I wiped down two newly emptied tables and brought the glasses behind the bar to clean. Only a few customers remained. Tenor’s truck was in the parking lot, but I had yet to see him. I hadn’t heard from him since the night of the street dance.
What did it mean?
The question ricocheted all around my head, leaving dots of fear behind. I knew what it meant. Which was even worse. What I needed was a little acceptance.
For a week, I’d watched my phone, hoping he’d text something as simple as asking me how I was doing. A littlecan we talk. Or even awhat’s up?
My phone had stayed silent.
Wednesday night, I’d foolishly held out hope that I’d see him even though he was never around Wednesday nights.
The two guys remaining rose and pushed in their chairs. Jason gave me a wave. “See ya later, Ruby.”
“Have a good night,” I called at their backs.
I flipped the open sign to off. Tenor had helped me close all but one weekend for the last month, but there was still no sign of him.
I swallowed my disappointment and continued closing duties. Alone. I punched through cashing out the till and sending the reports to Tenor. My heart twisted as I hit send. Just another mundane email to one of my many bosses. A man I was nothing but an employee to.
I shoved my hair off my face. I’d worn a damn skirt today too. I tugged at the blue material. It was a longer skirt with a dress shirt tied at the waist in a country chic style. I thought it made my hips look wide, but after the way Tenor had watched me shake my booty at the dance, I’d been bold.
“Sweet summer child,” I muttered and stacked the clean glasses back on the shelf beside the bar.
Good thing I’d given myself plenty of mental pep talks or I’d be in tears by now. I’d be reliving every breakup speech ever. Instead I heardI want to kiss you againover and over in his deep voice. Not sure that was better.
I took stock of the bottles behind the bar and tapped my chin. “Two bottles of Original.” Talking out loud made me feel less alone.
I replaced those and stood, staring at the rows of bottles. Various pints, fifths, and liters decorated three levels. The most popular lines. Holiday special batches from years past that were only served at this location. The most expensive top-shelf Copper Summit special barrels that were also only sold here. I’d taken so many pictures of this setup for background graphics and stand-alone images.
Seconds ticked by. I gave myself a shake. I was stalling. It was time to go. Tenor wasn’t coming. He was probably waiting for me to leave before he locked up. Avoiding the awkwardness—and me.
I grabbed my purse and rounded the bar.
The door from the lobby opened. I stopped short and my heart crawled into my chest.
Tenor turned into the bar and his gaze found me immediately. He crossed to me, his powerful thighs knocking a table out of the way. Intensity rode across his face and along his hard jaw.
Alarm fired in my veins the closer he got without saying a word.
“Is everything okay?” I tipped my head back as he approached and I inspected his face.
“No.” He wrapped an arm around my waist and yanked me flush with him. His gaze bored into mine. “I’m tired of pretending I don’t think about flipping those flirty skirts up and plunging into you whenever I want.”
I drew in a breath, shock rebounding in my chest, making my heartbeat stutter. He hadn’t tiptoed into the bar! “Then why don’t you?”
A low growl rumbled in his chest. “I don’t have any condoms. I thought I could—” He grimaced and jerked his gaze away, his jaw grinding. “I thought I could stay strong, or that not buying them would be enough to make me behave. You deserve better than me.”
“Good thing I’m on birth control.” I fisted my hands in his chest and rose to my tiptoes. I ghosted my lips along his jawline. “I happen to find your control very sexy.” Frustrating. But hot. And only because he was right here, right now, admitting he couldn’t stay away. “Shouldn’t I get to choose who I deserve? Shouldn’t I get a chance to prove that it’s you?”
A growl emanated from him again. “Ruby.” His eyes searched mine. “Tell me no and I’ll fucking leave and never bother you again. Because you can do better. I swear you can.”
He’d already been the best. I wasn’t interested in searching for what he was already giving me—care, dedication, loyalty, and steamy kisses. Anything more than that was already like winning a lifetime of free books. “I’m telling you yes, Warhammer.”
The desire in his eyes blazed, blowing the pupils until I could fall into him and lose myself. He took my purse from my arms and dumped it on the bar top. Then he lifted me to a stool and took his glasses off. He braced his arms on either side of me. His gaze stroked over my face and he lowered his head.
His lips touched mine, a slow, searching press that had me leaning back until my spine hit the edge of the counter. Even more pressure and I was opening for him. I kept my hands on his shoulders. His restraint was a tangible thing. Energy pulsated under my fingers, his muscles vibrating.
He plundered my mouth, twining his tongue with mine, and put a hand around the back of my neck. His thumb stroked along the edge of my jaw. All I could do was hang on. A little whimper left me. I wanted more, but I also worried I’d combust from the lust burning through my veins. My skin felt tight and much too hot. I squirmed under him, seeking some relief for the needy thrum between my legs.
