I was busy making a huge order of mixed drinks when I heard that cat- scratch voice again. “Annie, why don’t you go ahead and ask me out. I know you want to, I can see it in your eyes. You can stop your little game now.”

With my back to him I squeezed my eyes shut. Turning until I was facing Palmer I slowly opened my eyes and slammed my palms onto the bar. “You know what, Palmer, you’re right. I would love to ask you out. Why don’t you go out and play in the damn traffic or go out and play in shark infested water?”

Palmer narrowed his eyes. “You can keep up with this little act but eventually you’re going to break down and give into me. You can’t hide behind that wall forever, baby.”

Scooting both my hands across the bar I leaned close to Palmer and said, “I will never give into a guy like you. So why don’t you take the hint and back the fuck off?”

Palmer’s lip twitched before he grabbed my hands. Yanking my hands away I took a step back as Palmer said, “I would love to fuck you off, baby. Just give me one time…”

Before Palmer could finish he was being yanked off the barstool. Widening my eyes I saw the mystery man from earlier shoving Palmer into the wall, placing his forearm across Palmer’s throat.

“I do believe the lady told you to fuck off. I think it’s time you left.” Mystery man spat out.

Palmer attempted a laugh, trying to seem unaffected. “I’ll leave when I’m good and ready, and I ain’t ready yet.”

I could see the vain in mystery man’s neck ticking with each heartbeat. He looked murderous.

“Well see buddy, here’s the thing. I’m the fuckin’ owner. And, I think I will decide when it’s time for you to go. That time was about five fuckin’ minutes ago. You have two options. Number one, walk the hell outta here on your own with a little dignity and respect or two, I can have my men carry you out like the fuckin’ piece of shit you are. Your choice.” He loosened his hold on Palmer, letting him go.

What the hell? Mystery man was the owner? Damn. He was hot.

Palmer rubbed his hand over his throat before staring mystery owner man down. It really was a funny match up. Palmer was around five feet six inches with bright red hair, freckles, gray/ silver eyes, and absolutely zero muscle. He was the epitome of creepy dork. Then you look at mystery owner and all I can think is badass. He was well over six foot with amazing blue eyes, light brown hair, and tons of tattoos.

“What’s it going to be?”

Palmer squinted his eyes before saying, “Fuck off. You ain’t the owner and you ain’t doin’ shit to me.”

Mystery owner man smirked as the amusement washed over his face. “You’re right, I won’t do shit. I pay people to deal with little fuckin’ scums like you.” He jerked his head in my direction before saying, “You step in my bar again and I will make sure you will never ‘fuck off’ as you put it, again. And harass her or another of my employees and I will personally castrate you myself. Got it, buddy?”

I let my eyes drift from Palmer and mystery owner to see two very large men in tight black shirts and dress pants walking in our direction. As the two men approached Palmer I could see his body getting tense. The two large men picked Palmer up and made their way back through the crowd, and out the front door.

Closing my mouth I blinked a few times. Holy shit!

I shook my head trying to once again clear my thoughts of mystery owner. I turned back around to finish the order I was making before the Palmer drama interrupted me.

“You ok?” That deep, husky voice sent chills down my body.

Looking over my shoulder, I smiled and nodded. Turning back to the drinks, I hoped he would leave. After making a few more drinks I turned back to face the bar and found that sexy man meat sitting on the stool Palmer had been occupying.

Plastering on a smile I asked, “Need a drink?”

Smirking, mystery owner shook his head. “Nah. I don’t think it would look to good if the owner was drinking.”

“You’re really the owner?” I asked, fully curious.

Looking confused mystery owner looked around. “Why would I lie about being the owner? And why the hell would I have two random bodyguards with me? I’m the one and only Gage Tucker.”

“But, I thought the owner was some big shot soccer player or something. Shouldn’t you be like, I don’t know practicing or something?”

Gage pursed his lips before saying, “I sure as hell don’t kick balls for a living. I’m the quarterback for the New Orleans Saints.”

“Well either way you play with balls to get your money. Not much difference.” I smiled before bending over to pick up a bottle of tequila.

I needed a shot.

Slamming the bottle on the bar, I grabbed a shot glass and poured. Throwing the alcohol back, I welcomed the warming in my throat. Setting the glass on the bar I looked at Gage, who was smiling.

“Better now?” Gage grabbed the shot glass and poured another, sliding it across the bar towards me. “One more.”

I slowly blinked and looked down at the full shot glass. Was he testing me? Did he want to see if I would get drunk on the job?

Bringing my eyes back up to meet his I shook my head one time. “I have drinks to make. Maybe some other time.”

Gage picked up the glass and wrapped his lips around the brim, letting the alcohol drain into his mouth. He could even make taking a shot look sexy.

Fuck. I was in trouble. I didn’t know this man from a hole in the wall but hot damn I was attracted to him.

Gage wiped the corner of his mouth before setting the glass down. Looking from the empty glass to Gage’s ocean blue eyes he winked before hopping off the stool. “Have a good night, Annie.” He turned and strutted away.

How did he know my name? My name tag, duh dumbass. I smacked my forehead and sighed. I didn’t do this. Men didn’t make me go stupid. What the hell was going on? I didn’t do that whole alpha male swooping in to save the damsel in distress shit.

Gage Tucker made my brain turn to mush. I was screwed. The two times we had been around each other and I felt shit I hadn’t felt in years. No love at first site but serious sexual tension.

Totally. Fuckin’. Screwed. 

15

Gage


It had been five months since Cobie died. The first night I go to my bar and I literally run into the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. The way my dick responded to her wasn’t okay. I was attracted to her, just my luck.

Sitting at my desk, I dropped my head into my hands. Running my fingers through my hair I squeezed my eyes shut as my head slid down and rested on my desk. It had only been five months, I couldn’t be having these feelings. What kind of person was I? My wife, the mother of my fucking child just died! I should be sitting at home crying not going out and getting a raging boner from my bartender. Dammit!

Slamming my fists onto the desk I heard a picture frame fall over. Lifting my head just enough to see over my arm I saw the silver frame that held the picture of Londyn, just a few days old snuggled with Cobie. Setting the frame back in place I rubbed my eyes with my index fingers.

Who would have thought it would end up like this?

Scooting my chair back from my desk I put my elbows on the arm rests and laced my fingers together, setting my chin on them. After getting the call from my agent this morning I couldn’t be happier that the trade deal had gone through. Starting quarterback and more money. Leaving New York and coming to New Orleans was the best thing for Londyn and for myself. She would be close to family and I would have more help raising her.

Attempting to clear my thought I heard a hard knock on my door.

“It’s open.”

Not looking at the door I pushed out of the chair and walked to the large window overlooking the ocean.

“Hey, man. You ok? I saw you sittin’ at the bar, looked away, and when I looked back you were gone.”

Larkin. He was the exact person I couldn’t talk to about my problem.

Without looking at Larkin I forced a smile and said, “Everything is fine. Just needed to get away for a minute, everyone out there has something to say to me. Needed a breather.”

Larkin took a few steps so he was standing next to me. Forcing myself I brought my eyes to meet his.

“Gage, I know, you miss her. Fuck, she was my sister, but you have to live your life. I know you loved her. She was your wife and you two had a baby, but she’s gone. As much as I fuckin’ hate it and it tears me apart you have to move on. You know that’s what Co would want. She would want you happy.”

Sighing I dropped my gaze to the floor. “I can’t talk to you about this. She was your sister, my wife, and the mother of my child. I loved her and just thinking about another female should make me sick.”

Larkin placed his hand on my shoulder and said, “You need to talk to someone, Gage. It’s not healthy to keep it all in.”

I tensed. Lifting my head to look him square in the eye I said, “Didn’t know you were a fuckin’ shrink. Thanks for those words of wisdom, but I think I can handle my own damn life. I mean, I was the one who stepped up when you fuckin’ left. I think I got this shit covered.” I saw hurt flash across his face before it morphed into raw anger.

I didn’t care.

Larkin narrowed his eyes and spoke with venom, “You know what, you’re right. You did step up but that wasn’t by my choice and you know it. I’m not offering words of fuckin’ wisdom, just the truth, fucker. You can take it how you want but you need help. Fuckin’ talk to someone, even if it’s not me.”