Total pages in book: 135
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 135955 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 680(@200wpm)___ 544(@250wpm)___ 453(@300wpm)
I notice the text from Harley, but don’t read it, shoving my phone in my back pocket. For the first time, I’m thankful the bar is a mess. It’ll keep me busy and my mind focused for the next five hours.
No more thinking about this morning or the mixed signals Major is sending. I get to work, restocking the basics and making a list of liquor for Tom.
A few regulars sit down, and before I can get to them, Tom comes storming my way. His phone is at his ear, and he’s glowering even more than usual.
“She’s standing her ass behind my bar.” He shoves the phone at me. “Deal with her and then you deal with me.”
There’s no guessing who ‘her’ is. “Hey, Harley.”
“Jewls, why aren’t you answering your messages?”
“Because I’m working.”
“I figured that because it’s exactly where I’d go to hide, too. It’s probably too late to warn you—”
I want to correct her I’m not hiding, but the phone is out of my hands and a strong arm wraps around my waist from behind.
“Jay, she’ll call you back.” Major’s voice washes over me, and I wriggle to get out of his hold.
I only manage to get loose enough to twist and face him. “Let me go.”
“No.”
“What are you doing here?” This has become a repeating question today.
“You’re here.” His answer is simple, and I can’t help the flutters in my stomach.
“Do I have to fucking put up a sign when it comes to you guys? Unless you’re working for me, get your ass out from behind my bar,” Tom shouts, pointing for Major to get on the other side.
All the fight in me evaporates as Major’s eyes turn a glittery shade of blue. I’m defenseless, realizing his intentions too late when his mouth sweeps over mine.
“Knew you wouldn’t make this easy, wildcat. Expected nothing less. But know this, I’ll always find you.”
The husky tone mixed with smugness pulls me from my trance and my fists press on his shoulders.
He lets me go, waltzing around to where four stools are reserved for the guys.
“Picking up a missed shift, my ass. You bring your drama into my bar again, you’re fired,” Tom snits, retrieving his phone from Major.
“What did I do? It’s him that came back here and manhandled me, violating your rules.”
“It’s about time. Glad to know he has some sense, even if it took him a hell of a long time to find it.”
Something in his tone and the way he says this makes my skin prickle. “What is that supposed to mean? He didn’t know I was here.”
“He knew when I told him. Figured he was pissed seeing you suck face on national television last night.”
My eyes bulge out, and my mouth drops open. Words fail me but my blood boils.
“You look like a guppy. Snap your trap, it’s scaring my customers.”
A scream bubbles in my throat. I spin and trudge to the other end of the bar, purposely not serving Major. Out of the corner of my eye, I catch Tom handing him a beer.
Luckily, the bar fills up and I’m slammed. Every time I sneak a peek his way, his gaze is on me.
It isn’t until Talon and Ford arrive I go to check on him.
“What can I get ya?”
“Beer,” both answer in unison.
“Beer? You off tonight?”
“Worked mid-shift.” Ford throws a handful of bar nuts in his mouth. “I’m starving.”
I check the time on my phone. “It’s almost nine.”
“You’ve been avoiding me for three hours,” Major points out.
“You could have left.”
“Enjoying the view.” He rakes his eyes over me, leaving a heated trail on my skin.
I force myself to act unaffected, handing over three bottles. “Burgers?”
“Already taken care of.” Tom shuffles beside me, serving them.
This is not uncommon. But it’s usually Ace who’s sitting at the bar ordering for them when their shifts end.
Major slides the set-up off his bun and cuts his in half. “Jewls, you need to eat.”
I shake my head, even though my mouth waters at the aroma. “I’m good.”
He squirts ketchup on the edge of the plate, making sure it doesn’t touch anything. Exactly like I do.
“You either eat, or I’ll lift you over this bar and feed you.”
He pops a fry in his mouth, watching me with a smirk. Irritation builds low in my chest, working its way up. Before I can respond, Tom urges me to the side.
“Take a break, I’ll cover.”
“I don’t need a break!” I gripe.
“Woman, you were out late last night and work for me the next three. I don’t need you to pass out from exhaustion.”
“Fine.” I add a little extra sway to my steps, yanking my phone out of my back pocket when I get to the office.
“Jewls, thank God. I’ve been waiting.” Harley sounds breathless.
“Tell me you didn’t answer the phone while having sex.”