"What," I say to the empty room, "the hell just happened?"
Chapter 5
Troy
The Lucky Tap is busier than I expected for a Tuesday evening.
I push through the front door behind Levi, Kevin, and Ace, and get hit with the smell of fried food, beer, and conversation layered over something country and low on the jukebox. The lighting is dim but warm, with exposed brick on one wall, dark wood tables scattered throughout, and a long bar running the length of the room with a mirrored back wall lined with bottles.
It's the kind of place that feels lived-in. Comfortable. The place where locals come to unwind after work instead of getting blackout drunk.
"Bar or table?" Levi asks, already heading that direction.
Kevin's gaze locks on the bar. More specifically, on the blonde bartender wiping down the counter with methodical precision. "Bar," he says without hesitation.
I follow them, weaving between tables. Levi and Kevin both did me a solid—gave me references for the rental, helped me line up the job with Thompson Construction. We all served together,though at different times and in different capacities. They're good guys. The kind you want watching your six.
Ace I just met today on the job site—construction worker, hometown boy, easy to work with. When he heard we were heading to The Lucky Tap after shift, he invited himself along with a grin that said he knew something we didn't.
As we get closer to the bar, I spot her.
Ainsley.
She's at the far end, back to us, pouring a draft beer with the confidence that comes from doing something a thousand times. Her dark hair is pulled up in a high ponytail that swings when she moves. Black tank top, tight jeans hugging every curve, boots. She laughs at something a customer says, and the sound carries over the noise of the bar—bright and genuine.
My chest does something complicated.
This morning she was rumpled, flustered, cozy, and sexy as hell, standing in our kitchen in sleep shorts and an oversized T-shirt, looking at me like I'd just dismantled every defense she had. Here, she's in her element. Confident. Relaxed.
I should've stayed home.
"You coming or you gonna stand there staring?" Ace calls back, grinning.
I cross the rest of the distance and take the stool beside him. Kevin's already at the bar, and a blonde woman approaches—Steph, based on what Levi mentioned in the truck.
"Evening, Steph," Kevin says, voice careful. Gentle.
She glances at him, and something in her expression softens. Just a little. "Kevin, usual?"
"Please. And whatever these guys want."
She nods, then looks at the rest of us. "You three?"
"Whatever's on tap," Levi says. "Something that pairs well with bad decisions. And can we get some food going? Loaded fries and wings?"
"You got it." Her gaze lands on me and Ace. "Same for you two?"
"Yeah," Ace says. "Whatever you recommend."
"Same," I add.
She nods and moves down the bar to pour. I watch Kevin watch her, and it's so obvious I almost feel like I'm intruding. The guy's got it bad.
Levi leans over, nudging me with his elbow. "Steph's great. Been through some shit, but she's tough. Kevin's been waiting her out for months now."
"Waiting her out?"
"Her ex was a piece of work. Controlling. Abusive. She finally got out, but she's still skittish. Kevin's playing the long game." Levi grins. "Patient bastard."
