CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

 

Devane’s was a popular spot on the weekends. She was happy for her friends’ success, but it also meant on a Friday or Saturday night the place was packed. “If you aren’t there to party, don’t bother coming in” was what Tim liked to tell people about weekends at his place. Good thing she wanted to party.

“Let me buy you another shot,” Ed offered.

“Tequila, please.”

“I think the lady has had enough.”

Are you kidding me? What the hell is Jayson doing here?

“Why are you on that side of the bar?”

She caught Ed’s amused perusal. This will be all over the office on Monday.

“Working. I work here.”

That little bit of news had deliberately been kept a secret. From her. “I haven’t reached my limit, and I’m not driving. Please bring me one shot of tequila.”

“Aren’t you going to introduce me?”

“This is one of your bartenders for the evening.” She smiled to Ed before turning back to Jayson. “This is one of your customers.”

She caught Tim’s eye and stared hard. He began moving their way, but was stopped to pull beers and taking orders. It was a busy night. Jayson put his hand out over the bar, leaving Ed no choice but to shake his hand.

“I’m Brady’s father. Her son’s father. You know she has a son, right?”

Ed threw back his head and roared.

“Tim! Get him out of my face. Now!”

Tim appeared and hustled Jayson out of the way.

“Don’t ask.”

Ed laughed again. “Oh, darling, how can I not?”

“Cause I asked?” She downed a shot. “It’s a long, depressing story, and I don’t want to get into it.”

“Can I guess?” He wiggled his eyebrows. “You used to hang out at a different bar, got roaring drunk on tequila and banged the sexy bartender, what did you call him, Jase? Ended up pregnant by an unsuitable suitor you never mention. You switched bars, but he’s found you.”

She laughed. “You watch too many reruns of Sex in the City.”

He took a pull from his imported beer. “Yes, I’m wrong, I see that now. Based on the way he’s staring at me like I’m going to get shivved or worse, he works for a foreign government, and you met while vacationing abroad. He left you with secret missile codes and a bun in the oven.”

“Why are you a lawyer with an imagination like that?” She smiled and hooked the neck of her Corona.

“I’m only kind of kidding. The looks he’s throwing this way? I’m a little afraid to go the men’s room.”

She looked. Jayson stared in a threatening manner. Things had been pleasant between them, friendly even since he’d been sick and they’d talked. He’d started taking Brady overnight. She’d thought he’d understood. She’d assumed he’d agreed with her. But the way he acted like he was marking territory, suggested otherwise.

“Ignore him.”

“Should we make it worse, love?” He leaned in as though he intended to kiss her neck. “I can work him into a jealous lather.”

“I doubt that would be a good idea.” She put her hand on his chest and gave him a gentle push. “I don’t think you’d enjoy getting slugged by him. And I know Jake won’t appreciate it.”

“You don’t know. Jake might find that stimulating.” He raised a provocative eyebrow at Jayson before taking another pull at his beer.

She laughed until her sides hurt.

“You’ll never make him jealous now.” She wiggled off her stool. “I’ll be back. I’ve got to use the ladies.”

As she left the restroom, a familiar form pushed her back into a dark corner. Jayson’s hands spread on the wall beside her head. His body skimmed hers as he caged her against the wall. He wasn’t quite touching her. Why does it feel like he is? Why am I excited?

“Your date is gay.” His breath fanned over her cheek.

“It’s not a date. He’s a friend and we’re celebrating a big victory he had today.” She put her hands on her hips because, other than touching him, she wasn’t sure what to do with them. “Not that it’s any of your business.”

“That’s why he looks familiar. He’s been all over the news with a RICO trial.”

“Will you let me go now?”

“Am I making you uncomfortable?”

“Yes.”

“Liar.”

He leaned closer. He smelled like she remembered. Her heart pumped, and she cursed it a traitor.

“What are you doing?”

“Proving something to myself.”

He stepped back. She tried to walk away with dignity, but she was embarrassed and confused. She’d wanted him to kiss her. She sat and ordered another round. Ed shook his head.

“No thanks. Jake called while you were in the ladies room. There was a multi-vehicle accident on the Boulevard, and he’s on his way into surgery. Since my significant other and designated driver isn’t making it, I’m done drinking.”

“I’m sorry. This is your celebration. How about we drive to my house, park the car, and walk back? You can crash at my place tonight.”

“Sweetheart, that’s a lovely thought, but I’m sleeping in my own bed where my man can find me when he does get home.”

“You want to call it a night?”

“No way. I don’t need to be drunk to have a good time. You almost never get out of the house. While I, on the other hand, have a thriving social life. You’re going to get lit and tell me what happened in that dark little corner between you and Mr. Blue Eyes.”

“Shut up.” She did his shot while he laughed at her. And she stared at Jayson on the other side of the room.

He looked at home behind the bar, serving drinks and chatting up locals. He looked at ease everywhere. The man’s a chameleon. No wonder DEA tagged him for undercover work. She knew other people were attracted to his confidence. She also knew the depth of insecurity he harbored. His childhood left him damaged and yearning for family. He kept a tight rein on the well of violence he’d inherited. His fear of becoming his father surpassed all others. He turned as though he felt her. She looked away first.

“Yeah, that’s what I thought. I would be shocked if you woke up alone tomorrow. Shocked and grossly disappointed in the both of you.”

“It’s complicated.”

“It’s not that complicated. The almost lip-lock over by the bathroom was steamy enough, but the little eye-bang the two of you just engaged in damn near burned up the whole bar. It got me going, and I don’t do boy on girl.” He leaned close. “What’s wrong with having a good time? If anyone deserves to, it’s you.”

“He is Brady’s father.”

“Duh. I didn’t need him to tell me that. An idiot could see the resemblance, and I’m not an idiot. I’m not telling you to marry the man. I know casual sex isn’t your thing and I understand why not. But tall, dark and sexy over there presents a unique opportunity. He’s not a stranger, he isn’t a threat to Brady, and from what I’ve seen you know the sex is worth it.”

“This is no longer up for discussion. In fact, my sex life is never up for discussion unless I bring it up first. Got it?”

“Sure thing, counselor.” He looked Jayson over again; made a noise of approval in his throat. “A man can dream.”

“I’m telling Jake.” She tucked her tongue in her cheek and stifled the threatening laughter.

“Go ahead. I’m allowed to look. Especially at straight guys.”

She gave up and laughed. She snuck another peek at Jayson through her lashes. Was he slowly making his way down this end? He had a hint of a smile on his face and the devil in his eyes. He’s as dangerous now as he’d been six years ago.

She looked away. What are you thinking?