “I got you.”
My throat is thick as I meet his gorgeous, blue eyes. They’re dark, like sapphires, and there’s this wild magnetic pull. It’s as if they’re drawing me in. “Water,” I whisper, grateful the music is loud enough that everyone around me can’t hear how utterly stupid I sound.
He winks and disappears, heading straight to the end of the bar. Walker meets him there, leans in and listens to what Caden says. He nods once, quickly grabbing a bottle of water and handing it over. I divert my gaze, not wanting him to catch me looking, and give my attention to Kinsley. She’s singing an upbeat country tune that was huge about three or four years ago, earning her an award for song of the year.
“Here ya go.”
Not only does Caden place a bottle of water in front of me, but also a plate of food. It’s steamy and fresh, the scent of deep-fried French fries causing my stomach to growl. The condiments have already been collected from the tables, since dinner service stopped more than an hour ago, but I don’t care. I don’t need them to eat a quick burger and fries.
“Thank you,” I tell him, taking a fry and popping it into my mouth.
He leans down, his lips brushing against the shell of my ear. “Dinner.”
A shiver sweeps through me. My nipples grow hard. My breathing hitches in my throat. I slowly turn to meet his sapphire gaze and know. All the flirting, the playful banter, the looks and touches for months, it’s all coming to a head. My desire for him is too great, too powerful.
I want him.
Tonight.
Giving him a slight nod, I agree, “Dinner.”
Understanding washes over him, as does a slow, wicked smile. He nods too and stands up, turning his attention to the stage. He places his hand on the stool again, his thumb strumming along to the beat of the music. The tapping vibration from the stool goes straight to my clit, and it’s almost difficult to eat my food. I wiggle in my seat, searching for relief, knowing it’ll only come one way.
And that way ends with Caden in my bed.
We’ve been tap dancing around this for too long.
I know it.
He knows it.
“You okay?” Stevie asks, leaning over and whispering over the music.
“Yeah,” I quickly reply between bites. “Why?”
“You’re just all flushed.”
I almost choke on a French fry. When I’ve swallowed it, I wave off her comment. “It’s hot in here. And super busy behind the bar.”
She nods, as if she understands what I’m saying, but the look in her eye calls me on bullshit. She knows . I’m certain her eagle eye didn’t miss the way I responded when he casually touched me, or the way I can’t seem to breathe like a normal person when he’s near. But I also know she’s the last person to judge me or the decisions I make. It’s not like we’re looking to get married.
Just have a little fun.
“I knew it would be busy tonight,” Mallory says to me, glancing back to the bar to where her husband is.
“They warned me, but this doesn’t bother me. I’d rather be busy than slow. At least nights like tonight go fast.”
She nods. “Totally understand that.”
“And when you get home, you’ll be ready for a back and foot massage,” BJ chimes in with a husky chuckle.
Unable to control my own reaction and eyes, I turn and look up, meeting Caden’s intense gaze. Something tells me, if all goes as planned, I’ll be exerting more energy rather than relaxing later…
“Or a hot bubble bath,” Madelyn adds, her eyes dancing with delight beneath the low table lighting.
“Please don’t tell me my brother takes soothing bubble baths,” Stevie declares, a look of shock on her face.
Madelyn, looking gorgeous in her pearl necklace and white lace top, just smiles. “Not anymore. There wasn’t much relaxing going on the time we tried it.”
The table erupts into giggles as BJ and Stevie share a grossed-out look.
“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that,” Jack announces, taking a long sip of his beer.
“Me too,” Leo grumbles, sliding off his stool and kissing his wife Kallie’s cheek. “I’m gonna go check in with the bubble bath taker and see if he needs any help.”
Madelyn blushes a thousand shades of red. “Please don’t call him that or I’ll never hear the end of it,” she begs.
“Are you kidding me? I’m trying to pretend I never heard it.”
“I heard you’re going to work for those two yahoos,” BJ says, swinging her thumb to where Jack sits beside Stevie and Caden stands behind me.
I nod eagerly, recalling the conversation I had with Jack yesterday. They discussed hiring a part-time assistant for the office, and after coming up with a list of duties, ultimately decided to offer me the job. The hours are flexible, allowing me to work for them on the days I’m off here, and the pay is reasonable. And frankly, I’ve always enjoyed the work that comes with it.
“I am. I start Monday,” I confirm between bites.
“Well, I’m sure you’ll do great. And just remember, sometimes you have to be domineering when it comes to guys,” Lyndee states. “You’re the real boss.”
Everyone turns their attention to the quiet baker. “Says the woman married to the perfectionist chef.”
She shrugs and grins. “He’s the boss at work. I’m the boss in the…well, in other ways.”
The group laughs, and I don’t miss the way Madelyn’s face turns beet red. All eyes slowly return to Kinsley on the small stage. Caden takes the opportunity to whisper in my ear, “I’m usually the one in charge, but I’m willing to try anything once, sugar.”
Kinsley starts a new song, one of her very first releases, and the entire bar explodes with cheers and sings along, elevating the volume level and ensuring I don’t have the opportunity to reply to his comment. I realize quickly I’ve eaten my entire burger and most of my fries, all while listening to the group of friends sitting at the tables around me and enjoying the music from the stage. They’re laughing, teasing, and sharing parts of their lives with each other, and while I’ve considered a few people friends throughout my life, it’s never quite felt like this. Except for Stevie. She has quickly become family, much like everyone at the table has experienced throughout the years.
What an amazing bond these people share.
Knowing my fifteen minutes are up, I slip from my seat and reach for my empty basket. “I’ll take care of it,” Caden states, taking the small container that once held my food.
“Thanks. I better get back to work.” To the rest of the group, I say, “Thank you for letting me join you for a few minutes.”
“Anytime!” Mallory announces, along with various comments from the rest of the table’s occupants.
“You’re always welcome to join us,” BJ adds with a smile.
My throat is thick, so I give them a single nod. I slip around Caden, catching his woodsy scent once more, and move toward the bar. Realizing I should probably take a second and use the restroom, I hold up a single finger to Walker, indicating I need one more minute. As if understanding, he nods and points up to the second floor. I know exactly what he means. There’s a single restroom upstairs for employees. Most of the time, however, we all just use the larger multi-stall ones in the hallway down here because they’re convenient. Unfortunately, there’s a line due to the volume of patrons tonight, so I don’t mind slipping up the stairs so I don’t have to stand in the line.
The stairs are roped off, and there’s someone standing near the back entrance, making sure no one slips in the door, up the stairs, or down the hall to the employee break room and kitchen. The man nods, realizing I’m authorized to go up, and returns his gaze to the gaggles of women waiting to use the restroom.
The main room that houses Isaac’s office is closed and locked up tight, as is the small storage room beside it. The employee restroom is open, so I quickly slip inside and do my business. Once I’ve washed and dried my hands, I unlock the door and turn off the light. A yelp slips from my throat as a figure moves, stepping forward and pressing me against the door.
“You said this was dinner,” Caden says, caging me in place, but also giving me an opportunity to move if I want to.
Lifting my chin, I meet his blue gaze. “I did.”
His thumb trails from my lips to my neck, stopping just above my cleavage. “Does this mean you’re going to invite me in?”
My breathing comes out in pants, desire swirling through my veins like a raging storm. “It does.”
A sexy, full-watt smile slowly spreads across his kissable lips. “Do you want me to meet you there when you get off work?”
“That’s fine,” I tell him, unable to keep my hands to myself. I press my palms against his hard abs, reveling in the feel of them tensing and jumping at my touch. “It’ll take us a little extra time to close down tonight.”
Leaning forward, he lightly runs his nose against my neck. His warm breath heats my skin, causing goosebumps to rise. “I’m in no rush, sugar. We’ve got all night.”
Knowing my time is up and I really need to get back downstairs, I reach around and pat him on the ass. “Might wanna take a quick power nap, cowboy. You’re gonna need all the energy you can muster.”
A gravelly chuckle slips from his throat as he straightens to his full height. “Don’t you worry about my stamina. I’ll sleep when I’m dead, Adrienne.” With a wink and a dirty smirk, he moves back enough to allow me to pass and head for the stairs.
Legs are a little leaden as I start the descent, and when I get about halfway down the steps, I glance over my shoulder. My eyes are at the right level, and even if they weren’t, there’s no missing the erection in his pants. My blood starts to hum, my panties slick with need.
As I reach the main floor, security is still standing guard at the back door not too far away, his eyes always moving. I pause and whisper, “You might want to fix your issue, cowboy.”
He glances down and shrugs. “Happens a lot when you’re near.” Leaning in, he places a gentle kiss on my cheek and murmurs, “Have a good night, Adrienne. See you later.” He heads to the men’s room, since there’s no line, and disappears inside.
I shake off the trance I seem to always find myself trapped in when he’s near and return to the bar. Garreth offers me a warm smile as I jump back into the swing of things. All thoughts of Caden are pushed from my mind as Kinsley finishes up her time on the stage and the bar is alive with activity.
By the time Walker announces last call, my feet are sore and my back is tight. I finish serving fruity drinks to a couple of young ladies when I spot Stevie, Jack, and Caden approaching the end of the bar.
“I know you’re busy, but I wanted to say goodbye,” Stevie hollers over the noise as she leans in and reaches for me.
I throw my arms around her and squeeze. “I’m so glad you guys came out. Did you have fun?”
She nods. “It was great to get out for the night and catch up with everyone. I wish we could have gotten to chat more, but I know you’re working,” she says.
“We’ll catch up soon,” I reply, reaching for a few empty beer bottles on the bar and tossing them into the recycling.
Stevie glances behind her to where Caden and Jack are standing, talking. When she turns back around, she gives me a knowing smile. “I want to hear all the details.”
My eyes remain glued to hers. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
She laughs. Actually laughs. Right in my face. “Sure you don’t. Have a great night, Adrienne. Be safe.”
Shaking my head, I throw Jack a wave and risk a quick glance at Caden. He’s watching me, the corner of his mouth curled up. That slight gesture screams good time.
I wave casually at him too before returning my attention to work. Now that he’s gone, I feel myself relax even more. I’ve never let a guy get under my skin the way he has. It’s most definitely time to work him out of my system, and the best way to do that is to get horizontal. Or vertical. Something tells me he’s all about using his surroundings to his advantage.
Yeah, if Caden is a missionary position man, I’ll eat my shoe.
By the time the bar closes down and we have everything restocked and cleaned up, we’re all ready to go home. Isaac hands me my envelope with my cut of tonight’s tips, and I can’t help but notice it’s decisively thicker than normal. “Thank you.”
“No, thank you. You did great tonight,” he replies.
I slip my envelope into my backpack and shrug. “I prefer bigger crowds over the small ones. A full house doesn’t bother me.”
“Well, we don’t do too many nights like tonight anymore, but if we ever do, we’d love to have you behind the bar. You’re great under pressure and the patrons love you.”
“Agreed,” Walker announces as he passes by. “You kicked ass tonight. Much better than the other guy, who made faces at the entertainment all night.”
“She’s my sister. It’s allowed,” Kellen bellows, making everyone laugh. As he approaches, he adds, “I don’t care if she’s my sister or not. She’s the best singer on country radio.”
“Spoken like a true big brother,” Jasper chimes in.
“Hell yes. Proud brother.” He tosses his towel into the empty bucket and takes the offered envelope from Isaac. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to get home to Cameron. I have some boyfriendy duties to attend to.” With a wink, Kellen moves toward the back door.
“Come on, Adrienne, I’ll walk you out,” Jameson states.
Ensuring I have everything, I make my way to the rear entrance. Stevie’s brother holds open the door for me and stays by my side until I reach my car. “Thanks for walking me out.”
He nods in response, shoving his hands in his pockets. “Be safe.”
My mind flashes to when his half sister said the same thing earlier. Except, I’m pretty sure their meanings are different.
“I will. You too,” I reply, slipping into my car and firing it up. I throw him a wave as I back out of my spot and move to the street. I turn, driving toward home.
Toward the man who’s waiting for me.
It might be late—or early in the morning, depending on how you look at it—but I’m wide awake.
Tonight, Caden will be in my bed.
I can’t wait.