Ajax (Hollywood Kiwis)

Chapter 1

ONE

IVY

I grit my teeth and try not to look at that corner of the room.

Mitchell walks past and squeezes my shoulder along the way. “You okay?”

I shrug.

My boss knows I’ve got a thing for Ajax Monroe. I have done for a while now. While his friends can get noisy, Ajax is all dark and broody—my type of man.

Not that I really have much of a type. I’ve been in the same rural town my whole life, and the choice of eligible men here isn’t that great.

But I’ve been enamoured of Ajax since the day we met.

He and his friends, Cookie, Digby, and Shane, were all in the army. And something happened as he has scars—I don’t know the extent of what he’s been through, but the long scar down his cheek tells a story.

I’m outgoing and I talk a lot, but I clam up with him and I’m not sure I’ll ever be brave enough to approach.

And tonight I’ve missed my chance.

A giggle bursts from the corner of the pub I’m trying desperately not to glance at, and my heart sinks.

Ajax, Digby, and Cookie are all in that corner—and they’ve got a new friend. A woman new to the area headed straight for Ajax when they walked in, and now they’re all laughing and joking. I don’t know who she is—the only thing I know is her name is Victoria.

She came in a few days ago, and has apparently been in every night for a drink since.

And today, she’s throwing herself at the man I like.

I chew my bottom lip as Digby pulls himself away from the fun and walks toward the bar.

“Another round, please, Ivy,” he says, placing their empty glasses on the bar.

I nod, picking it up and pouring another beer. In my haste to get this done, I slop beer on the mat. I’m well aware I’m not my usual chirpy self, but I can’t help it.

“What’s up your nose?” Digby says.

Mitchell nudges my arm. “Ivy’s just tired. Aren’t you, Ivy?”

I nod. “Yeah, that’s it.”

He fixes his gaze on me as I pour their drinks.

“Mitchell should give you a pay rise. You’re always working so hard.”

That’s enough to make me crack a smile. “Thank you. Mitchell pays me pretty well already. But I appreciate the sentiment.”

“You’re welcome.” He beams.

I place the last glass on the bar, and then hand Digby the card terminal.

“Looks like the new girl has taken a liking to Ajax.”

Why don’t you just stab me in the chest?

“Looks like it.”

I wait for him to swipe his card, and turn my back.

“It’d be good to see Ajax happy. He’s so god damn broody.”

“Uh-huh.”

I move away, but his words have already hurt. Fighting the urge to cry, I head out the back.

Mitchell can deal with the bar—it’s not very busy. He runs the bar by himself most of the time. I only work three nights a week.

Tears prick my eyes.

I’m so stupid.

A few minutes later, Mitchell places his hand on mine. “You okay?”

I nod. “I’m fine.”

“He’s an idiot, Ivy. If he doesn’t see you when you’re right in front of him, then he’s not worth it.”

Maybe it should be awkward that Mitchell knows about my stupid crush. But it’s comforting that he backs me.

“How’s your dad? Has he got off his arse yet?”

He’s always aware of my home life. Dad sunk into a deep depression when Mum died, and while things are better than they were, it’s still tough.

“Not really.”

“Don’t let him and Tyler pull you down. You’re worth more than to be their lackey.”

“Thanks, Mitchell.”

I turn toward him, and he studies me closely. He’s known Dad for years—they went to school together, and sometimes lately he’s been more of a dad than my real dad.

“Why don’t you head off early? I can cope, and I’ll pay you for the rest of the night.”

I nod. “You don’t have to tell me twice.”

He pats my arm. “The world is a much brighter place with you around, Ivy. I’m only sorry I can’t give you more hours.”

“It’s okay. I’m grateful for what you do give me.”

Grabbing my bag and jacket from the back room, I then head toward the door.

As I take one last look at that corner of the room, Ajax looks up. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him smiling so much. He’s had a few to drink, but the woman leaning against his arm with the heart eyes is the cause.

For a second, confusion flashes across his face, but I turn and push the door open before walking out to my car.

It’s not a long drive home.

The house is quiet. For the first time in ages, Tyler seems to be asleep instead of up playing video games into the night.

I’m grateful for the break.

I throw myself onto my bed.

Tonight sucked.

My mother died two years ago, and Dad begged me to stay here rather than leave for the big smoke like I wanted to.

And now I’m trapped.

I think about leaving now and again, but my financial situation is hopeless, and the guilt over the idea of leaving hangs over me. He misses her desperately, and me and Tyler are all he has now.

This stupid crush on Ajax has to stop. I’m never going to approach him, and he’s clearly not interested. He looked happy tonight—enchanted with that woman.

I wish I had her confidence.

But it’s time I faced reality.

Ajax Monroe is never going to look at a dumpy barmaid.