Fleur wasn’t finished with me yet, smashing her hands on her hips and glaring me right in the eyes. Even with her heels, she still had to lift her chin to look me in the eye. If she had any idea of the filthy thoughts running through my mind, she’d likely find yet another weapon behind the bar.
This time using it for something other than removing a tag.
“I realize you’re not from this town, but you can’t go around assaulting the people who live here. We have very long memories. Randy is a nice guy.”
“Yeah, so nice that he described to me exactly what he wanted to do with his tongue against your wetness.”
She was completely taken aback, finally throwing him a hateful look. “Randy. You did not.”
“Sorry, Fleur. Just guys being guys.” Randy’s answer wasn’t winning him any points with either Fleur or me.
Still flustered, she threw me an even more intense look, as if I was the most despicable person she’d met and raked her hand through her hair. Still standing her ground. Still fighting for her principles. “Then that makes both of you pigs. And you do know what happens to pigs. Right? They’re slaughtered. Now, while I almost appreciate you fighting for my honor, I can do so myself. Randy. If I ever hear of you saying anything like that again or even thinking it, I will cut your dick off. Are we good?”
Another huff of her hair. Another throw of her chin in his direction.
“Yes, ma’am. I’m very sorry.” Randy backed into the shadows and the other assholes around us shifted back to their drinks.
She crowded my space even more than before. For a few seconds, I could tell she was confused as to why there was a jolt of current running between us. That was short lived when she looked away, shaking her head. “It’s good to see you out, but I don’t think you’re going to win any friends.”
“Who says I need to?”
“Why are you here? I might not know who you are, but I can tell you’re not a skier or a mountain climber, and since there’s no big business in Stowe, that’s not the reason for your sudden appearance in town.”
“Are you asking me to leave?”
Her step away from me was decided, her expression one of contempt. “That’s exactly what I’m asking you to do. If not, I’m certain I can find a group of people to help run you out of town. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a bridal party to enjoy and that doesn’t include you.”
I’d be damned if the woman didn’t turn on her heel and take long strides away from me. Only she didn’t head toward the bull that was already in full swing. She disappeared into the crowd and if my instincts were working tonight, I’d say she was headed to the restrooms to try to clear her head.
Or to try to erase the connection we shared.
What she didn’t know was I didn’t take too kindly to anyone walking away from me. After allowing her to believe I wasn’t interested, I followed her, the crowd easily parting when they saw my approach. No one wanted to get into a brawl with me, not with the mood I was in.
And even a lady as beautiful as Fleur would learn I’d never lost an argument, and I didn’t plan on doing so now.
CHAPTER 8
Fleur
Maybe I’d had one too many glasses of wine, although I could only remember finishing one. Yet with the fruity drinks flowing that tasted like lighter fluid, I sensed my reactions were on the edge.
I’d noticed Montgomery walking into the bar, standing in the doorway and surveying the scene like a man dissecting his next takedown. While he’d been far enough away that I hadn’t caught his expression, I’d sensed his immediate disdain.
Then what the hell was he doing in the bar?
Wildwood was rowdy, the kind of establishment meant for hard drinkers and guys pretending to be big he-men, winning a game of pool or darts just to catch the eye of whatever chick they hoped to get lucky with that night.
Zoe had chosen the location. Why? Because she enjoyed the ‘vibrant’ atmosphere. I knew the girl well enough to catch onto her ruse. She was planning on sowing her wild oats one lasttime. If only in rounds of heavy flirtation. Maybe a shocker given her clean and classy demeanor, but perhaps she knew that after tonight, she’d need to be a very good girl. She’d certainly managed to accomplish heavy flirtation with the waiter alone.
He’d come close to honoring her request of stripping right there in front of our table.
Meanwhile, I’d sipped my cabernet, wishing I could be anywhere else.
Then he’d walked in. Larger than life. Acting as if he owned the place. I hadn’t found the time to delve into who he was on the internet, but I certainly planned on doing so. Men like him didn’t just drop into town without a reason.
I pushed my way through the crowd toward the restrooms. Zoe was about to get her ass whooped on the mechanical bull and I wanted no part of watching the debacle. Plus, I needed some time to myself and escaping at this point wasn’t in the cards. I’d never hear the end of it. The girls would pick at me, wondering why I was in such a shitty mood.
Maybe I was just tipsy enough to tell them in no uncertain terms why, but in doing so there was a chance Zoe would flee town, ignoring her own wedding. I didn’t want that for her. Everyone deserved to chase happiness. Even if it was a pipe dream.
