Chapter 18
eighteen
As we walk into the only bar worth going to in Grovewood, Pop’s, there’s already quiet the crowd lining the bar top and the small stage in the corner. On Friday nights, Pop’s has live music and always draws a huge crowd from the colleges.
“Let’s grab one of those tables!” Ember shouts over the noise and music, pointing to a high top table to the left of the stage.
On the inside, Pop’s is not what you would imagine when you see the front of the building.
With the tin siding and exposed wood panels around the entrance, I expected to walk into a country dive bar the first time Ember brought me here.
But I was shocked to find that Pop’s is super edgy inside.
The bar top is a black lacquered wood with natural brown trim.
Plush black leather stools line the counter and surround each of the dozen or so tables scattered throughout the building.
The right side consists of four rolling garage style doors that open up onto a spacious courtyard where they have games and picnic tables set up. It’s an awesome hangout for any crowd.
Tonight, a local country singer is playing, and he’s drawn a huge following of fans.
The dance floor is jam-packed, and the energy is high.
Couples grind against each other to the gritty, half-rock, half-country sound of the performer’s voice.
I have to admit, it’s sexy and so is he.
But he’s got nothing on the man who is currently undressing me with his eyes.
I knew when I picked out the red wrap dress and black heels, Everett wouldn’t be able to keep his eyes off me.
That was the whole point. His eyes on me, the heat from his gaze trailing slowly across my skin, is everything I could ever want.
We take our seats around a bar height table, huddling in closely to each other to keep from bumping into any of the hundred other bar patrons.
Ember, Rory, and I each take a barstool, with Breaker taking the fourth. Eli and Ev stand behind Ember and I, keeping us separated from the mass of frat boys trolling for their nightly conquests.
“Drinks? Who wants a shot?” I ask with a wicked grin. I feel Everett’s warm hands grasp my hips playfully, knowing exactly what will happen if I start the night with shots.
“Easy, goddess. I don’t think the bathroom here is big enough for both of us,” he whispers in my ear, and a shiver wracks my entire body.
“Hey! Whatever is going on over there, knock it off,” Ember says, gesturing between Ev and I. I blush the brightest side of red and suppress a laugh.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Sparky. I was simply telling Kelsea how beautiful she looks tonight. It’s not my fault that Eli didn’t tell you that,” Everett shrugs and Eli shoots him a death glare. We all know Eli dotes on Ember, showering her with love and devotion as often as possible.
“Hey, Ember knows she’s fucking gorgeous,” Eli says, leaning down to place a sweet kiss on his wife’s cheek.
“Well, yeah. But I don’t mind hearing it either.
” Ember elbows Eli, and he gives her a sheepish look.
It’s amazing to me how comfortable all of this is.
I knew there might be some awkwardness when Ev and I got together, but everyone has been so supportive.
It feels so great to spend time with our best friends without judgement or expectations.
“How about Rory, Break? Doesn’t she look beautiful?
” I say, Rory’s shocked eyes locking on mine in an ‘I’m going to kill you’ expression.
Breaker gives me a scornful look, almost angry.
A long pause drags on as Breaker looks anywhere else but at Rory.
I see her features slowly fall, disappointment obvious on her face.
“Rory looks beautiful. You all do,” Everett says, breaking the tension and drawing a small smile from Rory’s lips.
“Thanks, Ev. I’m getting a drink.” Rory’s disappointment shifts to anger, her eyes blazing with determination.
I don’t know what she’s thinking, but whatever it is can’t be good.
She saunters off towards the bar, her hip hugging black leather shorts drawing attention from every man in the room.
I swear I hear Breaker growl next to me and I smirk.
That’s what he gets for not making a move.
“Quit meddling, Kelsea. It’s not our business,” Everett whispers where only I can hear. I turn, giving him a pointed look.
“She’s my friend, Everett. That’s my business. I just want peace, love, and orgasms for all my ride-or-dies. Thats not to much to ask.” I keep my voice low, but everyone at this table knows what we’re talking about.
“That’s not a thing, Kelsea Sawyer!” Ember scolds and I just laugh.
“Anybody heard this guy before? He’s pretty good.
” Elijah quickly changes the subject and we all turn to face the performer.
He is good. His voice is gravelly and deep, his lyrics sexy and sensual.
He sings something about being a possessive man and I snort, knowing exactly what that feels like.
Everett rolls his eyes, knowing I’m right.
He’s possessive and jealous, even though he has absolutely no reason to be.
I’m so in love with him I don’t even see any other man.
A slow song starts and Everetts fingers trace up and down my ribs.
“You wanna dance, goddess?” Everett asks, and I smile widely, nodding my head.
“What?! You’re volunteering to dance, Everett Wayne?! No fucking way,” Ember smirks at him, seconds away from telling him how whipped he is. Elijah covers her mouth with his hand, whispering something salacious in her ear, judging by the blush creeping up her neck again.
Everett takes my hand, helping me off the bar stool.
He turns his ball cap around backwards in the sexy way he always does when he wants to get closer to me without any barriers.
We make our way onto the dance floor, pushing through other couples until we find an open spot.
He pulls my body flush with his, leading me slowly around the space with his hand pressed tightly to my lower back.
He holds my free hand in his, close to his heart, wrapping me up in his arms completely.
I’m surrounded by him at every angle, his woodsy, leather scent driving me wild.
He kisses my hair softly as we sway and my eyes flutter closed, blissfully happy that this is my life.
“I love you, Kels. I’m glad we did this tonight. I’ll take any excuse to hold you like this.” His words are so sweet, but I feel the underlying heat in his tone. This dance is just the precursor for what’s to come later tonight.
“I love you too, honey. So much.” I slide my arms up around his shoulders, locking my fingers around the nape of his neck. His eyes are locked on my lips and my tongue darts out, teasing him shamelessly.
He bends quickly, capturing my lips with his in a searing kiss.
It’s full of promise and passion, telling me exactly what he has planned for me after we leave this bar.
We lose ourselves in each other, not caring that we’re in the middle of a public place.
His strong hands thread through my dark hair, tugging gently to move my head wherever he wants it, angling my mouth so he can kiss me deeper.
We dissolve into each other, no longer needing oxygen to survive.
All we need is each other and moments like this.
Glass shatters somewhere near the main bar, and we finally break away from each other.
Dozens of eyes lock onto the source of the sound and I squint through the din of bodies to see Rory shoving at some handsy frat boy.
He has her by the arm and she’s trying to yank out of his grasp as he and his buddies laugh.
Oh fuck, this won’t end well. I look to the table and see Eli motioning towards Everett, but Breaker is nowhere to be seen.
“Shit, stay with Ember, babe.” Everett guides me towards our table as he cuts through the crowd, making a beeline for Rory.
Before Eli and Everett can make it, Breaker is at her side.
He pulls her from the drunk frat boy’s grasp, pushing her body behind his with a murderous look on his face.
The drunk guy mouths off, his buddies coming behind him for backup.
This isn’t good. The last thing the guys need is a bar fight tonight, not that they started this one.
“I just wanted one good night,” Ember groans beside me, gathering her stuff and Rory’s before grabbing my hand as we move towards the door. Hopefully, the guys can diffuse the situation without fists flying, but we know we should be ready to go, regardless.