Hating to stare, he forced his gaze to shift to her friend, noting her wrist was in a splint. She was beautiful as well, and yet there was something about her that gave off a sisterly vibe. Looking toward the blonde again, he knew his immediate reaction to her was anything but sisterly.
Before he had a chance to speak, she said, “Obviously, I know Bill and Blay, but you’re new.”
Her voice was soft, which struck him as incongruent. He expected a louder, more rambunctious tone or perhaps a cat-like purr. She stared straight into his eyes, something else that caught his attention. No downcast or side glances. Just straight-up interest. Strangely thrilled that she recognized he was new, he flashed his version of a white-toothed grin. “I’m Rory. Blay and I grew up together.”
“So, why am I just now meeting you?” Her blue eyes seemed to light with what he hoped was interest.
“I just got out of the Army.”
She nodded, her lips still curved. “It’s nice to meet you, Rory. I’m Sandy. And this beautiful woman with her arm in a cast is Harper.”
After greeting both women, Bill stepped in, leaning closer to Harper, giving Rory a chance to focus on Sandy. He nodded toward her drink and said, “Does that actually taste like Lemon Drop candy?”
“You’ve never had a Lemon Drop Martini?”
A chuckle erupted, and he shook his head. “’Fraid martinis are not exactly my style, but I remember my grandmother used to keep Lemon Drop candies in a bowl on her coffee table. Probably drove my mom crazy since that bowl was within easy reach of all us kids.”
“Let me guess… you just couldn’t resist the sweet and tart, could you?”
Her eyes sparkled, and she leaned in ever so slightly. Even sitting on the barstool, she had to look up to hold his gaze. Her glossy lips were close, and his brain short-circuited as he thought about closing the distance and seeing if they tasted as good as they looked. Sucking in a deep breath, he forced his mind back to the flirting and off the kissing. “Sweet and tart… best combination. I can’t help but ask—are you anything like your drink?”
She threw her head back and laughed, and just like her smile, it caught him off guard. Her belly laugh was real, coming from deep inside. Holding his gaze again as her mirth slowed, she nodded. “I would have to say that most people who know me say I’m exactly like this drink.”
Just then, Harper’s voice cut through as she said, “I figure the arson detectives will get that all sorted.”
Rory was uncertain what Harper was referring to, but Sandy turned back to the other conversation. “Yes, well, it was one of the arson detectives that broke your arm!”
Blinking at the sudden jump in the conversation, he looked toward Harper in surprise. “What?”
Harper exclaimed, “Sandy! You know good and well that no one broke my arm.” She looked toward the men and said, “I just happened to be at a fire site, and one of the arson detectives startled me. It was the first time I’d met him, and he surprised me. I fell over and broke my arm.”
“Damn!” Blay exclaimed.
Harper blushed. “Detective McBride felt really bad. He even took me to the ER and then back to my car.”
It took a few seconds for her words to sink in before he heard Blay snort while trying to hold in his laughter. Thinking of his staid, control-freak oldest brother, he barked out laughter as well. Seeing both Harper and Sandy staring at him, unhappy expressions on both their faces, he pulled himself together, clearing his throat. “Perhaps I should’ve introduced myself fully. I’m Rory McBride. My oldest brother is Detective Sean McBride.”
Harper’s eyes widened, and she gasped. “It wasn’t his fault!”
“I’m sorry, really I am,” he rushed, wanting to allay her embarrassment. “It’s just my older brother is always correct in everything he does. He prides himself on being responsible. Sometimes, it’s a little hard for the rest of us to live up to his standards.” He patted her on the shoulder and added, “But you’re right, I have no doubt he felt horrible about this.”
He turned back to Sandy, her eyes now twinkling once again. Glancing at his watch, he grimaced, knowing he needed to leave, but now that he’d met her, he wanted to see her again. “I hate to drink and run, but I’ve got to go.”
Sandy cocked her head to the side and lifted an eyebrow. “Hot date?”
He wasn’t sure if she was just curious or sincerely interested. Jesus, I hope it’s the last. Grinning, he winked. “More like a hot meal with my mom and dad.” The way her crooked smile beamed up at him, he was certain she was interested. “Would it seem too forward if I asked for your phone number?”
Her smile dropped ever so slightly, and he could see her mind working behind her eyes. She opened her mouth, then hesitated, finally offering a little shake of her head. “How about we save that for next time.”
“So, you’re saying there will be a next time?”
“This is a great bar, so I’m sure I’ll see you here again.”
“You can count on it. And,” he winked, “I’ll be looking forward to that.” With a nod, he said goodbye and walked toward the other firefighters. “Heading to the parents’. I’ll see y’all tomorrow.”
Terry looked beyond him toward the bar and then back. “She shoot you down?”
“No, not really.”
Terry laughed and said, “With her, get used to it.”
Not in the mood to play stupid guessing games trying to figure out what Terry meant and not wanting to sully the conversation he’d just had with Sandy, he offered chin lifts to the others before heading out into the wind.
He had thought a storm was coming, but thinking of the image of the beautiful, sweet, and tart blonde inside, he wondered if he’d simply run into a whirlwind named Sandy.
3
A week later, Sandy held the door for Harper as they entered the Celtic Cock. Harper had regaled her with her work woes, including the infuriating Sean McBride. Grinning behind her friend’s back, she could tell that Harper was interested but knew that her friend would fight the attraction at first.
As soon as they stepped through the door, her gaze shot around the room, hoping to see Rory. The handsome firefighter had remained on her mind since she’d first met him, but this was the first chance she’d had to make it back to the pub.
She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been this interested in seeing someone again, but something about him struck her. Maybe it was the way he talked about his older brother, honestly confessing it was hard to live up to an older brother’s expectations while having obvious admiration for him as well. Maybe it was the way his hand had automatically reached out to offer her a choice of letting him assist her onto the barstool without putting his hands on her uninvited. Maybe it was the way he openly admitted that he needed to leave to have a meal with his parents.
Continuing to cast her gaze around the bar, she thought maybe it was the way his deep blue eyes had held hers as they chatted, not continually dropping to her breasts or scanning the bar to see who else he might find. Whatever it was, it had enticed her to want to see him again. Caution moved through her, but she didn’t need to remind herself to take it slow. What was surprising was a hint of excitement at seeing him again that mixed with the caution.
“Are you even listening to me?” Harper asked.
Jerking her gaze over to her best friend, she blushed. “I’m sorry. Yes, I have been, but… um… oh, hell, I confess my mind wandered.”
“Rough week at work? I’m blabbing on about my work and haven’t even asked about your week yet.”
The two settled onto barstools, waving to Torin and Maeve. After ordering their drinks, she turned back to Harper. “My week was pretty usual. I’m just trying to keep up with my growing business.”
“How’s the new designer working out for you?”
“Really good. It’s a bit tight to have hired him already, but I didn’t want to lose him to another firm. If I get the Partridge account, I’ll have plenty of money
to finally take the business where I want it to go.”
Even as she spoke, her gaze quickly scanned the room once again. She was aware other men in the bar followed her with their eyes. It would be false modesty to admit she had no idea that she was looked at. She’d been blessed with her mother’s thick blonde hair, heart-shaped face, and curves. They were the only things of value her mother gave her. Her father’s donation to her genetics included his blue eyes. She could probably throw in her business acumen, but she’d earned her degree and subsequent clients, not willing to have anything thrown her way by him. And her grandmother? Lessons on deportment had been drilled into her head.
Sighing, she ignored the blatant stares from a few of the men. It was her opinion that while many men appreciated her physical attributes, there weren’t many who wanted to know the true Sandy. And that was fine with her. She found very few men worth getting to know. But Rory? While she’d only shared a short conversation with him, she couldn’t help but want to have the chance to talk to him again.
“Why do I get the feeling you’re looking for someone?” Harper tried to hide the smile on her face, but before Sandy had a chance to speak, Harper placed her hand on Sandy’s arm. “We’ve known each other for a long time, Sandy, and you don’t have to say a word. Believe me, if you’re interested in seeing somebody special, I’d be the first to jump for joy for you.”
Shrugging, she took a sip of her Lemon Drop, glad to have a few seconds to think of a response. Sighing, she admitted, “Sometimes, I think that I’m always searching. Searching for the person that makes my heart race beyond the initial flirting.”
“Someone who makes you feel safe,” Harper added, her voice soft and her gaze full of concern.
She sucked in a deep breath and nodded. “Lord knows, I developed flirting to an advanced stage at an early age. My grandmother always told me to keep men guessing. Sometimes I wish I could get her voice out of my head.” She took another sip, her mind muddled. “Maybe I look too hard for something special. You know, basic freshman psychology… looking for someone to give me the attention I never got from my mother.”
“Oh, honey, don’t worry over that. But I do think that you’re smart to try to be safe.”
Her fingers held the stem of her glass and she swirled the last vestiges of her pale yellow drink. “Trust is so hard.”
“That’s why we hang together,” Harper claimed, giving Sandy’s arm a little squeeze.
Smiling again, she nodded. “And that’s why you’re my best friend. You let me be me,” she said, lifting her martini glass and tapping it against Harper’s wine glass.
The door to the pub opened, and unable to keep her curiosity hidden, she swung her head around and peered at the men who entered. She recognized some of them, most working for the police or fire departments. There were larger bars, trendier bars, those with live bands or filled with the up-and-coming businessmen and women who wanted to use drinks after work as a way to make beneficial connections. For her business, she probably should frequent one of them, working the room and drumming up potential new clients. But the Celtic Cock had been the only place she and Harper came to regularly. Somehow, knowing that Torin and Maeve kept an eye on the place and it was filled with first responders, she felt safe.
The door opened again, and this time she felt her breath rush from her lungs as Rory came into view. And just like the week before, as soon as her gaze landed on him, she was unable to keep the smile from her face. Tall. Dark, almost-black hair. Deep blue eyes. Muscular but not bulky. Fit and gorgeous, but not in a way that made her think he spent an abundance of time in the gym… or in front of the mirror. And that smile. Blowing out her breath, she hoped he turned his smile toward her.
Instead, he walked toward the back, stopping to chat with several of the other firemen. “A lady never gawks at a man.” She wanted him to notice her yet twisted around on her barstool to face Harper, not wanting him to think she was staring. A presence was felt at her side, and she turned around, seeing Bill lean in to grab his beer placed on the bar.
“Ladies. Gorgeous as ever.” He smiled at her before turning toward Harper to ask about her arm. Bill was a good friend to both of them. At first, he’d seemed interested in her, but she’d felt nothing but friendship. Then she thought he might be interested in Harper, but they remained only friends as well. Now, the three would spend time together without the pressure of trying to avoid the topic of dating. As he and Harper chatted, she lifted her gaze into the mirror behind the bar once more.
Rory was still standing to the side, talking with his friends. Suddenly, his head turned and his eyes met hers in the reflection. She considered playing it cool, but her wide smile slipped across her face. Thrilled when he started walking over, she took another fortifying sip of her drink.
“Hello.”
His deep voice moved over her, and she glanced over her shoulder, meeting his gaze full-on. “Well, hello.”
He turned slightly to greet Harper and Bill before shifting his body toward her. The bar was already crowded, but he maneuvered between her barstool and the person on the other side. He stood close while maintaining space between them. “Would it sound bad if I told you that I’ve been looking forward to this since the last time we met?” he asked.
“Hmmm, I’m afraid I don’t know you well enough to know if that’s a true statement or pickup line,” she said smoothly, cocking her head to the side, holding his gaze.
“Oh, it’s a true statement. If I was going to use a pickup line, I’d come up with something very classic… or cheesy.”
Lifting an eyebrow, she waited until Torin set Rory’s beer onto the bar and he’d taken a sip. “So, what kind of pickup line would you use?”
“Well, let’s see.” He appeared to think, then his lips quirked upward on one side. “Are you a magician? Because when I look at you, everyone else disappears.”
“Oh, is that the best you can do? I think I can come up with one better than that!” she laughed.
“Okay, go for it.”
She leaned forward and lowered her voice. “I may not be a genie, but I can make your dreams come true.”
“Damn, girl. Okay, okay, let me come up with a good one. Um… Do you have a pencil? Because I want to erase your past and write our future.”
“If I could rearrange the alphabet, I’d put U and I together.”
Grinning wider, he snapped back, “I wish I was crosseyed so I could see you twice.”
She had just taken a sip of her drink when she snorted, sputtered, then began coughing. As she tried to suck in a breath, his smile dropped, and he immediately patted her back gently until she regained the ability to breathe.
“Sandy, are you okay?” he asked, his face full of concern.
The sound of her name from his lips and whiskey-smooth voice curled around her, easing her breathing. Nodding, she blushed but continued to chuckle. “Death by pickup line. You got me with that last one. I can’t even think of another line.”
“Then how about I give you one for good measure,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “My buddies bet me that I wouldn’t be able to start a conversation with the hottest person in the bar. How about I buy you a drink with their money?”
Her mouth dropped open as her eyes widened. “I gotta hand it to you, that one’s a winner.”
He jerked back slightly, holding her gaze. “So, you’ll let me buy you a drink?”
Nodding slowly, she tapped her perfectly manicured fingernail against her now empty glass and winked. “I’ve only had one, but I can handle another.”
“How about before that drink, I entice you to a dance?”
The idea of moving around to music while close to him was exactly what she’d love to do. Tossing her hair over her shoulder, she grinned up at him. “That you can definitely entice me with.”
“Good to know.”
She’d been so engrossed in her flirting with Rory that she hadn’t realized Harper and Bill were staring
at her. Harper was smiling, but Bill had a speculative expression. Before she had a chance to give more thought to her friends’ reactions, Harper slid from her stool and said, “I’m going to head home. I’ve got an early day tomorrow, and Bill said he’d drop me off.” Leaning closer, she offered a hug and whispered, “Are you going to be okay?”
Sandy squeezed her best friend and nodded. “Don’t worry about me. I like him, but you know I’ll go home alone.”
Harper leaned back, her eyes searching, and nodded also. “Talk to you tomorrow.”
Turning back to Rory, she glanced at his outstretched hand and smiled. As his hand wrapped around her fingers, he assisted her from the barstool. He slapped some money onto the bar, and she grinned when he maintained the hold on her hand as they greeted others while weaving through the crowd.
Once they made their way to the small area for dancing near the back, she lifted her hands into the air, her Lemon Drop giving her just enough of a buzz to enjoy the beat of the music while focusing her attention on Rory. She loved to dance and had no doubt he noticed her moves as his appreciative gaze moved from the top of her head down to her stiletto heels and back, settling on her eyes. She mentally added bonus points to him for his gaze not lingering on her breasts.
Her clothing was carefully chosen to compliment her features but was never slutty—and never showed too much skin. “A lady should always know the difference between beauty and desperation.” She shook her head to dislodge her grandmother’s words, but as the main female in her life as a child, the southern matriarch’s teachings were firmly implanted.
She glanced down at her clothes. Coming from work, her light grey pencil skirt ended just above her knee, and the pink silk blouse exposed no cleavage. Generally, that didn’t keep a man’s eyes on her face, but with Rory, she felt as though he was just looking at her.
While these thoughts were swirling in her head, the music changed to a much slower song. Thrilled that he didn’t just grab her but instead held his arms out and tilted his head to the side in an open invitation, she stepped closer and lifted her hands to his shoulders. His hands slid around her waist, and she reveled in his embrace. As the song continued, they swayed back and forth in each other’s arms, her cheek resting against his chest. After a moment, she felt the slight pressure of his cheek now resting on the top of her head.
Rory: Hope City, Book 7 Page 2