Dave whistled while practically skipping into the Hungry Lion. Kathy would be there in an hour so he had to get as much done as possible. Staring at her, touching her, and being an all-around pain in the butt was what he planned on doing. Laughing at himself he unlocked the back door. She was perfect, everything he could have hoped for and never dreamed he could have. The beautiful eyes, the soft skin, and the way her body yielded and melted into his. No one had ever touched her the way he did last night. The mere thought of her low throaty moans made Dave’s body stir. He’d be her first—the one to show her the sexy woman she truly was. And yet he couldn’t help but think of the women in his past. The ones who said they were okay with the mistakes he’d made in his life and actually thought it was sexy. Oh, it had always started out great. The sex was good, the nights out were fun, but then the girls would realize he wasn’t who he used to be and they would get bored and leave. And that was the ones who stayed and weren’t trying to “reform” him when he already was. Dave shook his head at the thought, those girls were the worst. He really hoped Kathy wasn’t like the others; she sure didn’t seem to be.
Dave stopped for a moment and stood in the middle of the bar while he processed the magnitude of what had transpired between them. The black sticky ink of doubt rewrote the dreams he’d written, then covered his future hopes for him and Kathy with doubt. What if she decided he wasn’t the one for her? Too much baggage.
A banging sounded on the front door knocked Dave out of his qualm. “We’re closed!” he yelled to the figure behind the stained-glass door window.
“I know!”
Dave unlocked the door as quick as he could and flung it open to reveal his oldest and closest friend. “Mitch, you dumbass, you were supposed to call when you arrived.”
“Yeah, but business pulled me here early so I thought I’d take a chance and stop in since we haven’t been able to do our get away, ogle girls, and drink lots of beer vacations.”
They shared a brotherly hug. “Well, if you hadn’t moved to New York all those years ago we’d be able to do that right here during the summer. Damn, your hair’s gotten gray. It must be the wife,” Dave teased good-naturedly.
“And the baby. They’re at the hotel sleeping so I figured I’d come over and bug you. So are you going to offer me a drink? Or do I have to get it myself?” Mitch joked.
“Yeah, yeah. Come on in.” Dave relocked the door and gestured to the bar. “What can I get ya?”
“Soda.”
“And?”
“Just soda. I’m going to be meeting with clients in a few hours.” Mitch looked around the Hungry Lion Bar-n-Grill. “This really is a great place, Dave. How long has it been since we saw each other? Three years, since my wedding?”
“I guess you’re right.” Dave shook his head. “Time even flies when you’re not having too much fun. How’s being a family man?” Grabbing his friend a soda Dave pushed down the yearning he always experienced whenever he thought of Mitch, his wife, Simone, and their new daughter
“Great. Wonderful. Crazy. Hectic. Wouldn’t change it for the world.” Mitch’s lips twitched. “Word is you’ve got your sights on a woman.”
“Hmm… wonder who told you that.”
“Don’t blame me!” Jake came out of the back room yelling, and then extended a hand to Mitch for a shake.
“Well someone told him!” Dave shouted back.
Mitch turned his eyes on Dave. “It was your mom—this morning. She also said we’re having a belated Easter supper tonight and you were in a hell of a wreck. How’s the shoulder?”
Dave contemplated the glass of water in his hand while Jake stood crossed-armed behind Mitch. It was then that he knew why his old friend had come—Jake had asked him to. “The shoulder is good. Life is good. Why don’t you speak what’s on your mind, Mitch? You could have sent anyone here for that meeting.”
“Nothing on my mind. I wanted to bring the baby up for you guys to meet,” Mitch said innocently enough.
“Dave, that’s no way to treat a friend you haven’t seen in years. How about the three of us tie one on tonight? We’ll get all crazy and shit.” Jake slapped Mitch on the back.
“Jake, the last time you did that you were passed out naked on the office couch,” Dave reminded him with a smirk.
“I wasn’t passed out. I was sleeping after celebrating this one’s baby being born.”
Mitch chuckled. “So how’s.…” He trailed off as Kathy walked in. After swiveling around on the bar stool he gave her a dazzling smile. “Well, hello there. You guys always have the most beautiful women working here.”
Dave cringed a little when Kathy turned a deep shade of red. “Mitch, this is Kathy, our new manager. Kathy, this is our old friend Mitch.”
“Oh, I don’t think he looks old,” she teased while taking a step toward the man and extended a hand which Mitch brought to his lips.
“Pleasure to meet your acquaintance, Kathy.”
Seeing through Mitch’s pickup line and good-natured wit, she smiled bright with an edge of humor, while her voice mocked southern belle charm. “My, my. How did this smooth-talking man end up rustlin’ with a couple derelicts like yourselves?”
Jake choked on his laugh while Mitch pulled an unsuspecting Kathy into his arms for a hug. “I like you already, Kathy.”
“Hands off my woman, McCabe.”
“I have my own and love her around the world and back. So, Kathy, how’d you end up working for these two?”
Kathy pressed her lips together before answering. “I’m best friends with Sophie.”
“Ahhhh. The Sophie. So you’re The Kathy.”
“I suppose.” She wanted badly to slide to the floor and then out of the room but something inside of her held strong. It told her she had nothing to fear from this stranger. “I guess Dave thinks I’m his woman.” She gave Mitch a sly grin.
“I think we’re going to have to correct that.”
Mitch’s eyes were kind while his smile calmed her nerves. “Yes,” she said, feeling more daring. “Maybe we should tell him about us.” Her eyes slid to Dave’s as Jake’s laughter rolled.
“You have a live one here, Dave,” Mitch announced.
“Don’t I know it.” Gazing at her, Dave blew Kathy a kiss. “I think I’m going to kidnap her and run off to the Caribbean Islands. What do you say, Muffin?”
Kathy’s quiet voice shuddered. “I… I think I’m going to have to think on that… I’m… I have a boss who’s in need of some long overdue excitement, though. You should bring him.”
“I’m not going anywhere with Dave, Jake announced, “especially on a romantic getaway.”
“I’ll go with ya, Dave.” Mitch leaned over the bar and took his friend’s face in his hands then laid a smacking kiss on him. “I’ve always lusted after you!”
“Aagggg! Get off of me! I want to go with her, not your flabby butt.”
Kathy insides giggled up and then out. “Okay, enough fun, I’m off to my cave. Mitch, it was nice meeting you.”
“You too.” He surprised Kathy by giving her a peck on the cheek. “Behave,” he told her.
“Psss,” Jake countered. “She won’t be if she keeps hanging with Dave.”
“Maybe that’s what I want,” she countered before thinking and then put a hand over her mouth. “I… I guess he’s already having an influence on me.”
“And the plot thickens,” Mitch teased. “I hope you don’t mind but we men are gonna go out after dinner tonight, and we are going to drill Dave about you.”
“Oh. Well, there’s… I need to go.”
“Leave her alone, Mitch.” Dave took Kathy’s hand and led her to the back office. “Sorry about that. Mitch is harmless and likes to get a rise out of me.” He turned her into his arms as soon as they were inside the office. “I’ve been thinking about doing this again all night.” His lips came to hers with serene patience. She fell with him when he guided her onto the couch. The feel of his body on top of hers, how they fit so flawlessly together, brought exhilaration and need bubbling to the surface.
“How do you do this to me? I don’t understand,” she told him. “I can’t control anything when I’m around you.” She moved her hands under his shirt. The smooth feel of his skin to the contrast of the delicate rise of his ink patterns transfixed her as she traced them with her fingers.
Dave nipped at the sensitive flesh of her throat as his hand moved up her body to cup her breast.
“I love when you kiss my neck.”
Dave’s teeth tugged at her ear while he fit his body securely between her legs. “You had amateurs before me. Men who were more concerned with their own needs than yours. I want to drive you. Make you so insane that you can’t stop even when your body wants to.” He kissed her harshly—a brutal promise of things to come. But Kathy’s mind took a step back with caution bells singing loud and insistent. She tried to block out their negative tone and listen to the encouraging one that said she would gladly follow him wherever he led. That with him she felt secure, confident, and sexy, not fretful, used up, and drab. There wasn’t any clumsiness when they were in each other’s arms—only two people trying to put their trust in each other.
“How did this happen?” Her body deceived her skeptical mind by bowing under his.
“Luck. I’m the luckiest man in the world.”
The truth of the statement was in his forceful stare, which caused a sudden, almost painful swelling in Kathy’s chest. The tiny fiery ball ignited then bloomed into the most blissful wonderment she ever experienced. Surprised by the emotions and its origins, she realized it wasn’t his hands discovering her body but his heart. The marvel of it consumed her while the scary reality drew her farther away from him.
“We need to stop,” she said. His befuddled look made her wonder what his thoughts were. “I’m sorry. I don’t want you to think I’m a tease. But let’s be serious here.”
“That might be a little hard with me lying on you.” In an aggressive move, he sat up with his tongue in his cheek.
“Right.” She slid herself up to a sitting position. “I want what’s happening between us. Really I do… umm.”
“So what’s the problem?” His gravelly voice was edged with cynicism.
“I think we might be moving a little fast. That’s all.”I’m doing this for us. It’s the right thing to do. Step back a little before one of us hurts the other one.
He narrowed his eyes as if to study her. “What’s going on? Did you decide Mitch is the right man for you? Because he’s married.”
His attempt at humor gave her a smile. “I’m not interested in Mitch. You should know that by now.”
“Sure about that?” He asked, with a raised brow.
“Oh, Dave.” She cupped his face in her hands. “I’ve never felt what you make me feel and it’s terrifying, yet exciting at the same time.” She laughed at herself. “That sounds so ridiculous.”
A wicked grin formed on his lips while he crawled across the couch to pull her slim body under his again. “I excite you?” He eyed the hand she pressed against his chest.
“Yes, but—”
“You’re scared.” How could she not be when he was terrified?
“To death, Dave.”
“Then I guess we’ll start with a little necking in the car. Will your dad get upset?”
She laughed hard. “Oh, you need to meet my parents to get the full answer to that question.”
“Are you inviting me to meet them?” he asked with a secret hope that she would.
“No,” she said with pain present in her eyes.
“You don’t want me to meet them, do you?” You really don’t want to take this relationship any farther than what we have right now? he wanted to say to her.
“It’s not that, Dave. They’re just… I don’t have the best relationship with them and when you do meet them,” Kathy took a cleansing breath, “you’ll understand.”
Dave twirled a lock of her hair around his finger. She said, “When you do meet them,” and that meant she was thinking about them having a future together. Excitement over her words moved his soul and gave him an optimism he hadn’t felt in years. When he kissed her the whole world tilted and propelled his heart into hers. His hands slid over silken skin as he raised her shirt up for him to feast on her breasts. She answered his calling by fisting his hair in her hand and inciting him to not stop. Needing more Dave unzipped her slacks then sat back on his haunches to pull both pants and panties down below her bottom. When he replaced the cotton material with his hand Kathy ignited. Her mouth, hot and demanding, took his. It was all Dave could do to keep them from rolling onto the floor when she unbuttoned his jeans with haste then pushed them down so she could hold him in her hand. When those deft fingers began to massage him, Dave moaned her name. He wanted every single part of her to be his and not just her mind and body. No, he wanted her laughter, the blush that would come to her cheeks when he looked at her and winked but most of all he yearned to go to bed and then wake up next to her.
“Dave…”
“I know.” Pulling back Dave gazed down at Kathy. “That was better than any backseat.” Her eyes were heavy and her lips had a small smile.
“Yes, it was but we need to get to work and you have a friend waiting out in the restaurant for you.”
When fun and laughter swept away from her eyes, Dave asked, “Tell me what’s wrong, Muffin.”
“I went and gave my report about last night.” She stood from the couch and swiftly began fixing her clothes.
“And?” he asked while buttoning his pants.
“It seems like that detective is looking for something other than answers to what happened,” she answered while averting her eyes from his.
Puzzled and a little taken aback, Dave probed, “What do you mean?”
“He kept bringing up all the break-ins and a drug bust that happened in the last few weeks.”
Dave’s back went up. “Did he ask you about me? Because, Kathy, I swear, I know nothing about any of that.”
“No, no. I.…” She faded off.
“So what’s the problem?”
“I… there’s other things. I just really hope you don’t take this personally but I—”
“I understand.” He stood, hurt evident on his face and in his words. “You need to do what’s best for you.” He ran his hands through his thick crop of hair. “Stepping back from you, honestly, Kathy, I’m not sure I can do that. What we’ve started here, it’s not something that can just be stopped. I find myself so drawn to you.”
“No, no, stepping back isn’t it. Dave, there’s so much more going on than you and me. I know it’s asking a lot but I need you to trust me and give me time and not ask questions.”
Dave looked into her eyes where hurt and confusion were churning. “Okay. I can respect that. But don’t think you’re getting out of dinner tonight.” He ran a finger down her nose.
“Well, that sucks,” she teased with a flip of her hair. “And I was hoping to take a bubble bath and think about you all night.”
“Oh… well, you can still do that.” He pulled her in for a quick kiss. “We could always take the tubby together… tonight.”
“One step at a time, Dave. For now you need to get your tight buns out there and work.”
“God I love it when you’re bossy,” he told her as he walked out of the office whistling.
* * *
Dave leaned forward to wipe down the bar in front of him. Kathy’s revelation irritated Dave, even hours later. Why couldn’t she tell him what was bothering her? He was trustworthy and a good listener. It was a disappointing blow to know she didn’t want to share her fears with him; that they hadn’t reached that point in their relationship where they could tell each other anything. When Detective Owen walked into the bar area wearing civilian clothes, Dave’s already rattled mood darkened. The nerve of him. Why can’t he just leave me alone?
“Hey, can I get a Sam Adams?” Owen leaned a hefty hip on the bar stool.
“Coming up. Tap or bottle?”
“Bottle’s fine.”
He watched while Owen looked around. A small grin spread across the man’s pudgy face when his eyes met Dave’s.
“What?” he asked defensively.
“You did all right. Your parents are very proud of you.”
“Owen, if you came in here to harass me, I’m gonna have to start reporting you.”
Owen waved him off. “Naw. I’m here for a beer or two. Off duty. You didn’t come in to give your side of the story this morning.”
“Really?” Skeptical, Dave tried to be friendly. “That’s why you’re here?”
“No, I’m here for a friendly beer,” Owen stated then took a swig of the bottle Dave had put in front of him.
Dave wiped at the bar and winked at a lady. “So, Owen. Wife, kids?”
“Why?”
“Just being sociable. Figured since you’re bent on getting to know me by hanging around, I might as well get to know you. There’s no motive.” Dave held his hands up.
“Ex-wife.”
“Ouch. Glad I don’t have one of those. Hey, Jake.” Dave greeted his brother with a “be nice” glare.
“What the hell you doing here, Owen?”
Owen swiveled on his seat to look at Jake. “Is that how you say hi to all your patrons?”
“Only the unwelcomed ones.”
“Easy, Jake, he’s here for a drink and is an officer,” Dave told his brother.
“And to pin anything he can on you,” Jake retorted.
“I’m not trying to pin anything on your brother, Sanders.”
Jake’s irritated voice had turned a few heads so Dave moved quickly. He couldn’t have his place known for poor conduct. That wasn’t good for business. Hell, with the guys they bounced out last night, and now this, a bad reputation was probably already starting.
“Go away, Jake. Now.” His brother opened his mouth and then closed it. “I’ve got this.”
Taking a long, measuring look at Owen, Jake said, “I owe my life to my brother. He’s not who he used to be. Get it through your thick head.”
“That’s what everyone keeps saying. By the way, thank you for your service, Gunnery Sergeant.” Owen took a sip of his beer. “And I’m not out to get your brother, no matter what you think. I only wanted a beer.”
“Jake. Go.”
“There’s other places,” Jake seethed through his teeth.
“Yup, but I picked this one.”
Dave looked at them both and sighed heavily. There would never be peace in his life. “Jake, please.”
“Fine,” he snarled and stomped away.
“Sorry,” Dave said to Owen. “My brother’s a bit protective.”
“It’s not misplaced.”
They stared at each other—whether for understanding or willing power over the other, Dave couldn’t say. But he did know one thing, “The ‘good cop’ routine won’t work with me, Owen. I’ve seen it too many times.”
“Maybe I’m just looking to see what the other cops see.”
“And maybe you’re not.” Dave moved down the bar. They were getting busy. Thankfully. It meant he wouldn’t have to pay much attention to the unwanted customer. He could ignore Owen and have a good reason for it.
“Hey,” Stuart called out to Owen, from his corner bar stool perch. “Leave Dave alone. He’s a good guy.”
“Stuart,” Dave warned.
“What? This guy comes in harassing you and you stick up for him?” Stuart shook his head. “Louie told me about last night, you know, the fight? That you were a real prick.”
Owen opened his mouth then closed it again, as if trying to figure out what to say.
“Well I think that’s bullshit,” Stuart went on.
“Stuart.” Dave set a beer in front of his oldest patron. “Detective Owen deserves a little respect and didn’t come here tonight to make trouble. Isn’t that right?”
“Pfff. He smells like—”
“Exactly,” Owen interrupted Stuart. “Just having a beer like you.”
“I still say you smell.” Stuart picked up his beer and grumbled. “Louie’s right, we need rat traps in here.”
Dave kept his retort to himself. No use getting the old man any more worked up than he already was. Besides Kathy came floating out of the back room and his tongue tied into knots. Her beauty only seemed to be magnified among the crowd. He wanted to run over, sweep her off her feet, and… and what exactly? Damn that woman jumbled his heart and his mind.
Filling another order Dave decided he knew what he wanted to do—take her away from all the ugliness that was filling up their world at the moment. Was that too much to ask? He supposed so because Owen, of course, noticed Dave’s reaction to her appearance in the room.
“You’ve got it bad for Karma, eh?”
Puzzled he asked, “What?”
“The way you’re looking at that girl. Karma?”
Dave wasn’t sure if karma had anything to do with it but if it did, that would probably mean he wouldn’t be getting the girl. The sides of his mouth pulled down. Maybe he should let her go before they got in too deep. After all she might be okay with the knowledge that he used to be a troublemaker but that didn’t really matter much if it was going to cause conflict between her and her parents; wasn’t that another problem he always had with the women he dated? The parents would find out and then convince their daughter that once a loser, always a loser.
Kathy turned those chocolate eyes on his and Dave knew he’d be miserable for the rest of his life without her but if it meant her happiness, so be it. He wouldn’t push.
“Dave, I’m leaving for the day. Is there anything else you need?” Kathy asked.
Yeah. You. “No, I’m good.”
Kathy took a ragged breath when her eyes fell on Owen. “Detective.”
“Miss Smith.”
Kathy looked over his shoulder. “Jake.”
“Kathy.”
“Louie,” Kathy remarked.
“Kathy,” Louie saluted with his drink.
“Dave,” Dave said, feeling a little left out.
Jake’s lips twitched. “Owen.”
“Sanders,” the detective answered.
“Okay, so now that we’re all acquainted,” Dave smirked, “what’s next? How about a game of golf?”
“Never was good at it,” Owen countered.
“How about target shooting?” Jake suggested, with a wiggle of his brows.
“Now that’s just asking for trouble. Go away, Jake.” The need to hit his brother came on sudden and strong.
“I personally like something quieter like…” Kathy rolled her eyes to the ceiling in deep thought. “Fishing. Never know what you’ll find, or lose, in the water.” All three men stared at her. “What?”
“Kathy.” Dave leaned over the bar, cupped her chin in his hand, and kissed her soundly. “What a great idea. The two of us on a boat… alone. Fishing and enjoying each other,” he added with a wink.
She pulled back suddenly, red faced and flustered. “I… ah. See you tonight at dinner.” Then she sprinted out of the room.
Dave watched her leave. Man, he loved the look in Kathy’s eyes when he flustered her. Sexy.