“Probably not. But seeing as it’s my business, you should have let me handle it,” I tell her, and her smile drops.
“Right. Well, sorry again.”
She turns to leave, but I reach over the counter and grab her hand to stop her.
“Wait. Fuck. I’m sorry.” I let go of her hand and hold mine up in surrender. “I just don’t like the thought of you getting hurt, and that could’ve gone to shit fast.”
“Don’t worry, I’m tougher than I look,” she says, crossing her arms under her boobs and cocking her hip.
I grin, letting my eyes roam over her without a single ounce of remorse. “That right?”
She rolls her eyes, but I see the grin she’s trying to hide as she drops her arms.
“I’m Midas, by the way. Welcome to Au. Do you need me to show you anything?”
There’s no way she missed the innuendo in my tone—not with the way she’s blushing. She tucks a strand of her hair behind her ear. “I was just looking at the necklaces, but I didn’t see anything that caught my eye.”
“Nothing? I feign a wounded look. “Not even me?”
She laughs, shaking her head, and I can’t help but smile. Fuck, she’s beautiful. What I wouldn’t do...
“So, you new in town or just passing through?” I ask, needing to know.
“You know everyone in town?” she teases.
“I wouldn’t say I know everyone, but I recognize most folks. Perks of living in a small town. But you? Well... I won’t forget your face anytime soon.”
She bites her lip and grins. “A charmer, huh?”
“Look at this face. What do you think?” I say, flashing her my most charming smile.
“I think cocky men are usually overcompensating.”
“Ooh, a smart-ass, huh?”
“Look at this face. What do you think?” she shoots back, fluttering her lashes at me.
I burst out laughing, loving that she has no issue serving my shit right back to me.
“Well, this’s been fun, but I’ve gotta go.”
She heads for the door, and I’m so hypnotized by the sway of her hips that I forget she’s about to leave until she pushes the door open, and the bell above it chimes.
“Wait. You didn’t tell me your name.”
She looks back at me and grins. “No, I didn’t, did I?”
Sliding her sunglasses on, she leaves, the door closing behind her, and she’s gone.
For a second, I consider chasing after her, but I’m the only one here today. But that’s okay. I’m sure I’ll see her again. It’s hard to hide from anyone in a small town.
I’ve never been so glad to finish work before. After what went down earlier, the shop was quiet the rest of the day, which means every second dragged on. Still, I kept busy with thoughts of a certain blonde goddess.
I’ve already decided that once I’ve showered and grabbed something to eat, I’m heading down to the bar in town to see ifshe’s there. There’s no harm in looking. And if she’s not, well, I’m sure there’ll be someone who’s more than willing to take the edge off.
I climb off my bike and head up to the saloon, nodding at a few brothers shooting the shit as I pass. Walking through the doors, I find it busy as fuck inside, which’s surprising, considering it’s still early. After a quick look around, I spot G at the bar and make my way over. Taking the seat next to him, I signal to the prospect for a beer.
“What’s going on? Why the fuck’s it so busy tonight?”
