She glanced up, but her gaze stalled on his mouth. Her breath turned shallow. Despite their agreement to keep things casual, he knew desire when he saw it. She raised her eyes, and the uncertainty swimming in them gave him pause.
Even though her body sent all the right signals, she wasn’t ready for a kiss. He cleared his throat and lowered his hand.
Anne wiped a palm down her skirt, and Wyatt took a step back. He’d almost kissed her and she’d wanted him to, right until she’d let her brain engage with thoughts of him leaving town. Of course, he’d noticed and backed off. He had to be wondering what he’d gotten himself into.
She picked up the broken flowers from the counter and fiddled with the stems. “Umm…thanks.”
“For what?”
“For these.” Cop out. She grabbed a small glass, filled it with water, and put the short, broken flowers in it. Her back to him, she sighed. “And for…you know…not pushing. I mean any other guy would—”
“Hey, look at me.”
When she turned and faced him, he said in a low tone, “I’m not like any other guy. Let me prove it to you.”
She swallowed. His gorgeous green eyes, shining with emotion and honesty, broke down a piece of her defensive wall. She couldn’t argue. She’d never met anyone like him. But he might be gone in a few short months.
“I’m starving. You ready to go?” Wyatt asked.
He’d been up front with her about the USC job, and she’d still agreed to go out, so she needed to shake off the negativity. She nodded. “Sure, where we headed?”
“Brady’s.” He helped her into her coat.
“Never been there, but I’ve passed it,” she said as they walked down the stairwell to the parking lot.
“Where do you live, anyway?” Anne asked as they drove.
“The Oakville apartment complex near the high school. At least for now.” He shrugged. “It took a while to sell my mother’s house, and I don’t want to build or buy until I know about the USC job. So, I’m renting month-to-month.”
“That makes sense.” Although she’d expected someone famous like him to have one of those huge mansions in the country. For all his notoriety, he sure acted and lived down-to-earth. She glanced at him. “What’s this Brady’s place like?”
“It’s a small pub like Corner Bar. I’m friends with the band that’s playing there tonight. The guitar player, Pete, went to Syracuse with me, and we used to jam together. Not that I had a lot of time. Football kept me busy.”
“Really?” Anne tipped her head. “What did you play?”
“Guitar. I’ve played with them a couple of times, but they’re serious about music, and I’m not that good. It’s a second job for them, playing gigs. I don’t have time with teaching and coaching.”
“That’s for sure.” The work didn’t end when the kids left for the day.
He stopped for a light and flicked on the turn signal. “This is their first time at Brady’s. They’re pretty pumped. If they do well, the owner will book them again, and he pays more than most bars.”
Wyatt pulled into the parking lot. “Wow, this is a big crowd for here.”
“Valentine’s Day. Every place is probably packed.” Anne zipped her coat as they crossed the lot. “You must be happy to be off the crutches.”
“Oh, yeah.” He slung an arm around her as they walked. “Cold?”
“A little.” And she’d use that excuse to tuck herself against his hard, muscular chest.
They entered the building, and the scent of fried food hit her. The hostess’s face lit up when she spotted Wyatt. “Pete said you were coming. I saved a table for you.”
“Hey, thanks a lot. I know you don’t take reservations,” Wyatt said.
“Only for special customers.” She winked at him and grabbed two menus. “Follow me.”
Anne would have to get used to Wyatt knowing everyone and calm the green beast that reared its head every time another woman flirted with him.
He took her hand and gave it a little squeeze. And just like that, the beast disappeared. He was with her.
Unlike the diner, the bar was splashed with cupids and decorations, but not overdone. They ordered a couple of beers and some burgers.
“It’s cozy in here. I like it.” Anne glanced around. It did remind her of the Corner Bar. Booths lined the perimeter, with wooden high tables scattered around the central bar.
All the tables had condiment caddies next to mason jars filled with pink and red carnations. Most of the guys wore denim or flannel shirts and jeans. Anything went for the women, from dressed up to casual.
“Hey Wyatt.” A striking redhead in a black hip-hugging dress stopped on her way past their table. She gave Anne a cursory look and then focused back on Wyatt. In a low voice, she all but purred, “Where’ve you been hiding?”
Wyatt inched his chair away from her and shrugged. “I haven’t been out much.”
“Time to rectify that.” She leaned over, whispered something in his ear, and then sauntered off toward the bar.
Anne’s blood heated. Unbelievable. Did anyone care that he was with her?
“Sorry.” Wyatt winced and blew out a breath.
She had a choice to make. Sit there and fume, or let it go and try to have fun. It’s not like Wyatt had sought out the redhead. “Don’t worry about it.”
Their waitress arrived carrying baskets loaded with fries and burgers. Anne leaned back to make room. As they ate, the band came in and started setting up. Wyatt glanced in their direction. “I’ll introduce you to them when we’re done.”
“Okay.” Anne drenched a fry in ketchup. “This is pretty good food.”
“Glad you like it. And thanks for coming.” He covered her hand with his.
Her fingertips tingled under his touch, and she gazed into his deep-green eyes. A girl could get lost in them.
He brought her hand to his lips, keeping eye contact. She swallowed hard.
“Maybe they’ll play a slow song, and we can dance?” His breath tickled her fingers.
“I’d like that.” More than he could possibly know.
After they finished eating, Wyatt paid the bill and pointed across the room. “You want to meet the band?”
“Okay.”
They grabbed their beers and snaked through the place, crossing a small dance floor in front of the stage. When Wyatt walked up, a thin guy in a cowboy hat let his guitar slide down as he held out a hand. Wyatt introduced him as Pete, the drummer as Brian, and the bass player as Dan.
“You got quite a crowd already,” Wyatt said.
Pete nodded. “I know. This is a good chance for us.”
“I’m sure you can use the money with a baby coming.”
A baby? Anne’s gaze flew back to Pete. He’d be around Wyatt’s age since they’d been in college together.
“How’s Sophia doing anyway?” asked Wyatt.
“Great. Big as a house and cranky as a bear.” Pete shook his head. “Three weeks to go. I may play a lot of gigs until then.”
Dan snorted. “Right. You’ve checked your phone every five minutes since we got here.”
“I better let you get warmed up.” Wyatt said. “We’ll catch you on your break.”
“Sounds good.” Pete went back to tuning his guitar, and the other guys gave a quick wave.
“Let’s see if we can find some seats.” Wyatt led her through the mob, and they stood by the bar for a while until a couple finally left.
Anne sat when he held out the chair. “Pete’s wife’s having a baby, huh?”
“Yeah. He and Sophia have been married for three years.” Wyatt took a swig of beer.
“He looks so young.”
“Baby face. We ride him about it.”
In three years, Anne would be thirty-five, headed into high-risk pregnancy. Father Time nudged her in the ribs. If she wanted a family, she couldn’t afford to waste time with someone who had no interest in one. She glanced at Wyatt.
“You okay?” He
leaned over and rested a hand on her knee.
He seemed to read her like a book, missing nothing. The skin-to-skin contact on her bare knee and inhaling his spicy scent wiped her brain clean. “What?”
The band started playing, and Wyatt brought his mouth close to her ear so she could hear him. “You look upset.”
His warm breath teased the sensitive spot below her earlobe, and her nipples hardened. Her reactions to him were out of control. She might melt right there on the barstool like soft-serve ice cream on a hot summer day. “I’m, uh, good.”
He eased back, and she crossed her arms to cover her breasts. Although she’d like to fan her burning face.
“Are you too warm? We can…” He hitched an eyebrow, and then the tension drained from his face, replaced by a slight twitch of his mouth.
Crap. He must have figured out what was making her so hot. Or rather who. “Really, I’m fine.”
“Okay, cool.” He leaned his elbows on the bar, spreading his shoulders. Not that she noticed.
At all.
They didn’t talk much because of the loud music, but Wyatt stayed connected to her, moving a hand to her knee, or her shoulder, while tapping his fingers to the beat. Every contact kept her body in a heightened state of awareness.
Whatever the future held, she might as well enjoy the time tonight with Wyatt. She squeezed his hand and smiled at him.
His eyes lit up. “I think they’re playing my song.”
“Hey, Anne,” a voice called out over the music.
Anne turned. Emily and her friend, Kate, waved frantically, beers in hand.
“Oh my gosh. What are you doing here?” Anne leaped off the barstool and hugged Emily. When she let go, Emily stared pointedly at Wyatt, who had stood.
Anne introduced them, and Kate gaped up at Wyatt, eyes wide. She might faint if she didn’t breathe soon. Not that Anne could blame her. He had that effect.
The band announced a break, and the room quieted enough for conversation.
Emily laughed. “We’re out for Anti-Valentine’s day. Gonna get a ride home later.”
Anne had told the girls she was going out with Wyatt, or they would have invited her for sure. After recent breakups, Kate and Emily were taking a rest from dating. But even dressed down in jeans and T-shirts, the perky brunette and redhead still turned heads.
Dan rounded the bar and grabbed Wyatt’s arm. “Thank God you’re still here.”
Wyatt cocked his head. “What’s up?”
“We had to cut the set short. Pete left. Sophia’s in labor. He’s headed to the hospital.”
“What?” Wyatt did a double take. “He said she had three weeks.”
“I know, but I guess she’s early or something. Don’t ask me.” Dan’s shoulders tensed, desperation written all over his face. “You gotta fill in for him. We have a lot riding on this. If we don’t finish playing, they’ll never have us back.”
Chapter 11
“Oh, man.” Wyatt held up a hand. “I can’t—”
“It’s okay. Just do it.” Anne didn’t want Pete’s band to lose the gig. Not with him having a baby on the way.
Wyatt rubbed the back of his neck and looked from Anne to Dan.
“Don’t worry. She can hang with us.” Emily slung an arm around Anne’s shoulder.
Dan jumped on the hesitation. “Come on, bro. Brian and I are okay, but Pete told me he needs this gig.”
Wyatt glanced at the stage. “This could end up bad, Dan. I haven’t played in a long time and never was that good.”
“Anything will be better than us bailing,” Dan said.
“Really, Wyatt, please don’t worry about me. I’m fine.” Anne laid a hand on his arm and gave him her best I-mean-it look. Well, as much as she could with his ripped muscles so firm under her fingertips.
“Are you sure? I’ll have to be here until they close.”
She nudged him away. “I’m sure. Help out your friends.”
“I’ll make it up to you.” His eyes flashed, and her knees went weak.
Emily linked her other arm through Kate’s. “Don’t worry. Us girls stick together, and we’ll have fun.”
Wyatt blew out a breath. “Okay.”
“Yes.” Dan smacked him on the back. “Come strap on Pete’s guitar.”
As the guys walked away, Emily squeezed Anne’s shoulder. “Holy crap. I’ve seen his car commercials, but he’s smoking hot in person.”
“Car commercials? Huh. I don’t watch much TV, and when I do it’s recorded so I can fast forward through the advertisements. I’ll have to pay attention.”
“Well he’s got my attention. Total hottie.”
“Yeah, he kinda is, isn’t he?” Anne kept her gaze on him as he walked with Dan to the stage.
“Kind of? Look at Kate. He’s struck her mute, and she never shuts up.”
Kate snorted. “I wouldn’t turn him down. Damn that guy is big.” She took a sip of her beer, and then choked on it. “I mean, I wouldn’t know about that, but I mean just in general, he’s a big guy.”
“And…she’s back.” Emily play-punched Kate’s arm.
Anne shook her head. Now she had that to think about. Although, her mind had gone down the naughty path a time or two, noting the size of his hands.
“Now look what you’ve done.” Emily waved at Anne. “Her face is redder than a tomato.”
Blah. Enough of this talk. Anne pointed to some people getting up from a table near the stage. “Let’s grab that.”
The girls rushed over as a server cleared it. Anne eyed Wyatt as they took their seats. Tuning the guitar, he focused on the strings. Dan handed him some sheet music, and Wyatt stared at it with the same intensity Anne’s students did when she gave a pop quiz.
Dan snagged the cowboy hat Pete had been wearing and shoved it on Wyatt’s head. Wyatt reached up and grabbed the top of the hat as his gaze met Anne’s.
Good thing she was seated, because her legs would have buckled. Wearing that cowboy hat, with those vivid green eyes and biceps bulging when his hand grabbed the top of the hat—breathtaking.
He paused and lifted the hat as if about to take it off.
Anne shook her head. Hell no. The hat needed to stay on. Emily snatched Anne’s phone from off the table and snapped a picture.
Wyatt settled the hat back on, and Anne nodded. He flashed a smile, and her blood turned to liquid heat.
“Just when I thought he couldn’t get hotter.” Kate whistled under her breath.
The redhead from earlier approached the band and stopped in front of Wyatt. She held a beer out to him, and he hesitated. Anne’s breath froze in her lungs. Wyatt gave a small shake of his head and said something to the woman. She nodded and took a step back, but didn’t leave. He glanced at Anne, a slight frown on his face before going back to studying the sheet music.
“Looks like you have some competition,” Emily said.
“Yeah. It’s a thing.” Anne eyed the crowd.
Emily put a hand on her shoulder. “Don’t forget he came with you.”
At the moment, that wasn’t so comforting. Anne shrugged and took a sip of beer.
Brian tapped his drum sticks together three times and the band began playing.
When Wyatt started singing, his voice not quite on pitch, some people stopped talking and craned their necks for a better view. He fumbled with a chord and shot a glance at Dan, who shrugged and nodded.
Anne’s chest constricted. Poor Wyatt was struggling, and publicly. It couldn’t be easy for someone used to performing well under the spotlight. She checked out the crowd again. A group had formed in front of the band, and people at tables pointed to Wyatt with smiles on their faces. Looked like they recognized him.
Despite his somewhat off-key singing, no one seemed to care. Anne forced out a slow, deliberate breath. He had this.
Emily tugged Anne’s hand. “Come on, let’s dance and have some fun.
After a set, the band took a break, and the girls returned
to their table. Anne peered over Emily’s shoulder as two women in cowgirl boots and miniskirts strutted over to the stage. One of them leaned in and said something to Wyatt as he bent down to put his guitar aside. She smiled and handed him a cocktail napkin.
Anne twisted her watch and nibbled her lip. Was she giving him her phone number?
“Now what’s going on?” Emily frowned, staring at the women.
The one who’d passed him the cocktail napkin turned to her friend, who dug around in her purse and produced a pen. She handed it to Wyatt.
He glanced at Anne and pressed his lips together. After scribbling on the napkin, he gave it back to the woman and in long strides made his way to Anne.
“They wanted an autograph.”
“Come on, Kate. I gotta pee.” Emily snagged Kate’s arm and dragged her away from the table.
Anne struggled to swallow. Even though she was annoyed, her mouth had gone dry as he’d walked over, still wearing the cowboy hat. “Is it always like this?”
He grimaced. “It won’t be for long. Believe me, everyone is going to forget who I even am in no time. And they’re harmless. I’m not interested in them.”
“They’re pretty persistent.” Anne glanced at the redhead who loitered near the band.
Wyatt took a step closer and framed her face with his hands. Instant heat blazed under his touch. He locked gazes with her and said in a quiet voice, “You’re the only woman in this room I want to be with.”
She breathed in his unique scent as waves of warmth radiated from him.
“Correction.” He stroked his thumb under her chin. “You’re the only woman I want to be with, period.”
Her annoyance melted as she stared into his eyes. With his complete attention focused on her, she had to believe him. She gave him a small smile, and he let out a breath as if relieved. He gestured to the stage. “I warned you I wasn’t very good. I hope you don’t think less of me after that performance.”
She gazed up at him. “Believe me, I could never think less of you.”
He blinked, and his eyebrows drew together.
“Oh my God. That came out wrong.” How did she always jumble her words around him? “I meant I could never think less of you.”
Love on the Line (Love Beyond Danger Book 3) Page 7