COWBOY ROMANCE: Avery (Western Contemporary Alpha Male Bride Romance) (The Steele Brothers Book 3)

by Amanda Boone

  The man smiled as she walked towards the front door. “We are not open for another hour, sweetie.” He spoke in a gentle voice that didn’t match his appearance.

  “I am looking for Paul,” she explained, and then added, “Veronica sent me.”

  She felt herself becoming nervous as she spoke, and his silence was making it tough to hold it together. He stared at her intensely and with little expression until he finally spoke up again.

  “Bartender?” he asked.

  “Never have, but willing to learn.” Mindy spoke with false confidence, but hoped he couldn’t see through to her nervousness.

  “My kind of girl!” He laughed and then patted her on the back. “Come on inside, I'm Paul.”

  Inside the bar was dark and dingy. One wall was painted bright red and the rest were black. There were no windows and the chairs and stools at the tables and bar didn’t match. Mindy immediately felt out of place and wanted to turn around and go home.

  “So, you want to be a bartender, eh?” Paul smiled as he walked behind the bar and pulled out a bottle of bar lemon.

  Mindy shrugged her shoulders.

  He placed a shot glass in front of her and stuck a pour spout on the bottle. He tilted the bottle so it would pour into the glass and counted out loud “One, two” as he stared directly at Mindy.

  “There, that is an ounce,” he said.

  “Ok,” Mindy agreed.

  “When you look up drinks, an ounce is generally what is in the recipe. If you just count to two slowly, you have an ounce,” he said. “It’s that simple.”

  Mindy was pretty sure it wasn’t that simple, but she needed a job and it was worth a try.

  Paul showed her where the beer was stored, gave her some basic tips on making the most commonly ordered drinks, and then explained what her duties would be at the bar.

  “So, you want to start tonight?” he asked.

  “You think I'm ready?” Mindy’s voice started to crack.

  “Relax, it’s a slow night and Veronica will be here to help you out,” Paul stated. “Just be here at 7 o’clock.”

  Mindy agreed reluctantly to start her first shift that evening. He really didn’t give her enough time to back out. That may have been for the best. If she went home and had a day or two to reconsider, she may have never showed up.

  “Wear something sexy…You get better tips,” he added.

  Mindy left the bar and sat in her car for a few minutes before exiting the parking lot. She stared at the shabby building and wondered what she had gotten herself into. She finally pulled out and drove back to her apartment, which was only a few minutes up the road. She tried to look at the bright side of things, like how much gas she would save on the commute to work.

  When she pulled up into her parking lot, she noticed Veronica walking towards a little blue car. She pulled in her spot in front of the door and got out as Veronica met her.

  “Did you check out the bar?” she asked.

  “Yeah, I start tonight,” Mindy announced.

  “Awesome, I'll show you everything you need to know. You’ll do great,” she said, smiling.

  “I have to do some running before work, but I'll meet you there,” Mindy said before the two parted ways.

  Mindy went inside and found her kitten curled up on the pillow on her bed. She scooped her up and cuddled her close while she stared in her closet at her clothes. She never went to bars, parties, or clubs. She didn’t have clothes that would be considered sexy. She always dressed more on the conservative side, partly to please her parents, but partly because she wasn’t comfortable showing so much skin.

  The only thing she noticed in her closet was a black mini skirt and pink tank top with rhinestones around the low cut collar. She didn’t have much cleavage to show, so it didn’t matter how low cut the top; it wasn’t going to be sexy.

  Chapter Three

  Mindy stood in front of her full length mirror. Her mini skirt felt too short and her tank top felt too low. She wasn’t sure if she looked “sexy”, but she was sure she looked a little slutty. She decided to change into a pair of shorts and a t-shirt instead. Just because she was working at a bar, it didn’t mean she had to dress like a whore to get tips. If she didn’t make any money wearing what was comfortable, she would find another job.

  Inside the bar Veronica was already busy stocking beer inside the coolers full of ice. Mindy walked behind the bar and placed her purse underneath next to Veronicas.

  “Hey girl…You ready for this crazy life?” Veronica asked.

  Mindy wasn’t sure what she was ready for at this point. She was there. She was willing to try. “Sure,” she agreed.

  Veronica showed her the basics. A lot of it was the same stuff Paul had went over. “It’s simple. They come in, ask them what they want and then get it. Their drinks get close to empty, ask them if they want a refill and then refill it.” Veronica made it sound so simple.

  Two men sat at the bar next to one another drinking Miller Lite’s. The man on the left was large and sported a long grey beard. The man on the right was skinny and looked like he was at least 70 years old. He had long white hair and shook as he picked his beer bottle up and held it to his mouth.

  “Fellows, this is your new bartender Mindy. Be nice and tip her well so she will come back,” Veronica ordered the men.

  “Damn, you take credit, sweetie. I will pay whatever it takes to keep you here,” the large man blurted out.

  The skinny man smiled at his friend's comment and displayed his mouth full of missing teeth.

  “Does it get very busy in here?” Mindy asked as she tried to shake off the slimy feeling from the man’s comment.

  Veronica explained there were a lot of regulars who would come in throughout the day and the evening. On weekends they got larger crowds, especially when they had bands inside the bar playing. Mindy looked around the tiny building and couldn’t imagine where a band would play.

  “You can expect a few regulars tonight and possibly a couple walk-ins,” Veronica explained.

  As the evening went on more and more people started coming in. Most of them pulled up on motorcycles and wore black leather. Mindy was starting to get the hang of grabbing beers and running the register. She felt stumped a few times when someone had ordered a mixed drink, mainly because she didn’t know where everything was placed. Luckily, the mixed drinks that were ordered consisted of some type of whiskey and a soda or a red bull and Jägermeister or flavored vodka.

  “Babydoll, can I bother you for a shot of Jack?” a smooth, but deep voice requested from behind Mindy’s back.

  When she turned to acknowledge the man she must have looked like she had seen a ghost. “I didn’t mean to scare you sweetheart,” he said softly.

  Mindy wasn’t scared; she was just caught off guard. He was the sexiest man she'd ever seen. His chiseled chin and explicit cheekbones all accentuated his full lips. The goatee that hung from the point on his chin was attached to the perfectly trimmed mustache above his beautiful lips. His eyes were deep blue and felt as if they were windows into her own soul when he looked at her. She wanted to lean in and kiss him right then and there; she almost couldn’t control herself from acting on her impulses. She pulled herself out of the trance he had her captured in and spoke with a soft voice.

  “Of course.” She was flustered.

  Mindy turned to grab the bottle of Jack Daniels, but grabbed Wild Turkey instead. She poured it into a large rocks glass and handed it to the beautiful man. He had a grin on his face as he took the drink. Mindy realized she had given him the wrong whiskey and had used the wrong glass.

  “I'm so sorry. Here, let me fix that,” she offered.

  He pulled the glass away from her. “Baby, I will drink whatever you give me.” His voice oozed like syrup from his lips into her ears.

  “I really am sorry,” she muttered as her face turned bright red.

  Veronica stepped from behind Mindy. “Everything ok?” she asked.

  �
�Everything is just fine,” the man said.

  Veronica looked at the Wild Turkey in Mindy’s hand and the glass in his. She laughed and walked away. “She will get the hang of it soon enough,” she added.

  Mindy felt stupid for the mistake, but the man made her feel better as he told her he loved Wild Turkey and probably should have ordered it instead of the Jack. Mindy knew he was only being nice, but it felt good to have a man so beautiful be nice to her.

  Mindy walked over to Veronica and apologized for her stupid mistake.

  “It looks like he flustered you a little bit, sweetie,” she laughed.

  “His eyes just pierced through me,” Mindy admitted.

  “That’s Vince. He’s harmless” Veronica added.

  He didn’t look harmless. Mindy could feel his eyes on her every time she moved. He made her nervous, but for some reason knowing he was staring at her made her excited. She wanted him to look at her. She wanted him to want her.

  A blonde came in and sat next to him at the end of the bar. Mindy walked over to her and asked her what she wanted to drink. She wore a tight tank top that was thin enough to show her erect nipples underneath. Her hair was long and pulled back away from her face. She looked rough, like she was once pretty but had lived a hard life. She raised her skinny arm and held a finger up at Mindy as if to tell her to hold on. Mindy wanted to grab her finger and pull it backwards. She watched the beautiful man as he listened to her ramble on about a bike run. His eyes returned to Mindy and noticed the finger held up by the girl sitting next to him. He reached up and pulled her hand down to the bar and winked at Mindy. “Apologize,” he said sternly to the blonde.

  The woman stopped talking and looked towards Mindy. She rolled her eyes. “Get me a Bud Light,” she snapped and then turned back to Vince.

  Mindy started to turn to get her the beer when Vince stood up. “No, apologize, and then ask her nicely to please get you a Bud Light.” He spoke in a deep confident voice.

  “It’s really ok,” Mindy argued.

  “No, it isn’t. You don’t deserve to be treated like that, especially not by her,” he stated.

  The woman seemed to realize that he wasn’t playing games. She turned to Mindy. “I am sorry. Can you please get me a Bud Light?” she asked a second time, but in a much nicer tone.

  “Of course.” Mindy turned and grabbed a beer from the cooler and placed it on the bar in front of the woman.

  Vince handed Mindy a $10 dollar bill and smiled. “Keep the change,” he told her.

  Mindy felt funny about taking such a large tip, but with the crowd inside the bar and the fact that most only tipped about 75 cents a beer, she could use the money. “Thank you.” she said to Vince, ignoring the woman who was already tugging on his sleeve to gain more of his attention.

  Mindy couldn’t decide if the blonde woman was Vince’s girlfriend or just a barfly who wouldn’t leave him alone. She overheard her asking if he would take her on a bike run next week. The blonde got up and headed to the restroom. Vince motioned for Mindy.

  “Hey baby doll, can you get me another shot of Wild Turkey please?” His smile sent chills down her spine.

  “You mean Jack?” Mindy laughed.

  “No, I think you made the right call. I like the Turkey,” he admitted with a grin.

  Mindy grabbed the bottle of Wild Turkey and poured it into a shot glass. She was relieved that at least she got the glass right this time. As she placed the glass in front of him, he grabbed her hand. He pulled her close to him, causing her to tip-toe as she stretched over the bar. He stared into her eyes and continued to smile with that sexy, devilish smile.

  “Would you like to go on a bike run with me next week?” he asked.

  “Wouldn’t your girlfriend get mad?” Mindy asked.

  “I don’t have a girlfriend baby doll…yet.” He widened his smile to display his perfectly white teeth.

  Mindy’s heart was beating fast and hard. She was so close to him, to his lips. She could smell the whiskey on his hot breath. She was close enough to lean in and steal a kiss. In fact, it was taking all of her strength not to.

  “What the fuck?” The voice of the blonde woman pulled her from the trance. “This your new whore?” she snapped.

  Mindy never had anyone talk to her or about her that way. She felt sick as she waited to see if the woman would try to attack her. Veronica walked over and pushed Mindy back as she yelled at the woman to get out of the bar. “You’re done. Get the fuck out NOW!” she yelled.

  The woman leaped past Veronica and swung in Mindy’s direction. Vince picked the angry woman up and moved her so her swing landed against a wooden post in the middle of the bar. She started moaning and held her hand tight to her chest as he carried her out of the bar.

  Mindy was shaking from the chaos and knew that this wasn’t where she wanted to work. She was ready to go home, but hated to leave Veronica shorthanded. “I can’t do this,” she said to Veronica as she made her way back over to where she was standing. She was frozen in her spot, shaking and pale white.

  “Oh hell, don’t let that bitch get to you,” Veronica snapped. “I had your back.”

  “And what happens when you’re not here?” Mindy asked. “I'll help you out tonight, but I think I would rather work at Dairy Queen…”

  Veronica laughed and smiled at Mindy. “I understand.” She spoke softly to her, maybe in the hopes that she wouldn't frighten her off.

  Vince walked back inside the bar and headed back towards his seat. “She won’t be back” He said and then smiled at Mindy. “You ok, baby doll?” he asked.

  “Go on home, girl. We'll have lunch tomorrow,” Veronica instructed.

  “Home?” Vince looked heartbroken. “You’re leaving?” he asked.

  “Yes, this just isn't for me,” Mindy stated.

  “Well, at least let me walk you to your car,” Vince offered.

  Mindy grabbed her purse and met Vince on the other side of the bar. He wrapped his arm around her and pulled her close to his body. She could feel his hard body under his t-shirt and got a sudden urge to run her hand under his shirt across his abs. She wasn’t sure why he had this effect on her; she was usually so shy and timid.

  As they made their way to her Ford Explorer, she turned to place the key in the door. He placed his hands on the door above her, pinning her against the truck. She felt his body press up against her back, his breath hot on her neck.

  “I don’t know what you’re doing to me, baby doll,” he whispered in her ear.

  Mindy’s body started to go limp as she leaned back against him. She flung her head back and allowed his lips to press against her neck. She turned around to face him, and with her lips were dangerously close to his, she felt herself begin to pull away. He had a way of getting her caught up in the moment, but she didn’t even know this man. She had to try her best to stay in the reality and not in the fantasy.

  “Please don’t pull away,” he whispered.

  He pressed his lips against hers and began to part her lips with his tongue. She opened her mouth willingly and allowed his tongue to intertwine around hers. Her knees weakened and her breath became shallow as he pulled her hard against his mouth. She knew she was no match against him. Whatever it was he had, it controlled her.

  He released her from his grip and pulled back enough to look her in the eye. “Come home with me?” he asked.

  “No,” Mindy uttered.

  She felt her nipples harden beneath her shirt and her inner thighs begin to pulsate. She knew she wanted this man.

  “Then I'll come home with you,” he argued.

  Mindy couldn’t speak. She felt his hand reach up and cup her breast. He squeezed the soft mound in his hand, then slid along her side until reaching her waist. She nodded her head slightly without unlocking her eyes from his gaze, her response unspoken but clear. Yes.

  He smiled and stepped back. “You lead the way,” he ordered.

  Mindy finished unlocking her car and climbed insid
e. She felt like she was burning up. The heat from her thighs was becoming unbearable. She knew she not only wanted him, but she needed him. She watched Vince straddle a black Harley Davidson, and as he brought it to a loud rumble, he turned and smiled at her. She was nervous, anxious, scared. She slowly pulled out of the parking lot and drove the short way to her apartment with the beautiful man on the motorcycle following close behind her.

  Chapter Four

  Mindy pulled into her parking spot in front of her apartment and quickly got out of her car as Vince pulled in beside her and dismounted his motorcycle. She was standing in front of her car, contemplating whether or not she should let him inside, when he walked over to her and wrapped his hands around her waist. He lifted her off the ground and pulled her close. She felt her legs lift and wrap themselves around his waist as if against her will. He took the keys from her hand and pointed to the door as she nodded.

  He stuck the key in the lock without effort and carried her inside. As the door shut behind him, he leaned up against it and forcefully shoved his tongue deep into Mindy’s waiting mouth. She was held tight in his arms while he made his way down the hall and into her bedroom. She felt him gently lower her to the bed and then with a quick flip of the switch, he lit up her very girly bedroom.

  “Cute pussy,” he laughed.

  Mindy grabbed Snowball from the pillow she loved and carried her outside of the bedroom, closing the door behind her. She immediately went back to her position on the bed where he'd placed her, then waited for the next move.