This man felt way out of her league in every way possible. The thought of talking to him made her stomach knot with nervousness, but that just made her want to do it more.
Look at where playing it safe had gotten her.
Lauren watched from the corner of her eye as Roni approached the sexy stranger. The music was on, so she couldn’t hear the exchange, but she saw Roni’s tight expression. She knew her friend well. Roni looked wary of the buff outsider as she handed him a beer. She moved away fast. The guy obviously made Roni nervous.
Roni brought a cup of coffee and pushed it in front of Lauren. “Drink that, and I want your keys until you sober up.”
“You’re not my mother.”
Roni sighed. “You’re right. I’d never be that much of a bitch. Your mom is the queen of mean, so thank you for saying I’m not her. Now, drink the coffee and behave.”
Lauren glanced at the man down the bar again, and then her gaze swung to Roni. “Ever see him in here before?”
“Never in my life.” Roni scowled. “Why?”
Lauren suddenly smiled. “My name is Candy.” She winked at her best friend. “And you don’t know me. Give me the keys to the cabin.”
Roni paled. “No fucking way. Not him. Pick someone else if you want to go crazy.”
“He’s not from around here. He’s got out-of-state plates and can’t be part of your biker gang drama.” Lauren held out her hand. “Give me the keys to the cabin. I’m sure as hell not taking him home with me.”
Roni’s palms flattened on the bar. “Not him.”
Lauren frowned. “I’ve got three words for you. Felix Adam Norris.”
Roni paled. “You wouldn’t.”
“I might,” Lauren warned. “‘Cause I need this. Desperately.”
“Bitch.” Her friend spun away and seconds later came back with a small ring with three keys on it. “Never mention him again. I swear to God, I didn’t know he was married to Officer Barb Ellis. If she ever finds out I screwed her old man, she’s going to write me tickets and arrest me every chance she gets. Here’s the key. I think I’ll get his license plate number, so when you disappear, they have a lead on who killed you.”
Lauren chuckled. “You’re a good friend. Now get lost, stranger.”
“Blackmailing bitch. Be careful.” Roni walked away quickly. “I’m following you on my phone, so make sure your tracker is on.”
Lauren glanced at her phone and made sure Roni could still track her. Then she stopped for a moment to run a mental check on herself. She wasn’t drunk, but she was feeling relaxed. She pushed off the barstool slowly to test her legs. While she felt steady, Lauren still knew she wasn’t much of a drinker. Two drinks usually knocked her flat, but when her high heels hit the floor, her legs took her weight easily.
She left her purse locked in her car when she came in earlier. She had money, her keys, and now her phone in her jacket pockets. She put the extra set of keys in another pocket, and then her gaze locked on tall, dark, and sexy.
He really was a big son of a bitch.
Maybe this isn’t such a hot idea, she warned herself, but she kept walking.
She moved between the stool and the bar next to him. Then she put her hand down on the polished wood, studying his profile until he slowly turned his head.
Just under two feet separated them as she stared into a pair of dark, sexy brown eyes flecked with gold. They looked like melted chocolate, and that was one of her favorite things. She ran her tongue over her upper lip. His gaze dropped and followed the swipe of her tongue. She studied his face as his eyes lifted, and he looked back at her.
“I’ve never seen you in town before.”
He shrugged. “I just got here two days ago.”
“Where are you staying?”
“The River Motel.” He had a deep, raspy voice, like warm whiskey, smooth and rough at the same time. “But I won’t be there much longer.”
He’s perfect, her mind whispered to her.
“I’m Candy.” Lauren grinned. “What’s your name?”
He smiled back, making him impossibly handsome. “Candy?” He arched an eyebrow, looking amused.
He had avoided giving Lauren his name, but she let it go.
“My parents’ idea of a sick joke,” she lied easily. “Our last name is Barr.” She spelled it for him. “I have a sister named Sugar. What can I say?”
He chuckled. It was deep and made his body shake slightly.
God, he was sexy.
He had full lips and strong features. He had eyelashes that were black and went on forever. He was shaven close, which was almost unique these days. She inhaled and loved the way he smelled. It was something masculine and raw…like him.
“Sounds like a hellish name to grow up with.” A grin tugged at his lips. “I bet you were both teased a lot.”
She nodded, lowering her lashes with a smile. She knew she was flirting hard. She didn’t care. The booze had relaxed her enough that she didn’t feel shy in the least.
“Still do. You don’t know how many guys offered to eat me.”
The second the words were out of her mouth, she was a little shocked that she’d let them leave. Sober Lauren never would have. She didn’t even feel heat flush her face, which was totally out of character for her.
“I bet. Did you take many up on it?”
“Nope, but I probably should have.”
The stranger’s grin widened. His dark eyes narrowed. She saw his nose flare a little, and then he offered, “Can I buy you a drink, Candy?”
She shook her head slowly. “I pay my own way in life, but you could escort me home if you’re feeling chivalrous. I have had a few drinks. I probably shouldn’t drive.”
He blinked and took a deep breath. “How many have you had?”
“Two. I’m not drunk. I’m just feeling good. So how about it?” She took a deep breath for courage and asked, “Do you want to escort me home?”
He was silent…studying her.
Lauren leaned against the bar a little more and put a hand on her hip. She opened her jacket just slightly when she did it. She saw his gaze leave hers and wander down the v-cut dress shirt that was exposed. It was dipped low in the front, and she knew he could see a bit of cleavage.
“I’ve had a hard day. I could use a distraction,” she admitted softly. “But, if you’re in a relationship—”
“I’m not,” he assured her with another hot look but warned, “and I don’t plan to be.”
“Me either,” she agreed a little too quickly. “I’m done with that.”
“Then, yeah, Candy Barr.” He smiled broadly. “I’d be honored.”
“Good.” She smiled back and pushed away from the bar. Her heart was pounding. Lauren didn’t turn to look as she walked toward the door because she would likely lose her nerve. She could hear him behind her, every part of her sensing his strong, steady gait as he followed her.
He reached the door first and opened it for her. She flashed him a smile as she walked under his arm and out into the warm summer night. A slight breeze blew. God, he was tall. He towered over her as they walked out the bar door together.