Bittersweet: Can she rebuild her life?

by Lyz Kelley

  He could twist her into a triple knot. He knew it. Her heart knew it.

  She’d be a fool to let him near her wounded heart. He’d crush the remaining bits.

  Her bruised and battered soul couldn’t take the risk of loving anyone ever again.

  Chapter 6

  For boys’ night out, Heath agreed to meet Chase at the local pub.

  It was Chase who had the idea to meet at Mad Jack’s, not him, though the thought of hanging out where Leza worked gave his male parts something sweet to fantasize about.

  He stopped just inside the front door to look around the crowded space for his buddy, and the gorgeous woman who kept tumbling through his thoughts more often than she should.

  The tang of barley and burgers teased his senses. The sports bar with pool tables, dartboard lanes, and wide-screen televisions broadcasting sport games appealed to his casual side.

  A few folks waved with a nod as he made his way to the bar.

  “Hey, Heath,” said one.

  “What? No work, studying, or Ellie tonight?” someone else asked.

  Heath leaned against the antique wooden bar top. “Nope. Ellie is at a sleepover. She insisted Gunther wanted to play dress-up, so I’m off dog duty as well. Plus I’m in between courses. A couple more quarters and I’ll be done. Man, I can’t wait.”

  “That’s great. Then you can start on your water rescue course,” Jack chimed in.

  Heath laughed, but his gut wadded into a knot. “Give me a chance to finish my criminology course first.”

  Heath hated school. Always had. But the military had taught him how to study, and how to apply what he learned. To keep his job and food on the table for El, he needed to earn a criminal justice certificate. He respected and was grateful to the sheriff for giving him time to study and train, and for his leadership. The military, at least, gave him the money to pay for school.

  Someone flicking his ear made him pivot. “Chaser. Buddy, you better watch yourself.”

  “Bring it.” Chase slid onto a seat next to him. “You must be getting old. You're a bit slow.”

  “Go dunk your head in a toilet.” He snarled and grabbed a handful of bar mix. “Did you win the construction bid you were putting together the other night?”

  “No some Denver dude came in and undercut us. That's all right. He'll figure out pretty quick how much it costs to transport materials and equipment up these hills. He won't make the same mistake twice.” Chase pulled the nut bowl closer. “You look like a bird just shit on your mess kit. What’s up with you?”

  “Between work, school, and El, my ass is dragging. I’m not complaining. The Marines taught me about exhaustion. This is just a different type, that’s all.”

  “I don’t miss the heat or the sand, but I know what you mean.” Chase glanced at Jack, who was working the counter, taking orders, and delivering drinks. “I miss the guys.”

  “I hear you, man. Always thought I’d be a lifer. I should have known not to plan anything beyond next week. The story of my life. Can’t thank you enough for getting me the job.”

  “Quit with the thanks bullshit.” Chase signaled an order to Jack. “The sheriff needed to find guys with training and a steady personality who are on the right side of the law. The timing just worked.”

  “El loves you and Ashley, and she tolerates her teachers, which is a plus. You were right. This place is pretty accepting. Although I still feel crappy about El having to leave all her friends.”

  “With your parents in Arizona and no support system in Kansas, what were you supposed to do?”

  “I didn’t have much choice. But I still need to find a place that’s closer to Ellie’s school. I was seriously annoyed when I realized she was really sick and the snow was too deep to move the SUV. I can’t live that far back in the woods.”

  “Be patient. A house you can afford will come up for sale. You’ll see. Until then, you can’t beat the views, plus there’s fishing, hunting, and skiing. You gotta love living here.”

  “Who has time for fishing? Although, as I just told Jack, I have only two more quarters, and I’m done with school, thanks to a ton of job experience credits.”

  “Time flies. It seems just yesterday Ash was pregnant with our first. Now we're working on baking number three.”

  Three kids. Wow. And we’re the same age. “Time flies. It’s been a year since my sister’s funeral. Seems like yesterday.”

  “Is Ellie still having bad dreams?”

  He pinched the bridge of his nose to stifle the ache coming on. “Yeah. But they’ve changed. Now she wakes up screaming for me. I think she’s afraid she’ll lose me too.”

  “Poor kid.”

  “I’m trying to figure out ways to help her feel safe.”

  Jack dropped off the ordered beers. “Guys. A table just came open,” he pointed at a booth across the way. “It’s yours if you want it.”

  Chase shook his head indicating he’d like to sit on the stool at the bar, but Heath noted the cute brunette wearing a pair of tight-fitting jeans that wrapped around her hips oh-so-perfectly, taking an order at the next table. “We’ll take it,” he sputtered before Chase had a chance to respond.

  “Dude, what are you doing? I want to watch the game. You can’t see the football game from there.”

  Yeah, but he could see a whole lot more. “Jack, can you change the channel to the game?” He pointed at the closest television.

  “Sure, no problem.”

  Heath grabbed his beer. “Trust me. You’ll be able to see what you want, and I’ll be able to see what I want,” he said, tipping his head toward Leza.

  Chase tracked Heath’s line of sight. “Here, take a couple of extra napkins. You’re drooling all over yourself.”

  “F off.”

  Chase snorted a chuckle and slid off the stool. “Lead the way, Romeo.”

  “Just because you’re wearing the marriage blindfold and have an adorable wife doesn’t mean I have to lock myself in a closet. Besides, she’d already said she’s not interested. I just want to see the view.”

  Chase’s mouth crooked up on end. “Looks like you’ve been stripped of your ‘spoiler’ title.”

  He shook his head. “What can I say? The women on the base loved my smooth moves.”

  “Maybe you should take her dancing.”

  “Maybe.” Heath plopped the peanut bucket in the middle of the table. “Do you know those dudes?”

  Chase leaned sideways to see past the giant wooden beam separating the booths. The pool table area was at the back by the dartboard lanes. One of the guys had trapped Leza in the corner, his ginormous size making it impossible for her to escape. With a tray full of empties, she could do nothing but wait patiently while Mr. Ginormous made his shot and then straightened to let her pass.

  The jerkwad acted casual, but he had a clear agenda. When he leaned in to whisper in her ear, she moved the tray in between their two bodies.

  “Spoiler. Take it easy. This isn’t the base, and those aren’t recruits.”

  Heath leaned back against the booth. “I’m not looking for a fight. Those days are done. But if that guy keeps it up, he’ll be walking on the thin edge of a harassment charge.”

  Chase scratched his jaw, cupped his face, then slid his hand over his week-old stubble. “You never were a scrapper, which is why I recommended you to the sheriff, but when women get pushed around, you go off.”

  “You’ve never had a sister to protect. Guys can be assholes.”

  Leza dropped her tray off at the bar and flipped open her ordering pad. She glanced up. A little hiccup tripped her fluid step. She saw him, and he liked the way he unbalanced her just a little bit.

  “Gentlemen. What can I bring you?”

  Heath pointed over his shoulder. “Do you know those guys?”

  Leza glanced over at the six-foot-plus, jeans-wearing, ego-toting males. “Nope. They’re staying at the resort up the hill. I figure it’s a bachelor party weekend, and they’re here to mis
behave.”

  “Is that what they said?”

  “I saw them drive into the parking lot in their BMW. From the bits of conversation I’ve gleaned, they’re city boys, through and through. Plus, based on the two hundreds they plopped on my tray with the order to ‘keep it coming,’ they’re here for a last hurrah, and are accustomed to treating others like the little people.”

  “I’ll keep an eye on them.”

  “No you won’t.” Her expression reminded him of a drill sergeant ready to dress down a recruit for not putting his uniform on correctly. “You’re off duty. I’ve got this. Relax. Have fun.” She fished a pen out of her apron pocket and held out a pad, poised to take their order.

  “I’d have more fun if you agreed to go dancing with me.”

  Her eyes flashed a warning. “Haven’t we had this conversation before?”

  “Maybe,” his fingers tapped a steady cadence. His grin widened, “but the discussion never ends the way I want.”

  “Then maybe you should change topics, or have the dialog with a person who might be interested.”

  “Ouch.” He picked up the silverware bundle and feigned a stab to the heart.

  Chase sitting across from him worked hard to cover his laugh.

  Heath huffed a sigh. “If I can’t order up your phone number, then I guess I’ll take a French dip with extra horseradish and au jus.”

  “Any fries? Another beer?”

  “Both.”

  “Same here,” Chase added before turning back to the large screen.

  Leza tucked a pen into her messy bun and strode away, stopping to pick up empty glasses and plates as she went. He liked the way her jeans stretched, and her muscular arms moved, and her breast mounds plumped out of the top of her T-shirt. A peanut shell bounced off his forehead and skidded across the table.

  “What?”

  “You know what?” Chase sighed and shook his head “You have girly tunnel-vision, and bad.”

  Heath crossed his arms and sat back. “You gotta admit, she’s a spitfire.”

  “She’s more like a tank who’s gonna run over the top of your ass.”

  “I wouldn’t mind her being on top.” Heath grinned while Chase shook his head again.

  “You sure about that? Joe told me she’s been through some crazy shit.”

  I hope you’re not implying she’s crazy, cause I’d have to give you an ass-whupping. “Did he elaborate?”

  “You know Joe. He’s not one to say much. Think about it. For almost three years, he kept the FBI and DEA stuff under wraps. To this day, not even Mara knows what was going on. Ashley told me Leza disappeared a couple of days before Joe’s brother was killed. What are the odds? Based on what’s on your plate, maybe now isn't the time to indulge in complications. Weren’t you just complaining about finding time for school, work, and Ellie?”

  “It’s a matter of balancing.” Besides, a man has needs. He sifted through the thoughts congregating in his head. What is it about her that keeps me wanting to come back? She was like a good suspense movie. He itched to ferret out her clues.

  Raised voices drew his attention toward the bachelor boys. Leza, a foot shorter than both dudes, was holding back the attitude.

  Without thinking, Heath slid from the booth.

  “Here we go,” Chase muttered.

  “Is there a problem here?” Heath raised his voice just above the crowd noise to make his presence known.

  “What’s it to you, pal?” Mr. Ginormous whirled and faced Heath with in-your-face intent.

  Leza stepped in front of the drunk. “Easy there, big guy. No harm. No foul. But watch where you’re putting your hands.”

  His glassy stare meant another couple of shots and he’d be sleeping through his wedding.

  “Let me call you a ride,” Leza suggested.

  The bachelor tossed his pool stick on the table. “I don’t want a ride. I ordered another shot. Where’s my shot?” He flung his arm wide, as if expecting Leza to jump to do his bidding.

  Mr. Demanding didn't know Leza like Heath did. She wouldn’t budge if she didn't want to, but he didn't like how the two men sandwiched Leza between them.

  “Guys. I think you’ve had enough.” Heath moved to the other side of the pool table to draw them away. Chase hung back. “Why don’t you call it a night?”

  “I want my tequila.” Mr. Ginormous reached out and smacked the underside of Leza’s tray, sending glass and liquid flying.

  The alcohol quickly soaked through her T-shirt.

  Smooth move, asswipe. You just yanked on the lioness’s tail. Her claws are out now. If I were you, I’d run.

  “That’s it,” Leza flicked liquid beads not all ready soaked into the fabric off her shirt. “I'm not serving you anymore. You've been cut off. Out. Now.” She pointed at the door.

  Bachelor turned to glare at her. “Why, you little bitc—”

  Leza tugged the nearest pool stick from the rack, swept the drunk’s feet out from under him, and hit his wingman in the pec to double him over. A stick over the back kept him down.

  She walked over to glare at Mr. Ginormous who suddenly seemed rather small. “I said no more. One more word and I’ll have this deputy treat you to a night in jail.”

  Bachelor rolled to his side and groaned. “On what charge?”

  “Disturbing the peace. Disorderly conduct. Assault. And anything else I can think of.” Leza pushed the pool cue against the back of the guy's hand. “And if you’re stupid enough to reach for the knife in your pocket, I’ll add more charges. After I break your hand.” She leaned her weight in. “It would be a shame if you couldn’t put a ring on one of those fingers.”

  He lifted his hands over his head in surrender.

  “Wise choice.”

  Jack came around the end of the pool table. “Is there a problem here?”

  Leza shrugged. “No. No problem. We were having a conversation about settling the bill and getting a ride back to the lodge...weren’t we, boys?”

  “Bitch,” Wingman spat under his breath.

  Leza flipped the pool cue back over her shoulder and thunked Mr. Rude on the head.

  “Fuck.” Wingman rubbed the spot, which was now turning red.

  “Let me repeat.” Leza spoke slowly and clearly, as if addressing El's grade school class. “You will settle your bill, and then accept a nice ride back to the lodge. Correct?” Her brow lifted. “And just so you don’t have to think too hard, the answer to the question is, ‘yes, ma’am.’”

  “Yes, ma’am,” sounded in unison.

  “Good,” Leza dropped the pool cue on the table and picked up her tray. “I’ll let these nice gentlemen see that you pay your bill while I go change.”

  Leza walked around the end of the pool table, weaved through the groups of customers with her shoulders back, head high, then disappeared into the back.

  The brazenly beautiful woman entirely ensnared his heart. If he was smitten before, he was totally infatuated now.

  She could be trouble. Lots of trouble. The kind of pain he should avoid, but this time his head and his heart weren’t in agreement.

  In the Marines he’d avoided connecting. Each day on the front lines was one more day he might go home in a coffin. But stateside, in a permanent way, he kept coming up with new possibilities.

  Family possibilities.

  “What are you standing there for?” Jack’s sarcasm brought Heath’s focus front and center.

  “You want me to charge them?”

  Jack helped Mr. Ginormous to his feet. “No. I want you to shove them in your SUV. You and Chase can dump them at the lodge.” He held the big man against the pool table to assess the guy’s head, and to retrieve car keys. “You don’t need stitches.” He patted the guy on the chest. “You’re good to go.” He eyed the bachelor. “Don’t even think about it.”

  “What?” Mr. Ginormous touched the bridge of his nose, probably checking to see if it was broken.

  “This town is way too small. Ev
erybody knows you're about to take a piss even before you do, so don’t think about coming back here.” Jack chuckled at the cross-eyed glare. “Have a good wedding, and a good life.”

  Bachelor stumbled forward and grabbed his coat as he headed for the door.

  “So much for my night off.” Heath waited for Wingman to follow his friend.

  Jack placed a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll have a hot meal for you when you come back. How’s that?”

  He’d rather have a hot kiss, but now wasn’t the time or place to say out loud what he was thinking.

  He’d keep those fantasies to himself for a little while.

  “Chase, you coming?”

  Chase leaned in to grab his coat. “Yeah, just let me check the score.”

  Some things never changed.

  Others he wished would, like getting that brunette to give him a break and go out with him.

  Chapter 7

  At 2 a.m. Leza walked out of the bar and paused, having a déjà vu moment.

  What was it with the sheriff’s deputies in this town?

  She didn’t need protection. The last time Sam wanted to protect her from two heroin-dealing biker dudes, she ended up sleeping with him.

  She didn’t need to repeat history.

  “Heath. Is there a reason you’re sitting out here? It’s way past freezing.”

  “Just making sure a couple of guys didn’t sober up and decide to come back.”

  She shook her head. “I can take care of myself. Plus, I asked you not to get involved.”

  He uncrossed his feet and arms and pushed off the sheriff’s department’s SUV. “You certainly proved you didn’t need any help tonight, but aren’t you tired?”

  Her feet, back, and head thumped. The six-hour shift had seemed like twelve. Yet she suspected he didn’t mean tired physically. “I’m good.”

  “I know you’re good.” He stepped closer. “You’re damn good, but you didn’t answer my question.”

  She stared at the moonless sky to tease her mind into finding the Big Dipper instead of indulging in her desire to wrap her legs around a warm, robust man's hips. “You should go home. You have a little girl and a dog to take care of.”