Chapter 5
My heart flutters as I take one last look in the mirror, smoothing my hands over my curves hugged by the dark-wash jeans. The cap-sleeved top accentuates my cleavage in a way that makes me feel sexy yet classy. I slip on my ankle booties and take a deep breath.
It’s been months since my breakup with Christopher. His cruel words still echo in my mind—that I wasn’t thin enough, that he couldn’t understand why I wasn’t model-skinny even though I did yoga. Screw him. I’m determined to push past the ache and open myself up to something new with someone who likes and appreciates me for exactly who I am.
The doorbell rings. I grab my purse and hurry downstairs, unable to stop grinning as I open my door.
The sight of Moses standing there literally takes my breath away. His muscular form is showcased perfectly in snug jeans and a fitted sweater that outlines his sculpted chest and arms. His beard is neatly trimmed, and his dark hair is combed back. His intense eyes meet mine, and a smile tugs at his full lips.
“Hi,” I manage to say, my voice breathy.
“Hey, yourself.” His rich baritone washes over me. He looks me up and down appreciatively. “You look incredible.”
I blush, heat spreading across my skin. “Thanks. You clean up pretty well yourself.”
Hope flutters in my chest as I lock the door behind me. When I turn back to Moses, he extends his elbow to me, his eyes soft and earnest.
I put my arm through his, allowing his warmth and strength to envelop me as we walk to his truck. Butterflies dance in my stomach.
Something tells me this is going to be a great night.
When we arrive at Bullseye,the parking lot is packed with pickup trucks, and the muted thump of country music beats against the walls.
Moses cuts the engine and looks over at me, his brow furrowed. “Listen, if you’re uncomfortable at any point or want to bail, say the word and we’ll get out of here.”
I tilt my head, studying him. He seems on edge, his jaw tight and shoulders tense. “Is everything okay? We can do something else if you want.”
He shakes his head. “No, it’s not that.” He exhales heavily. “It’s… I’m still adjusting to civilian life. I’ve been out of the Army more than a year now, but crowds still make me uneasy.” His admission hangs vulnerably between us.
I reach over and squeeze his hand. “Thanks for letting me know. Remember, you’ve got your friends in there…and you have me. I’ve got your back. We’re in this together.”
Surprise flashes across his face, then melts into a warmth that reaches his eyes. He opens and closes his mouth as if unsure of what to say. Eventually, he says, “I appreciate that, Bridget. More than you know.”
My heart flutters at the sincerity in his deep voice. The urge to wrap him in my arms and comfort him crashes over me.
Moses climbs out and rounds the truck to open my door. I hop down, and he drapes a strong arm around my shoulders. I lean into his side, relishing the heat of his body and the way my softer curves fit against him.
Right before we reach the doors, Moses pauses and looks down at me intently. “Don’t let the guys give you any crap in there. Razzing is their favorite pastime. They can get carried away.”
I meet his gaze and raise my hand to cover his where it rests on my shoulder. “We’re a team, remember? We’ve got this.”
He gives me a little squeeze, then leads me inside the lively bar, straight toward a group of rugged men gathered around a high-top table. Raucous laughter and good-natured insults fly between them.
As we approach, nervous excitement zips through me.
I plaster on a bright smile as a bearded man spots us. “Well, well, well. Moses finally decided to come out of the woods and grace us with his presence!”
Moses grunts, but I can tell there’s something bashful about it like he enjoys the teasing but wouldn’t say so. He turns to me and smiles, and my heart skips a beat at the tenderness of his gaze.
Moses introduces me to a tall man and a pretty dark-haired woman. “Bridget, this is Lucas and his wife, Jessica.”
They greet me enthusiastically. Jessica immediately steps forward and pulls me into a hug, her smile warm and genuine. “It’s so nice to meet you, Bridget! I was beginning to think Moses made you up.” She winks playfully.
I laugh. “Nope, I’m real. It’s great to meet you, too.”
“Everyone is around here. Nathan’s off smack-talking like he’s going to win this thing,” Lucas laughs, rolling his eyes.
I watch as Moses looks around the bar and nods. “I’ll make sure you meet everyone properly. Dane is that giant over there,” he says, gesturing to the bar.
One glance, and I immediately know who he’s talking about as a tall, burly blond man waves down the bartender.
Moses and Lucas exchange a quick bro-hug, slapping each other on the back. “We’re gonna grab fresh drinks. You okay with beer, Bridget?”
“Yeah, beer is fine. Whatever you all are drinking.”
“Excellent choice,” Lucas laughs. “Can we trust you two not to get in trouble without us?” he asks with an exaggerated wink.
“We’ll be fine,” Jessica assures him and gives him a quick kiss. As the men head to the bar, Jessica links her arm with mine conspiratorially. “So, tell me everything! How did you and Moses meet? I barely know anything about him; he’s always so quiet at gatherings. All I heard is that maybe he had a woman in his life.”
I hesitate, unsure how much to divulge. “We met at yoga. Moses has been taking one of my classes.”
Jessica’s eyebrows rise. “Moses? Doing yoga? That’s unexpected.”
Smiling, I shrug. “He’s getting pretty good at it. But yeah, he’s different from my other students.”
She nods thoughtfully. “Lucas says he’s a great guy, but yeah, he keeps to himself and tends to stay up at the fire watch. He comes down for meetings, but we don’t see him out on nights like tonight much. I’m glad he’s getting out there, though. With you.”
Just then, a gorgeous redhead arrives at our table, two beers in hand. “Here you go, Jess! Who’s this?” She appraises me curiously.
Jessica jumps in. “Marian, this is Bridget, Moses’ date. Bridget, meet Marian. She’s engaged to Reggie, who’s around here somewhere. She’s one of the bartenders at Waylon’s bar, King Tap.”
“A rare night off, yet here I am at another bar,” Marian jokes, her eyes twinkling. “But I couldn’t miss cheering on Nathan!”
As the women laugh and clink bottles, I decide I like them already. Everyone is making me feel welcome, like I’m already part of a large, sprawling family.
Suddenly, a large hand comes to rest on my lower back. I turn to find Moses beside me again, his woodsy scent enveloping me. He and Lucas each put fresh bottles of beer on the table. Moses hands one to me and touches his bottle to mine. We don’t say anything for our toast, but my stomach fills with butterflies because I’m toasting to us and where I hope this night leads.
I put my hand lightly on his waist, smiling when his eyes flutter with surprise and he inhales quickly. Seeing the effect I have on him makes me feel stronger and more desirable than I have in months.
“Doing okay?” he murmurs, his lips brushing my ear.
A shiver runs through me, and I nod, tilting my head back to meet his eyes. His eyes search mine, and my heart flutters. How does he make me feel so safe and wound up at the same time?
Swallowing hard, I relax into his embrace. “I’m good,” I assure him. “Your friends are great. I’m having a good time.”
Moses smiles, and it feels like everything in the world is perfect.
“Here, let me introduce you to the rest of the crew,” Moses says, guiding me toward a group of burly men. My stomach flutters with nerves as we approach.
“Bridget, this is Nathan, Reggie, Daryl, and Waylon,” he announces, pointing to each in turn.
They pause their conversation to greet me.
Nathan steps forward first, his ginger beard split in a welcoming grin. “Good to finally meet you,” he booms. “We’ve heard a lot about you.”
Heat floods my cheeks, and I glance at Moses questioningly. He shrugs, a half-smile playing at his lips. Interesting.
I return Nathan’s smile. “Likewise. And congrats on making it to the finals! I’ll be cheering you on.”
“Much appreciated.” He winks. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, we’re due to get started soon.”
I watch as Nathan joins a bunch of men standing in a group in front of the axe-throwing lanes.
Marian and Jessica bustle off toward the crowd and join two more women. Moses surprises me by staying with me and keeping his arm around me.
Daryl lets out a raucous whoop, sloshing beer from his mug. “Let’s get this party started!” he hollers. “My money’s on Nathan kicking all y’all’s’ asses!”
The men erupt in loud protests and good-natured ribbing. Moses rolls his eyes, but I catch an amused glint in them.
“Never a dull moment with this bunch,” he says, smiling as he shakes his head.
“I’m starting to see that. I like them.”
“Good.” Moses drops a quick kiss on my temple.
“This is all a bit overwhelming. But in an exciting way, you know?”
He nods, studying my expression closely. “We can leave anytime if it gets to be too much. Just say the word.”
“No, no. I want to stay,” I assure him quickly, touched by his concern. “I’m glad you brought me tonight. It’s important to you, and I want to share this with you.”
Something deep and meaningful kindles in his ocean eyes. “You’re important to me,” he says gruffly. “More than anything.”
Happiness surges through my heart, and tears prick the backs of my eyes. I stretch up and softly kiss his lips. “You’re important to me, too, Moses Butcher. Very much.”
His answering smile is tender, and my core flames with need when I see the naked desire in his eyes.
“Bridget, mind if I steal you away for a few minutes?” Jessica appears at my elbow, her brown eyes sparkling with friendly warmth.
I glance up at Moses questioningly, and he nods, gently squeezing my shoulders before releasing me.
“Sure, that sounds great,” I reply with a smile.
Jessica leads me to a table where Teresa and Marian are already seated, watching the competition with avid interest. The men have clustered around Nathan, offering rowdy encouragement as he prepares for his turn.
Marian grins at me as I slide into an empty chair. “So, how’s the big date going? From the looks of things, I’d say pretty darn well.”
A warm blush stains my cheeks, but I can’t contain my answering smile. “It’s wonderful,” I confess happily. “Moses is...he’s really special.”
“He seems to think you’re special too,” Teresa observes, her gaze drifting across the room to where Moses stands with his friends. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him so focused on one person before.”
Curiosity prickles through me, and I lean forward intently. “How long have you all known him?”
Teresa shrugs. “It’s been about a year since he started working with Waylon. But honestly, none of us know him all that well. He mostly keeps to himself.”
“Somehow, that’s not surprising.” I smile, hoping that he lets me in—really lets me in—like I hope he will.
Every time we’re together, my heart expands a little more. Could I be as lucky as I hope I am?