CHAPTER FOUR
T he front door swooshes open to announce a new arrival. Like a dog expecting immediate gratification, my gaze whips in that direction. It only takes a second for another punch of disappointment to sink in. This is the nineteenth or twentieth flop since seven o’clock struck. I’ve lost count, but hope remains.
Cassidy confirmed our plans when I texted her a few hours ago. My phone sits silent and heavy in my pocket, but I’m not surrendering to the urge. I can control myself. Mostly. It’s too soon to unleash my crazy. That obsessive side needs to stay benched a bit longer or she’s going to regret giving me her number.
“She’ll be here soon,” I say.
The words are as much for me as they are for the peanut gallery in attendance. My friends and their significant others deemed this occasion worthy of their presence.
“Uh-huh, right.” Garrett pops the caps off several beer bottles in rapid succession. “No one would dare to back out on a date with you.”
“Didn’t say that. Plenty have and still would if given the opportunity. Cassidy is different.”
“She must be. You’re herding her into the cock den for your first date.” Garrett motions around our bar and the debauchery to come.
“This is my home away from home. My favorite dicks are here to pump me up. Couldn’t ask for more.” I blow kisses to my hype squad.
He makes no attempt to catch one. “We’re not going easy on you.”
Ridge snorts. “Fuck no we’re not. You deserve to be roasted while she has a front row seat.”
“It’s about damn time I get my turn in the spotlight.” I tuck my hands behind my head, reclining against the cooler behind me. “Feel free to get started now.”
The two guys I’ve known since freshman year of college exchange a look. Ridge shakes his head. “He’s not very fun to heckle.”
“Just hold your horses. We’re about to get new material when he’s stood up.” Garrett doesn’t bother lowering his voice, volleying the prediction down the rail to where I’m getting the best view of Main Street.
Ridge’s glare scans the room, just waiting for another man to attempt polite conversation with his future wife. That last dude didn’t realize what hit him until his ass spanked the floor. Now the space surrounding Callie’s stool is protected by an invisible force field that nobody dares to cross.
“I give her another five minutes,” the possessive grump adds to the conversation.
Garrett rubs his palms together. “Wanna bet?”
The former defenseman shrugs. “You’re on. Ten bucks?”
“That’s all my love life is worth?” I glance at my so-called best friends. “I’m hurt. Deeply.”
That gets a grunt from Ridge. “Fine, make it fifty.”
“Decent, but you’re still selling me short. Spending too much on that fiancée of yours, Crusher?”
The sharp edges in his expression melt into sappy goo while he shamelessly ogles Callie. “If only she’d let me.”
“I don’t need your money.” Her voice is barely audible over the growing crowd.
“Doesn’t mean you can’t have it, sweetness.” Ridge leans forward to cradle her blushing cheek.
Love floods Callie’s gaze in a downpour that requires a splash guard for us soggy bystanders. “You already give me too much.”
“Gonna give you more of me later,” he growls.
Her breath hitches. “Promise?”
“All right, you two.” Garrett claps until the couple’s intimate bubble bursts. “Drake already has to go home alone and lick his fresh wounds in private. We don’t need to rub his face in our happiness on top of it.”
Callie blinks quickly, glancing at me from the corner of her eye. “But Harper said Cassidy is the one for him.”
Ridge’s smirk is fifty dollars richer. “She’s gonna show.”
Garrett slices through the air. “Nope. The deal is off. You had an advantage.”
“What can I say? We don’t keep secrets from each other.” He gestures between Callie and himself.
“Soulmate.” Garrett groans and turns toward his fiancée. “You need to get the daily dirt from Harper. I’m starting to look bad.”
Grace flutters her lashes from where she sits at the rail. “You keep me too preoccupied, bartender.”
He scratches his chin. “Well, shit. Guess I only have myself to blame.”
I exhale roughly as more unrecognizable customers stroll in. “Or I shouldn’t share personal information with someone who passes the beer around for everyone to take a sip.”
Ridge pinches the bridge of his nose. “You and your nonsense idioms.”
“It makes sense,” I argue. My focus slides to our suspiciously silent employee. “Right, Harps?”
The blonde blabbermouth beams with pride. “The news was too juicy and thick and creamy. It burst out of me.”
“See? That’s how you properly support me during my time of need.”
“Quit while you’re ahead, Granger.” The threat spews from the corner stool steeped in shadows.
I roll my eyes at Jake, also known as Knox Creek’s favorite asshole. “Your wife started it.”
“Doesn’t matter. Finish it or I will.”
My laughter meets his malice. “Calm down and carry on nursing your drink while picturing Harper naked.”
“Ugh, don’t encourage him. I can’t handle more.” Yet she winks at her husband.
A low rumble that can only be described as satisfaction is Jake’s response. The guy has less tact than a butt pimple, but he treats Harper like a queen. His little girl has him wrapped around her pinky too. The grouch is a total softie where it counts.
Much like the loyal pack that gathered at Roosters once I told them I had a date. Regardless of the shit they talk, these hecklers care. They’re like my family. It’s obvious in the way Garrett winces after another minute ticks by. Ridge’s fingers drum an impatient beat on the bar top that I feel in my soul. Even Jake arrived on the scene much earlier than usual tonight. They’re in my corner, rooting me on. Warmth spreads through my chest as I take a moment to soak in the encouragement. The only person missing is my plus-one.
That’s when the door opens again. I do a double-take and nearly lose my footing. Cassidy struts into my bar like an exclamation point. Her entrance punctuates the rambling sentence these nameless faces created.
As she crosses the threshold, I swear a gust of wildflowers and unbridled passion billow toward me. My legs carry me forward until I crash into the counter. I grip onto the barrier as my gaze feasts on the beauty staring back at me.
Cassidy’s playful gaze skips over the framed jerseys and sports memorabilia on the walls. The oversized booths and exposed beams might as well be a muted backdrop. Not even the reclaimed barn wood that’s repurposed throughout the room earns a glance. She doesn’t seem to notice anything except my smirk aimed at her.
I allow myself to indulge, as if there’s another choice. Admiring Cassidy Brooks demands my complete concentration. Fiery auburn waves are gathered in a loose braid to hang over one shoulder. Curly wisps frame her face, wild and free.Her green eyes are smoky from makeup. Glossy red is a hypnotic stain on her lips. A peek of her cleavage is on display in a white tank top. The stretchy material molds to her breasts in a tight fit meant to captivate. And that’s only her upper half.
There’s a steady throb in my dick, getting more insistent as my perusal travels lower. On the bottom, she wears a long skirt cut into strips that reach above mid-thigh. I gladly give the garment a closer look. The black fabric is purposefully designed to resemble Western chaps. Her toned legs are on full display through the sheer material and multiple slits. A thick belt is cinched low around her waist. Conchos and rhinestones decorate the leather, catching the light with every subtle movement. Fancy cowboy boots polish off the outfit. She looks ready for a reckless night that I plan to provide.
“Dibs,” stumbles from the depths of my awe. I wasn’t blowing smoke up her fine ass the other day when I told her that she’s the whole package.
“Holy. Shit.” The expletive comes from Grace. “Pour that woman a Wife Material.”
Garrett scoffs and makes no move to fill the order. “That’s your drink, soulmate.”
“I’ll let her borrow it.”
“That’s not how specialty cocktails work. Those mixes are custom crafted for one,” he argues.
A frustrated noise escapes her. “Are you watching this? Forget eye fucking. They’re ditching the condom and making babies.”
“She’s his unfinished love story. They’re going to write the end together and literally ride off into the sunset.” Leave it to Harper to be the eloquent one in the bunch.
“I’ll be expecting a wedding invite in the mail,” Ridge mumbles. “Probably before you receive one for mine.”
My grin spreads until I resemble a much more attractive Joker. I point at Cassidy and announce loudly, “I’m coming for you, beauty.”
Her painted lips tip higher on one side before she crooks a finger to beckon me. “Do your worst, trouble.”
I vault over the counter and clear the stools tucked into the rail. Garrett boasts about me stealing that move from him, but I barely hear him over the pulsing desire. My shoes begin eating concrete the second I land on the floor. People scurry from my path, granting me unrestricted access to Cassidy straight ahead.
“Hi,” she breathes.
I inhale a hit of her addictive scent. Crisp and fragrant like lilacs after a rainstorm. “Hey, you.”
“Sorry I’m late. Billy and Gruff chewed through a fence. A few horses bolted free from the paddock, but they didn’t get far. Botched escape attempt. Typical Saturday.” Her hurried explanation adds to her undeniable appeal.
“You’re here now. That’s what matters.”
“Couldn’t skip out on you if I tried,” she laughs.
That sultry rasp wraps my cock in a fist and tugs. “Can I kiss you?”
“Wouldn’t be the first time, and after that entrance?” Cassidy motions down the length of her body. “You better.”
In a fluid motion, she’s braced against me with my palm flat on her upper back. The other hand clutches her waist as I lower her into a dipped position. She gasps, her fingers clinging to the front of my shirt. My primal instincts roar at catching her off guard. The crowd agrees, encouraging me with whoops and hollers that pound my eardrums.
Cassidy’s eyes skewer mine as I swoop down and drop my mouth onto hers. Tingles spark from where we’re connected, confirming what I already know. I snag her bottom lip between my teeth, sucking gently. The pressure melts her shock and she relaxes against me. Her breathy exhale grants me entry to glide my tongue along hers. I groan into her mouth. She tastes better than pitching a strikeout to win the series.
I slide my hand into her hair and several strands tumble loose from the braid. My grip cradles her head to steer the kiss. In response, Cassidy slings her arms around my neck and holds on for the ride.
This is meant to be chaste and quick, much like our first peck as kids. But my need for her rushes to the surface and consumes me. I’m not alone in this desperation to get closer. Cassidy hitches her leg higher and hooks herself to my hip. Our mouths form a tight seal that feels unbreakable.
We feed off this undeniable chemistry. I devour our combined heat until the threat of combustion thrashes through my veins.
It’s just us in this room. The crowd is drowned out when she mewls for more. That decadent tune repeats, spilling into my mouth like a shot of pleasure. My lips slide along hers to get another dose. Every slick lash from her tongue gets me higher. More intoxicated. Totally fucking gone. I lose myself in her and our second kiss that’s much more potent than the first.
My blood pumps faster and hotter, surging south at a record-breaking pace. The strain in my jeans doubles, along with the realization that we’re in public. I’m about to give the folks in Roosters a side of sausage they didn’t order. Nobody gets my bulge except the woman in my arms.
I don’t want to stop, but our spectators are getting rowdy. The chorus of cheers and shouts is almost deafening. Cassidy smiles into the last brush of our kiss and I sip on the curve of her mouth. After a final sweep of my tongue along her lower lip, I pull away and set her upright.
Our foreheads touch as she wobbles on her feet. I tighten my grip to anchor her to me. Letting go isn’t part of the plan. Cassidy’s grin spreads wider as if she can hear those possessive thoughts swirling through my head.
“How was that?” I exhale across her lips, which are somehow still painted.
“Way hotter than in my books.”
I whistle. “That’s high praise.”
“You deserve it.” This woman is a surprise from every angle. Her soft sigh could knock me sideways.
I can’t wait to see what else she’s capable of doing to me. “What’s gotten into you? Not that I’m complaining. This reaction is just… unexpected.”
“It’s been a very, very long time since I’ve had a night out. I’m taking advantage.”
“Well, this is the first of many. “
She hums in response. “Where are we sitting?”
“Your choice.” I thrust an arm toward my domain that’s hers for the taking.
Her striking gaze scans the space. About half the tables are occupied. “There.”
My attention swings to the high-top in the far corner hidden by shadows. “Very private.”
“Precisely.”
I motion her forward into the cock den. “Give me a second. Gotta grab something.”
Cassidy nods and begins weeding through the throng while I snag her gift from behind the bar. I keep my chin tucked to avoid distractions—mostly my friends and their nosiness—but a bottle of bubbly demands recognition. Two glasses join the bundle and then I’m crossing the room to our chosen spot. Her gaze tracks me, green flames burning brighter with each step I take. It’s a miracle I’m not incinerated by the time I reach her.
She quirks a brow at my choice of beverage. “Champagne?”
I get myself situated on the tall chair. “We’re celebrating.”
“Oh?”
“It’s our anniversary.”
Confusion morphs her expression into an unreadable mask. “Come again?”
“Again? Did you have to take the edge off before our date? I’m flattered that I get you so hot and bothered.”
Her freckled cheeks turn crimson. “Such trouble.”
“Later, beauty. You’ll come until your clit is numb. But be patient,” I chide. “This is for you.”
Cassidy studies the wrapped mason jar I’d been holding and now nudge toward her. “I was beginning to wonder.”
“Just don’t tip it upside down,” I warn.
“That’s a big hint.” She begins to open the paper folded neatly at the top.
Once the contents are revealed, I watch the memory splash across her expression. Seventh grade was seventeen years ago but the past floods back to me in a vibrant wave. She opened her locker on the Monday after our first kiss to find a single sunflower and a note. To brighten your day like you’ve brightened mine.
Her eyes lift to mine. “You remembered.”
“How could I forget?” I’d said something similar when we reconnected last week.
She pets one of the yellow petals. “We were just kids.”
“Doesn’t make your impact on me less significant. I knew you were special. Even back when I was a clueless teenager fueled by hormones and Mountain Dew.”
Cassidy is quiet for a moment, capturing me in her unwavering stare. “Who are you?”
I chuckle. “Is that a trick question?”
Her smile rivals mine. “You’re not what I expected, Drake.”
That could become our tagline. “How so?”
“I’m not sure how to describe it other than pleasantly unexpected.”
“Great description.” My laugh booms louder.
“Can you blame me for being flustered? You’ve caught me off guard. Again. This”—she points at the champagne and flowers before gesturing to me as a whole—“is very extraordinary. Above and beyond romantic. I kind of assumed we’d have a drink and call it a night. But now…”
“You want to see what happens,” I guess.
“I do.”
My stomach flips to catch the gallop in my pulse. “A toast then.”
A glance at the label proves this brut is worthy of the occasion. I unwrap the foil and pop the cork with expert efficiency. My friends erupt in applause for our benefit. Cassidy’s attention whips in their direction. Recognition flits across her expression when she notices Harper standing behind the bar. The others earn a wave in greeting.
“Your co-owners?” she asks once her focus is on me again.
“Garrett and Ridge. You’ll get a proper introduction soon,” I promise.
Once the flutes are filled to the brim, she raises one along with a questioning eyebrow. I lift mine to clink against hers.
“To us and our anniversary.”
“Ah, yes. The cause for celebration.” Yet she sounds unsure.
I sip the champagne but don’t take my eyes off her. “It’s been a week since we bumped into each other at Bean Me Up. We’ve accomplished so much in such a short amount of time.”
“You’re ridiculous,” she laughs.
“Nah, I’m just dick-ulous. For you.” I smirk, flashing her my dimples.
Cassidy watches me from over the edge of her glass. “You’ve been in Knox Creek since leaving the league?”
A phantom ache screams from my elbow at the reminder. “Yep, pitching is a young man’s game. Garrett proposed the bar concept and I couldn’t refuse. Here we are, four years later.”
She nods slowly. “Uh-huh, makes sense. You’re a star athlete, extremely attractive, and own the most popular place in town. How are you still single?”
“I’ve been waiting for you to find me.”
Her eyes roll twice for good measure. “What a line.”
“A straight shot to your heart.”
“Very smooth,” she praises.
I prop an elbow on the table and raise my flattened palm. Cassidy doesn’t hesitate to press her hand against mine. We intertwine our fingers together, as if the link is expected and comes naturally. I like that. A lot.
The years apart have enriched us. I’ve honed my appetite and diet to fit a specific flavor palate. She’s refined, more supple. Complex and layered. Eager for my touch. Exactly what I’ve been craving.
This is more than a public display of affection.
Cassidy rolls her lips between her teeth. “I have so many questions, but most can wait.”
I stay quiet for her to elaborate, but she just drinks her champagne. “Which one can’t?”
Emerald desire smolders from her gaze when she asks, “Did you put sex on the menu?”