IZZY
One glance was allit took. A single look from eyes that danced like smoldering embers and my panties evaporated, my bra suddenly two sizes too small. Whoever this guy was, he was dangerous, in all the best ways.
“This guy bothering you?” he asked in a voice like searing silk as he leaned on the bar, one perfectly sculpted copper eyebrow raised. His full lips tipped into a cocky grin, raising tanned skin over sharp cheeks. A long mane of flame-red hair framed his sinful face, falling to one side as he tilted his head.
The manbotheringme was Jason.
We’d had a one night stand a week ago and he wanted another round this week. He didn’t seem to understand theone nightpart of a one night stand.
I didn’t do seconds, or long-term relationships of any sort. But since I worked at this bar, it was easy for my previous paramours to find me, which Jason had.
“None of your business, buddy,” Jason snarked.
Both men looked to me.
“I’m not interested, Jason,” I said with fake civility. “Gohome, before you do something you’ll regret.” The likelihood of such regrettable actions had grown with every beer he’d had.
I turned to the newcomer with literal fire in his eyes. Those had to be special contacts. “I’m good, thanks. What can I get you?”
“Fucking bitch!” Jason shouted, rising from the bar stool and swaying.
Apparently, we’d reached the point of regrettable actions.
I was about to catch the eye of Colin, the bouncer who kept post at one end of the bar, when the redhead laid a hand on Jason’s shoulder.
“I believeyou should apologize to the lady and leave.” The last word came as he deftly evaded a heavy-fisted punch from Jason.
Colin-the-bouncer was on the move.
The redhead stepped back, easily swaying from the path of a second punch. Then, with casual indifference, he grabbed Jason’s arm and tugged, causing Jason to stumble. My sort-of ex hit the floor with a satisfying thud.
I chuckled, shaking my head.
Groaning, Jason staggered to his feet and glared daggers at the redhead.
“You’ll pay for that, shithead!” Jason shouted, pointing at the redhead around Colin, who’d reached the drunk man. Seconds later, Jason was forcibly escorted out.
“Thanks,” I said as the mystery man — with eyes and hair like wild-fire — chuckled and sat down, turning that brash grin back to me.
Those intense, burning eyes looked at me like I was the only beautiful thing in the world. And unlike most men, thisguy knew where my eyes were. His gaze never dipped below my neck.
Admittedly, I played the game. I got better tips when I undid a couple buttons on my slightly-too-small blouse than when I was fully covered up. Hence most men looked at my chest first. Either that or did a slow once over after some brief eye contact.
Men were pigs.
Most men.
Sad but true.
But this guy hadn’t broken eye contact once. That heated gaze drank me in, studying me in a way I’d never experienced.
Was it hot in here?
Like more than usually hot?
I was already sweating from hustling all night in a small room filled with warm bodies. Though, the increasing moisture between my thighs had nothing to do with perspiration and everything to do with this man.
I swept my hair back over an ear to get some air on the blast furnace that was my neck. I could have put my hair up in a ponytail, but my boss, Caroline, had told me when I started here that I’d make more money with it down. She’d been right.
