Chapter 24
Chapter Twenty-Four
Bailey
T hirteen days. I’ve miraculously held back from bringing myself to orgasm for three hundred and twelve hours. Nash and I have fought this buzzing sexual tension between us, neither one of us wanting to be the one to break first, for eighteen thousand seven hundred and twenty minutes. And counting.
Yet in one fleeting second, my resolve vanishes.
After I desperately dropped to my knees for him—something I never imagined I’d do on command—and took his large, thick cock into my mouth, I thought I was done for. Ruined by him because I know I’ll want no other man as much as I crave him. I’ve already spent a decade of my life pining for him, and now Nash has made me come on two occasions. Not to mention, I’m the most sexually frustrated I’ve ever been in my entire life.
How am I supposed to just stand here, in the middle of a crowded bar, full of hot, single men, with Nash just a few feet away, and pretend like I’m interested in dating?
Billie, Monroe and I spent countless hours planning the perfect event, one unlike Crossroads has ever seen. Brynn designed a gorgeous flyer and not only did we hand it out around town, we posted it through Billie’s social media—since she’s the only one of us with enough following to make a difference.
During a drunken night four years ago, when we went out to some karaoke bar in Tennessee, Billie jumped on stage to give her sweet rendition of Strawberry Wine. Of course, she was incredible, shocking the entire bar, and someone recorded her. The video instantly went viral. Though that was no surprise, because I know Billie has an amazing voice, one she’d probably go very far using if she only gave herself a chance. Needless to say, when people found out it was her, her social media following nearly quadrupled in only forty-eight hours. Now, after four years and countless videos of her singing, covers of songs for all to see, she’s amassed almost three million followers.
Obviously we don’t want that many people showing up, but single locals or folk from nearby towns are sure to make the trip out even if it’s just to see her.
Brynn and the girls walked up and down at the boardwalk near Rivers Bend—even down to Willow Creek and Fairhaven—putting up flyers, hoping to spread the word.
The stage is set. The night is young and full of potential—potential to be one of the greatest nights this town has ever seen, or an absolute disaster. Only time will tell. By the looks of it, things are not off to a good start.
The bar looks incredible. That's not the issue. The girls and I arrived way too early to decorate and set everything up and went all out. Pink, silver and gold balloons, streamers, and a giant backdrop with the words Cowgirls and Casanovas, spelled out in large rose gold balloons. There are themed desserts to accompany the specialty cocktails we’ve crafted for the occasion. It all looks amazing and way better than I expected. Parker’s even put together a special tasting menu inspired by Spanish Tapas and our bar staff is passing them around on metal trays for everyone to enjoy.
There’s even a great turnout—at least forty people here, a slight bit more women than males, but that was expected. Locals, out of towners, even a few tourists that found our flyers out on the boardwalk. There are even a handful that saw our post on Billie’s social.
Everyone’s on brand with the theme too. Women are dressed in denim and diamonds, cowboy boots and sparkly hats. While the men—I must say I wasn’t expecting there to be so many good-looking men out tonight but maybe it’s the tight fit Wranglers, that make their asses look oh so good, accompanied by the cowboy boots and hats that turn my legs into mush.
However, none like the man in leather that does me in.
Nash is here, of course, as are Monty and Jase. Camden was supposed to make the trip out, since his wife and he moved further up north for a few months to be closer to her family and sick grandmother, but they’ll be coming down for Thanksgiving next month, so they didn’t think another trip would be a good idea.
Nash looks dashingly sexy in dark blue jeans, a white tee that stretches over his broad shoulders and muscular pecs, and his usual leather jacket. My burning need for release has me about willing to run over to him, leaning so casually against the bar, and jump his fucking bones. Only I can’t be the one to give in first.
This little game we started where we challenged each other, betting who would be the one to cave first, is a nightmare. However, I didn’t know what else to do after he came in my mouth and practically claimed me for eternity by doing so. There’s no way I could ever be with another man now, not when my need for him has tripled since.
But it’s something that needed to be done. After the heated and emotional conversation we were having, Nash cut the tension and provided the two of us with the perfect distraction. I don’t know what came over me when I started throwing the past at him like he was responsible for my stupid feelings of self-worth and doubt. He never made me any promises, never said “Bailey, if you give me your virginity, I’ll stay by your side and love you for eternity” .
If anything, it was the exact opposite. Nash literally made me promise not to fall in love. He even intentionally repeated it that night, knowing exactly how I would respond. It took everything in me to brush it off, pretend like my world hadn’t gone still and his words made me nearly regret what I was letting him do to me.
Though what I can’t regret is having him in my mouth and watching him come apart, knowing I was responsible for the pleasure he was feeling. It was empowering to watch how his jaw tightened, the veins in his neck throbbing to the same beat his cock was as I took it all into my mouth until I nearly gagged from how big he was. I knew our first time had hurt like hell, but I was consumed with so much emotion I couldn’t register it. However, imagining him trying to fit his massive dick inside me now, well, let’s just say the urge inside me is incapable of holding back from sitting right on his lap.
Nash’s chest heaved as his orgasm built inside of him, my mouth and hand never once slowing down as his rough fingers tangled in my hair and pushed me forward to take him deeper. He tasted incredible, salty and clean, bold and perfect. The muscles in his abs contracted as he came, eyes closed, head falling back as he jutted his hot, thick cum inside my needy mouth.
My nails dug into his upper thighs, balancing myself as I sucked every last drop from him. My pussy ached, dripping along my lace thong as the need in me intensified. I was so eager to come. To feel his fingers, his mouth, and, oh God, I wanted his cock. I need him inside of me more than I need air to breathe.
Then, in a matter of seconds, everything about the situation changed. I realized how far I’d fallen for him, and how I was willing to go further for a single moment of his time. However, that’s all I’d get. Nash was here temporarily. I knew that, yet I still fell for him once again in a matter of weeks.
The hate I swore I felt became nothing but desire the moment I saw him again. Because I still saw some parts of the boy I knew. The way he spoke to me and caressed my cheek when he knew it’s what I needed.
Nash never made me any promises then, and he sure as hell didn’t now.
Then why was I willing to risk losing myself again for a chance at being temporarily his? Would it be enough?
“Bailey, are you even listening to me?” Billie shouts over the horribly loud music blaring from the speakers. Our usual live band is on a break and the DJ Brynn found online, who also was the son of the owner of the Red Barrel, is awful.
To answer my best friend's question—no, I wasn’t listening to her. Because I’m daydreaming about Nash Bishop on his knees for me as I blatantly stare in his direction.
Caught staring, I turn away embarrassed, my cheeks blushing red as I catch sight of Nash’s devilishly sexy smirk. “Sorry, Bills. What did you say?”
My best friend is adorable, dressed head-to-toe in bubble gum pink, matching denim skirt and vest over a white sparkly tube top and on her feet, white diamond encrusted cowboy boots. “You’ve got to go for it. This was your idea.”
I’m momentarily lost, but as she motions to the dance floor and the round cocktail tables we set up with flashcards for conversation starters and ice breakers, I know exactly what she means. “Speed dating is not my thing, Billie. I created this event for you. You are the one tired of online dating and face-to-face meetings that aren't working. I’m not in search of a boyfriend.”
There’s a mischievous twinkle in her eyes, one I know so well, as she flashes me a pearly white smile. “That’s because you already have a certain dark-haired, blue eyed, motorcycle riding ex-cowboy on your mind.”
Monroe laughs, but it's not amused laughter, more annoyed with the constant reminder I have a huge crush on the brother she currently hates. “Nash was definitely never the cowboy type.” She turns her attention to me, bright blue eyes rimmed with silver liner to match her white flared jeans and silver rhinestone top that bares her slightly less toned midriff. She in no way looks pregnant, more like she’s bloated after scarfing down a burger or something.
Billie extends a freshly manicured hand out, laying it on mine. Her bright eyes watch me with interest, unspoken words understood when she gives me a soft smile. “Come on Bailey, you’ve been single for the last four years, and yes, I’m not counting the summer fling you had with what’s his name who came down to the Outer Banks. He was a complete douche, and you were way too good for him.”
“What about Trent Baker?” Brynn interjects as she slides up to our table, a pitcher of mango margaritas in her hand. “Mama just told me he moved back home from California. Apparently, he and the hotshot actress he married are getting a divorce.” Not that Brynn’s here looking for love, but with her boyfriend out of town for the weekend, she claimed having nothing better to do.
I don’t get the opportunity to tell her how obnoxious the idea of dating Trent Baker is before we’re interrupted again.
“Yeah, he sounds like a real winner,” Nash says, creeping up behind us and inserting himself into our private conversation, much like he has the last few weeks.
Much to my dismay, although we’ve been avoiding each other—well, more like I’ve been avoiding him, so I don’t break first—he’s still here almost every night. Apparently, he’s on some quest to win my brother’s friendship back.
After I asked Nash if Jase was the reason he left, he refused to tell me the truth and they both continue to act like nothing ever happened, even though I know they’re both lying.
“Hello?” Monroe says, pushing her brother in the arm. “This is a private conversation. Quit eavesdropping, Nash.” Her tone isn’t as harsh as usual and it makes me wonder how they’ve been getting along recently, since Nash and she have seen each other daily back at the ranch as they continue to work on the renovations.
According to Monroe, things are progressing fast and are going very well, but I really haven’t had the chance to ask her about her relationship with him. It’s a good sign she’s not running out of the room crying when he enters, but she’s also been so preoccupied with everything else I think staying mad at him is low on her list of priorities.
Nash chuckles, an annoyed sound leaving him as he pours himself a beer. “If it’s private, then why are you speaking loud enough for the entire bar to hear?”
“Straighten my saddle and let me ride a cowboy,” Billie sings suddenly as the doors to Stingers open with a loud thud. In walks a gorgeous, horse riding cowboy dressed in blue jeans, a white dress shirt and brown cowboy boots that exquisitely match the hat over his head of light brown curls.
“Ooo, yes,” Billie coos, rubbing her hands together, scheming. “Jake Macallan. He’s been crushing on B since we were in middle school.” Maybe there’s something to be said about embracing the unexpected. And Jake Macallan is as unexpected as they come.
“And he works for daddy,” Brynn says, adjusting the straps of her white sundress to give herself a bit more cleavage.
Billie practically squeals as she takes a big sip of her margarita. “Even better. Mayor King already approves.”
Nash scoffs under his breath, clearly annoyed by their admiration of Jake and trying to mask his frustration. I recall running into him the night Nash took me to my parents’ house. Jake wasn’t happy I was there with Nash, but Nash, he was more than a little upset at the way Jake greeted me.
“Jake Macallan’s a fucking joke. That wannabe cowboy wouldn’t know what to do with a woman if she sat on his lap and told him exactly what to do.”
Sure, Jake has a charming smile and easygoing vibe, and Billie’s right. Daddy would surely approve of one of his daughter’s dating a guy like him.
“What, and you would?” The moment the question leaves my lips, I immediately regret it. Because I know exactly the kinds of things Nash can do with a woman.
Smooth as silk, he slides over to me, trailing a finger over my chin and down my neck as I attentively watch the way his throat bobs when he licks his lips. I unknowingly bite my lip in response and his lips turn up in a dangerous, panty melting smirk I am too much of a damn sucker for.
“Angel,” he says with the slight tilt of his head. His eyes gleam with intensity as he drinks me in, his gaze lowering to the dip in my top, down to the hem of my skirt falling at mid-thigh. I’m captivated by the energy radiating between us, fierce, heavy and ready to set anything on our path ablaze. Beside me, I hear someone gasp, but I don’t really care to see who it is. All I can focus on is the way Nash is looking at me. Like I’m the only one in this sea of women he wants to see. “I can tell you exactly what I’d do, but I’d much rather show you again.”
Raven, the new bartender we hired, who’s done an amazing job in the two weeks she’s worked here, scoots in between us, her gorgeous figure on display in a pair of short denim cutoffs and a green halter top. The rundown cowboy boots she wears add an edge to her already fashion forward style. While her long hair falls down her back in a coat of black, her eyes glisten like two emerald stones as she stares up at me, oblivious to the moment Nash and I were just having.
If she hadn’t also become a friend since I met her, I’d be really irritated with her for ruining the moment between Nash and me, but in this case, she’s a godsend. His lips were so close to mine. Who knows what I would have done next?
“What did I miss?” she asks, just as the backdrop we built comes crashing down.
I was wrong. Oh, so terribly wrong. This is a total disaster.
I’m startled when my phone buzzes against the marble counter of the bathroom sink. After the backdrop came crumbling down, I ran to the bathroom, needing a moment to myself to regroup. I’m about ready to explode from the tension in my shoulders and neck as I deal with the stress of putting this event together and the possibility of it being a total failure, and Nash taunting me when he knows I’m damn near ready to break.
Staring at my reflection in the bathroom mirror, I barely recognize the woman staring back. Although the sleeveless black lace cropped top, which looks more like a piece of sexy lingerie I’d wear under my clothes, is doing wonders to my self-esteem, especially paired with the tight leather skirt and my favorite YSL knee-high boots, I can’t help but feel like a fraud.
I’m not this confident, sexy woman I pretend to be. The makeup, outfits and shoes.
Unlocking my phone, I stare down at Nash’s name flashing on the screen. My heart quickens as I tap on Nash's name, the anticipation building with each passing second.
Nash: Where’d you run off to, Angel?
I can't help but smile at the endearment.
Me: I needed some room to breathe.
Nash: Is that your way of telling me I take your breath away, B?
I lean forward, closing my eyes, savoring the moment.
Me: You know you do, Nash. Stop acting like you don’t. It’s not cute.
Nash: Bailey?
Me: Yeah?
Nash: You take mine away too, Angel.
All the air in my lungs leaves at once as I read his message.
Nash: Especially in that goddamn skirt I want to tear off you using nothing but my teeth.
Heat pools between my legs at the vision that hits me.
Stepping back out into the bar, I adjust my skirt as I walk past Nash and Jase, hanging by the bar with Monty who looks bored out of his mind.
I know he's older than us, but he's not old by anyone’s standards. Not to mention, the man is a fucking smoke show. He’s got the sexy cowboy look down to a T. His dark brown hair is wavy and overgrown under his black cowboy hat, while the scowl he wears adds a bit of edge to the mysterious man I've never been able to read.
I give him a soft smile when he catches me staring, and he wholeheartedly returns it. Monty’s always been nice to me. He loves Monroe and I'm in her life, despite whatever happened between our families in the past. Regardless of what his brother did. But there’s always been a certain way he looks at me, and right now it’s clear as day. Monty Bishop looks at me with the same pity in his blue eyes as his brother.
My phone buzzes in my hand and I look down to read the new text from Nash as I make it back to our table by the bar.
Nash: Stop eye-fucking my brother, B. I’m trying to repair my estranged relationship with him, but if you don’t stop looking at him like that, I’m going to fucking knock his teeth in.
His jealousy makes me smile, and the little wheels in my head turn. So the way to get Nash Bishop to break is by making him obscenely jealous. Well, game on Bishop, it’s time to poke the bear and make him break. Then maybe he’ll get to make me come.
“This event is a fucking nightmare. It’s so boring, B.”
Billie’s right. What was supposed to be a fun mixer to help the locals in our town, and any tourists stopping by to potentially find their forever match, has turned out to be a flop. The live music isn’t hitting and instead of mingling around, everyone seems to be off on opposite corners like this is some middle school dance where the boys are afraid of the girls.
“It really is,” Monroe agrees, drinking the sweet tea we’ve been refilling her cup with. Luckily, everyone’s been too preoccupied with their phones to notice she hasn’t had a drop of alcohol.
Then it hits me. While everyone’s standing around, mindlessly scrolling through Instagram and TikTok, why don’t we give them a little something to look forward to? Just like that night in Tennessee when Billie went viral for her performance, I have just the thing to make this from total disaster to huge hit.
“I have an idea. I’ll be right back. Billie, get all the girls together. We’re going to need to get this party started.”
Heading over to the band currently playing some slow, old ambient country song that’s just not working, I tap the lead singer on the shoulder.
“Hey Louie?” I ask when she turns my way. “Mind playing that one song that went viral on TikTok? You know, the one about the guy who’s washed up and drunk in Austin? The singer even had this viral dance everyone recreated?”
Louie nods her head with a bright smile on her lips and I all but skip back to the girls, bringing them in for a small huddle. “I have a plan, but I need my girls.”
Billie claps enthusiastically, way too excited without knowing the extent of my plan. “You already know I’m up for anything, B.”
I nod. “Okay, so we need everyone. Brynn, Raven, Alexis, Penny, I need you girls to join in too.”
Raven’s smile reaches her eyes, excitement brimming inside them. “Of course, but what is it we’re doing?”
“Just trust me, okay? Follow my lead, but most of all, enjoy yourselves.”
Walking over to Nash, I stand right before him, forcing him to straighten his back when Jase’s eyes dart in our direction. “Hey there, cowboy,” I say, giving him a sexy little wink. Reaching for the cowboy hat on Jase’s head, one he definitely should not be wearing, I place it on Nash’s head, tugging it down so he’s forced to meet my gaze head on. The smile he gives me as his hand finds my lower back to steady us, makes my knees weak and I nearly buckle forward as a pang of arousal shoots between my legs. The world fades away, leaving just the two of us connected by the invisible tension.
“Breathe,” I whisper to myself, and I know Nash hears me but I don’t shy away embarrassed. Instead I rise on my tip toes, so that my lips are a mere inch from his throat. “Mind giving me a boost?”
Nash clears his throat as confusion covers his features but when I motion to the bar with a slight tilt of my head, he understands and snakes his arm around me, his hands falling on my waist. Gripping me tight, he lifts me into his arms and sets me down on the bar counter.
I hear Jase give a groan of disapproval, but we both ignore him, Nash’s gaze fixated on my legs as I round the bar top and stand right in front of him. My knees are at level with his chin and I know if he were to lean forward slightly and look up, he’d be staring directly at the red lace thong coated in my arousal.
The girls follow my lead, all going over to the three guys who guard the bar like they’re fucking security until we’re all up on the bar. The moment Nash is about to interject and surely ask us what the fuck we’re doing, the music starts and Billie squeals in excitement.
“Oh my God, Bailey. You’re a fucking genius,” she shrieks. “This is my Coyote Ugly dream finally becoming a reality.”
In a matter of seconds, everyone in the bar is on their feet and headed our way. Game on cowboy.