by Brooke Page
“Everett,” Jonah acknowledged, a cigarette in his mouth while he took a shot.
“Jonah. You mind if Colt and I use the table next?”
Jonah moved to the other side of the table, not bothering to give me eye contact. “Only way you’re going to get this table is if you play for it.”
Colt came over holding two more fresh bottles of beer. “Sounds like a challenge.”
Jonah smiled at Colt, but I could see right through him. He was a cocky son-of-a-bitch who got away with murder, and was most likely part of where the missing people were disappearing to. “Hey, Deputy. Didn’t know you were off duty on Sundays.”
“I’m never really off duty.” Colt smiled, but by no means was friendly. “Vancy’s got next game.”
Jonah held his pool stick in both hands. “Hey now, Deputy, you can’t boss me around here. Let’s have some fun and play for it.”
“Works for me,” I said nonchalantly. “We can play doubles.”
Jonah looked around the bar, a broad grin spreading across his face when his eyes found the front door. I couldn’t help but follow his gaze, my heart doing somersaults when I saw who he was transfixed on.
Chapter Eleven
Lauren
“This is a dumb idea. I can’t believe you talked me into this,” I grumbled, pulling on the dress Marcy insisted I wear.
“You need to get out more,” Marcy huffed, dabbing more lipstick along her lips as we walked into Bud’s Bar. I hadn’t worn this much makeup since Colby’s funeral.
“Yeah, but do I need to dress like this?” I sighed, holding my arms out and motioning to the black dress. It was flowy at least, and I put my foot down when it came to keeping the jean jacket.
“Yes, you do. It’s from my store, and you’re an amazing model for one, and two, who knows who you could run into?” She stopped me before we reached the front door, fussing with my hair so the curls would fall perfectly on my shoulders. “And as much as I wanted you to go without the top because the sexy dip in the back of that dress is to die for, you still make that jean fabric look good. Now, put on a smile, and let’s have some fun!”
“All right, but we can’t stay long. I told Pete and Bonnie it would be an early night.” I did as she asked, and pushed open the door to the smoky bar. You’d think the smell would bother me more, but it reminded me of Colby. The only place we ever went out was Bud’s.
Marcy waved me off. “Mom and Dad don’t care what time you get her. She could spend the night.”
“She has school, and I have work, and don’t forget you’re giving us both a ride.”
“I’ll take you wherever your heart desires.”
An arm snaked around my waist, startling me. “My partner just showed up!” It was Jonah, pulling me from Marcy and giving me a hug. “Hey, Lo, long time no see.”
I laughed and hugged him back. “Partner for what?”
“We’re being challenged in pool, and since you’ve got the sharpest shot in town…”
I held in my snort. “I don’t think that’s true.”
“Come on, Lo,” Colt encouraged from behind me.
I froze in place when I turned to greet him.
There was Vance, leaning against a bar top table with his arms crossed, looking all devil without a cause. He had a basic gray t-shirt on with washed out jeans. His ocean eyes were taking me in from head to toe, an obvious hunger releasing in his stare.
I should have crumbled by his presence, melted into a big puddle on the ground, but I did the opposite. I had the wheel now, and if he really wanted me back, he was going to have to work for it, especially after all he had confessed.
A slow smile settled on my lips. “You know what, let’s play.” I had a new found confidence. Sliding off my jean jacket, I handed it to Marcy. “I think you were right, Marcy, I didn’t need this.”
“That’s my girl!” Jonah cheered, calling over the server. “Get my partner a beer.”
“I’d like a shot of tequila as well,” I said. My lip quirked upward when Vance scowled at my request. “Make it two.”
“Woohoo! Like the queen she is!” Jonah shouted. “I’ll take the same!”
Jonah’s buddies laughed, all of them taking turns to greet me. It was Colby’s old clan, and I hadn’t hung out with them since he died. It felt good, but not as good as making Vance sweat in the corner of the bar.
Marcy came over while Jonah set the table, a huge grin on her face. “That’s the spirit!”
Colt stood behind Marcy, kissing her cheek. “You ladies are going to start trouble tonight.”
Marcy turned into him, cupping his jaw. “When don’t we start trouble?”
He frowned down at her, but softened when she puckered her lips for a kiss. It was endearing, and reminded me of how crazy in love they’ve been ever since meeting at The Shore. Vance was watching them, then set his gaze on me.
“Didn’t take you for a tequila type of girl. Actually, if I recall, you weren’t into any type of alcohol.”
I took a pool stick from the display on the wall and grabbed the cue ball. “Well, Vance, as I’ve said before, a lot has changed in seven years.”
Setting the cue on the dot, I stretched my body and broke up the triangle, sinking two solids.
Vance had both of his brows lifted when I stood tall from the table. “Tequila and pool, any other new talents?”
“I might have a few other tricks up my sleeve.”
Vance frowned, watching me move across the table, then striding behind him. I sunk another ball, pondered my next move. He took the moment to step into my space, murmuring near my ear, “You’d have to have sleeves for that sexy dress.”
I grinned to myself, satisfied I listened to Marcy about my choice of attire. I was getting to him, and the simple flirting was fun.
“Damn, Lo, you don’t even need me.” Jonah laughed, tugging on my wrist and bringing me to his table where the shots of tequila sat by lime wedges. He took one of the limes and squeezed a little bit out on my wrist, rubbing it with his thumb then shook some salt on it. I could feel Vance’s eyes burn into me while watching us.
I threw back the shot then licked my wrist, Jonah holding the lime wedge out for me to suck on. His buddies clapped and cheered, and Jonah grinned, watching my mouth when I licked my lips.
“Damn, Lo,” Jonah muttered under his breath. “You sure know how to make taking a shot look sexy.”
I laughed then turned back to the table, sinking another shot.
“Neither of us will get a shot in if she keeps this up,” Colt grumbled toward Vance.
I smiled, strolling along the table back by them to take my next shot. Jonah was preoccupied with his buddies now, drinking his beer.
Before I went to take my position for another shot, a hand found the small of my back that was exposed from the dip of the dress, and a set of lips touched the shell of my ear. Vance’s deep timbre sent shivers down my spine. “If you’re going to be reckless tonight, do it with me, please.”
I stood still, focusing on inhaling a deep breath of air, well aware of his fingers caressing underneath the cloth of my dress. It was as if we were the only two people in the bar, and fighting the urge to jump him and kiss him would only get harder once the liquor started to kick in. I’d have to watch my intake.
Regaining my senses, I tilted my head toward him, our lips dangerously close. “I’ll be reckless on my own, thank you.” Stepping out of his reach, I positioned myself to shoot, sinking another ball in a corner pocket. I kept going until the eight ball was left, calling the last shot and ending the game. Jonah gave me a high five and a hug, lifting me off of the ground and spinning me.
I laughed and reached for the other shot once Jonah set me back down on two feet.
Vance cleared his throat. “At least take the tequila shot the right way.”
Jonah had his attention now. “What do you know, beach boy?”
Vance smirked, handing his stick to Colt and walking toward the gro
uping of shot glasses. He curled his finger for me to come over. I hesitated at first, until his eyes bore into mine, the alpha male inside him luring me toward him. Once I was standing in front of him, a wicked grin spread across his face.
“There are a few ways to do them,” Vance went on, loud enough for Jonah to hear, making sure he was paying attention. Cupping my cheek with one hand and tossing my hair behind my shoulder with the other, he dipped the tips of his two fingers in one of the shots. I watched him swallow, then felt his fingers painting a slash along my neck. Instinctively, I tilted it to the side, loving the coolness of his touch, anticipating his next move.
Keeping my head to the side, he dashed some salt on my wet skin, then pressed the lime wedge face out to my mouth. “Hold it with your teeth,” he instructed.
Gently biting down, I blinked, only to see Vance smirking when I opened them again.
His tongue darted out to wet his lips, then he dove to the crook of my neck, licking along the salt, taking his time to make sure he got all of it. Tingles shot along my skin and right between my legs.
I watched him come up for his shot, tipping it back with ease, then diving back to me, but this time for the lime wedge, taking it from my mouth, and sucking on it. He smirked at my stunned face, while the rest of the bar roared with his audacity.
Marcy was hollering while Colt clapped.
I wiped the bottom of my lip where lime juice trickled.
“You wanna try?” Vance dared, his eyes flickering at mine, holding the lime wedge in front of his mouth and cocking his head to the side.
My cheeks were rosy with embarrassment, and the chant of our onlookers wasn’t helping. Vance smirked, and my uneasiness flipped into rebellion.
I came up on my tiptoes and licked his neck to wet it instead of using the tequila. His skin was deliciously salty already, the yummy scent of his ocean cologne teasing my nostrils in the process. Dashing some salt on his neck, I took my time licking every last bit from his skin, then threw back the shot, taking the lime from his mouth. I smirked back at him after spitting out the rind, wiggling my eyebrows at him.
He met my grin, then cupped the back of my head and claimed my mouth. It wasn’t a sweet, let me get the rest of the lime off of her lips kiss, no, it was an I-want-you-now kiss. He clutched his other arm around my waist, pulling me into him. I could taste the Tequila on his lips, the sweet burn awakening all of my desires.
“Lauren,” Jonah hissed, breaking me from my kiss.
I came back flat on my feet, my eyes wandering around to all of the onlookers. Most of them were laughing and smiling, some were curious, but Jonah, he was furious, an obvious storm brewing in his eyes. If he weren’t wearing his hat, the creases on his forehead would be bright red, a few angry veins popping out.
I cowered back to Marcy, unable to meet anyone’s eyes.
Marcy was grinning, waiting for me to speak.
“Don’t let me drink anything else,” I muttered.
Marcy laughed and took a sip of her cocktail. “Normally I wouldn’t be one to stop the fun, but that was a lot of PDA in this tiny town, especially for you.”
I held my head with both of my hands. “Shit. I know, damn it!”
Marcy shook her head. “Who cares? You’re widowed, and have been for over two years. It’s not like you were going to be single forever. Half of these men in here want in your pants.”
I sighed. “I have a daughter, and she’s my priority. I don’t want people to think I’m always out partying on Sundays and kissing the new men in town.”
Marcy rolled her eyes. “Everyone knows how much you love Tessa, don’t worry about that. It’s not even ten o’clock yet, and knowing you, you’ll beg me to leave within twenty minutes. And you’ve only kissed one stranger, who really isn’t a stranger to you.”
I squinted my eyes closed, rubbing them with my hands.
“Relax,” Marcy ordered. “Sip on a Corona, cool it with the shots, and chill. The environment is fun, besides Jonah sulking.”
I climbed down from my stool. “I should go talk to him.”
Marcy grabbed my arm. “Why? You don’t owe him an explanation. He’s not your keeper.”
“He’s Colby’s best friend. I do owe him an explanation.”
Marcy scowled. “Do you want to kiss Jonah?”
My face scrunched together as if I had swallowed something sour. “Definitely not.”
“And Vance, you obviously enjoyed kissing him?”
My face flushed, and Marcy smirked. “Don’t worry about Jonah. He’ll live, and he needs to realize he’s not going to get his best friend’s girl in bed.”
Now I was scowling. “He doesn’t want that.”
“Yeah, right. Keep telling yourself that.”
“Did the pool shark retire?” Colt asked, hovering over the table we were sitting at.
“Taking a break.”
Vance came to his side, his eyes on me. “I want a rematch, but this time, I get to break.”
The table was empty, only Jonah standing with his friends. He was watching Vance and I interact, and the guilt I had for flirting with Vance was eating at me.
As if Vance knew I was uncomfortable, he came to my side, leaning down toward me.
“No more shots,” he promised. “And I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have kissed you here.”
My gaze found my hands in my lap. “Okay.”
“Don’t let it ruin our night. I want to hang out with you, Lauren.” His voice was sweet, and the somberness in his eyes told me he was telling the truth. “Come on, before Jonah gets all territorial of the pool table again.” He held his hand out to me.
Taking a deep breath, I gave him a nod. I wanted to spend platonic time with him, too.
“Pool table isn’t the only thing Jonah’s territorial of,” Colt mumbled.
Vance glanced back at Colt, giving him a grin and rolling his eyes at the same time. Vance wasn’t afraid of Jonah.
Vance wasn’t afraid of anyone.
Chapter Twelve
Vance
I’d never smiled so much in my life. Lauren and I hung out at that hole in the wall bar for another two hours, talking and laughing, and not only with each other. She brought me into the tiny crowd of people, treating me as if I were one of them. She was so damn beautiful, and when we first started playing pool, my pants were uncomfortable. She bent over in that dress and her curves were on full display. My knuckles were white from gripping my pool stick to keep myself from touching her.
But as the night went on, she didn’t mind if I set my hand on the small of her back every now and then when we’d talk, or if I’d lean down to tell her something against her ear. She even grabbed my hand a few times to drag me around the bar to where she wanted me to go.
We laughed with Marcy and Colt until tears came from our eyes when we talked about our bonfires on the beach, and the numerous times Marcy and Colt were caught with their hands down each other’s pants. No sad stories were brought up, nothing about the horrible side of The Shore that tore Lauren and I apart.
We danced to the old songs on the jukebox, spinning until we had to hold each other so we wouldn’t fall over from being dizzy. The alcohol was out of our system now, and our feelings were pure.
We were in the now, and when Lauren held her hands up in defeat for the night, I couldn’t help but walk her outside. “Let me take you home.”
She was glowing, looking up at me while she threw on her jean jacket. “Okay.”
I reached for her hand, but her smile faded, her head tilting to the side. “You know what, I think I need to fix something else tonight.”
I frowned, wondering if I had done something wrong. Her feet didn’t move when she looked past my shoulder. I followed her gaze, a scowl forming on my face when I realized she was looking at Jonah.
“Really?”
She cocked her head to the side. “He feels like he needs to protect me for Colby. I’m going to ask him to take me home and talk to him.�
�
I held in my uncertainty, but Lauren could read me like a book. She grinned and ran her fingertips along my jaw. “I love when you’re jealous,” she admired. “But he’s not someone you need to worry about.”
The edge of my mouth quirked upward, but I couldn’t keep it from turning back into a frown when she dropped her hand and strolled toward Jonah. He was alert to her approach, standing and leaning into her when she tugged on his shirt so he would lower his ear to her mouth.
I didn’t like how close they were, or how relaxed Lauren was when she was around him. She didn’t show comfort toward a lot of people, and my own jealousy rang loud when it came to seeing her link arms with him and walk out of the bar.
Marcy and Colt came on either side of me. “Don’t worry about them,” Marcy rested her head against my bicep. “It’s damage control. Jonah’s being protective of his best friend’s wife. He’s like a brother to her.”
“Or he wants to sleep with her,” Colt mumbled.
I lifted my head to the ceiling. What if he confessed his love for her tonight? What if she were making out with him in his truck right now? If when he took her home, she’d invite him inside? I was overwhelmed with anxiety, paranoid tonight proved Lauren and I were such good friends, that she would think that’s exactly what we were and nothing more. I didn’t want that. I wanted Lauren in my bed and underneath me.
“I’m gonna get going,” I declared. “Thanks for the good time.”
Colt slapped me on the back. “We should do it more often.”
“I think that’s a given.” Marcy smiled, moving from my arm to snuggle against Colt.
I waved then headed out the door, hopping in my truck to try and distract myself. It was no use though, I wouldn’t be able to sleep until I knew where Lauren was and who she was with.
***
I parked down the road from her driveway, walking through the dark woods like a fucking creeper. I needed to know if she was home and safe, and if she was alone. If that meant I had to be discreet about it, then I would. The lights were off, but there was no way Jonah could have dropped her off that fast. I left too soon after them.