“I don’t know, wanna go into the city? They just openedthat new sports bar on Twelfth.”
That’s the same street I met that guy on a few weeks ago. Between ninth and thirteenth is neutral territory. I don’t want to chance running into Davis again, but shit, I could use a good burger and a drink.
“I thought I wasn’tallowedto go to bars anymore.” Narrowing my eyes at him.
“You got your shit straight, little brother?” He’s not being an ass, he’s just asking me a question.
“Yeah, I’m good.” I lie as easily as I have been for years.
He shrugs, “Okay, well, good enough for me.”
“Works for me.” Unlocking my phone, I see that I have two texts waiting for me from Lee. “Meet me downstairs in ten, and we’ll head out?”
“Yeah, I just need to change. I still smell like the warehouse. I’m going to take a quick shower.” He heads out of my office as I pull up our text thread.
Lee: I’m watching you work, you’re right there.
Lee: Hell yeah! I knew you’d get it. Proud of you, Quill.
Quill.It’s my ‘name’ when I’m working, but it’s also what my Ma used to call me. I’ve been Mac my entire life, except to her, and I guess to Riley too. Shooting off a text, I put my phone away and head downstairs to meet Kie.
Quill: Be careful, Beautiful. I like being watched.
10
Chapter Ten
Lee
Nix, are you sure it’s okay I tag along? I really wouldn’t mind going home.”
Phoenix grabs my hand and laces our fingers. She’s practically dragging me down the street towards ‘Primetime’ the new sports bar where she’s meeting her new husband. I was content just hanging out at home today. But I am having a good day, and she did invite me to go with her. We don’t get to see each other often since we so rarely have a lull in our work at the same time. Luck has been on our side the past few weeks, though, so we’ll suck up as much time as we can before our busy lives pull us apart again.
“Come on, Lee. It’s fine, and if Kieran has a problem with it, he can go home.” She laughs as she drags us into the front doors of the new sports bar.
Primetime is nice. The booths and tables are stained a lightwood color, while memorabilia from our local teams litters every speck of wall space. Jerseys, baseballs, a lacrosse stick, and some famous goalie’s trapper, just to name a few. There’s so much stuff that I can’t catalog it all, and I’m almost positive I didn’t know we had this many professional sports teams here. The lights are turned down and music pumps through the system. On game nights the announcers’ voices will be pulsing through the space.
The bar sits loud and proud in the center of the room. Bar chairs line the lightly colored wood, and in the center are two bartenders dressed in all black. They pour drinks and make concoctions while also talking and laughing with patrons. Green lights sit under the glass display, making the liquor bottles look more enticing.
Nix tugs my hand, leading me to the far side where I’m assuming she’s caught sight of her man. I’m so busy taking in the bar that I don’t even notice Mac until he’s directly in front of me. My eyes widen because my plan was to not see him again. Don’t get me wrong, I’d pay ungodly amounts of money right now to be wrapped around his body the way his clothes are. At the same time, I know this isn’t smart for any of us. Theo’s making noise. Mac’s figured it out at least a little bit, honestly probably all of it if I’m being honest with myself.
Before I can let my head get too carried away, Mac’s hand reaches out to mine and gently pulls me to stand in between his legs. Even with him sitting on the bar stool, I still have to look up to meet his gaze. What looks like lust and desire shines in his mossy eyes.
“Lelonie.” He smirks at me, and I metaphorically fall to ash at his feet.
“MacQuillian.” I smart back. His thumb gently runs overthe back of my hand, the sass in my voice not deterring him at all.
“What are you doing here, Beautiful?”
“Probably the same as you. I got dragged here by Nix.” Looking over at the traitor, I find her climbing Kieran like a tree. No surprise there.
“I was brought here by the promise of a burger and a drink.” His eyes shine with mirth. “I would have shown up for nothing but the whisper of your name if we’re going to be honest.”
I can’t help the flirty smirk that takes over my face, “You flatter me, Mr. Byrne.”
“I don’t flatter, Smart Girl. I only speak the truth.” He drops my hand, causing my heart to fall into my stomach for just a minute. In the next moment, his arms fall to grip my hips gently. “How was your day?”
“Really? That’s your great line, Mac? How was my day?” I can’t help the teasing laugh that bubbles out of me.
