“Oh, just what I was looking for—another man to tell me what to do.”
Renn shook his head as the bartender set a fresh drink down in front of her.She pulled out the straw and took a big gulp.“Thank you.”
Renn didn’t want to leave her alone even if she thought she could handle those jerks.
“Was sticking up for me your big move to try and convince me how you’re different, so I’ll consider going home with you?”she challenged as she stood and leaned her tall curvy body into his.
But before he could answer another man moved to stand next to Renn.“Andy, you’re making a spectacle of yourself, again.”
“Last I checked what I do is none of your business, Johnny.As my ex you no longer have that right.”
“Still sour about that I see, and yet you could have married the next best thing if you’d played your cards right,” the man scoffed before leaning on the edge of the bar and calling out his order to the bartender who was helping another customer.
Renn was having trouble keeping up, but it was clear these two had some history.And the rude stranger had a point, this woman was not only the most beautiful woman in the bar, she seemed to have every man’s attention.He assumed she’d walk away done with both of them, but then she did something he didn’t see coming.Her cool fingers cupped the side of Renn’s face, and she looked up into his eyes searching for something.
“The truth is I don’t have any cards left to play, but you’re the first man who’s ever tried to defend my honor in this town.”She said in a lowered tone.
Then with a tug on the back of his neck he found himself dipping his mouth down to capture her lips in a kiss.She tasted of bourbon and honey.And her lips parted on a soft sigh as his arms wrapped around her and pulled her into him.He had no idea how long the kiss lasted, but when it ended, they were both breathless and she looked even more gorgeous with her lips swollen.The look in her eyes told him she was just as surprised as he was by their kiss.
Then she stepped out of his arms and picked up her drink.She took one more big swallow before she set the empty glass back down.
“You kiss just like a hero and a heartbreak,” she said.
“I’m no hero.I just didn’t like the way those guys were talking to you.”
“Where are you from?”she asked.
“Atlanta.I was just passing through tonight.”
“Meet me outside in five minutes.”She smiled and walked away toward the ladies’ room.
Renn stood rooted in place as he watched even after the door closed behind her.
“You won’t catch that one.She’s the girl all those sad country songs are written about,” the bartender said with a smile.
“Maybe because everyone’s trying to catch her and she needs someone to ride with her,” Renn said as he watched Miranda exit the bar while multiple men tried to get her attention.
“Good luck,” the bartender called after him as Renn headed to the exit.He didn’t miss the dirty looks from each of the men who had tried to talk to Miranda, but he wasn’t worried.He may not be the most polished or educated man in the bar, but between growing up on a ranch and playing professional sports, he had enough muscle to protect himself.Once he was outside he took a deep breath and shook off the energy of such an odd night.He was supposed to be keeping a low profile in this town, not picking a local up at the bar.
Looking down the sidewalk to the left and right he didn’t see the gorgeous blonde who had kissed him senseless.Maybe she’d changed her mind, but about ten feet toward the inn he spotted her leaning up against an old beat-up truck.It was probably a really bad idea hooking up with anyone in this town, but there she was waiting for him, and he hadn’t stopped thinking about her since he saw her big green eyes filled with tears that morning.
CHAPTER THREE
Miranda
Just One Night
Taking a deepbreath Miranda pushed off the side of her truck to stand in front of the tall stranger with broad shoulders and muscular lean frame.The best way to describe him was like manly eye candy.He was the man from that morning in front of the library.She’d recognized him the moment she saw him sitting at the bar.In truth she hadn’t stopped thinking about his flirty smile or how his hands had felt on her arms when she ran into him.He carried himself gracefully for someone with such a huge build, and his eyes were inquisitive as he stared at her, like he didn’t believe she was real.Standing just outside the light from the streetlamp, she hoped he couldn’t see her blush.“There’s a more private bar down at the inn.Is that where you’re staying?”
He nodded and she couldn’t help but notice his biceps flex as he reached behind his back and pulled out a ball cap.After running his hand through his dark hair, he settled the hat on his head.
“Are you interested in getting a drink with me or have you had a change of heart?”she said, now feeling unsure he wanted her company.
“This is going to sound like a line, but I’ve never picked someone up at a bar.”He tucked his hands in his pockets and his side smile pulled at his full lips.“When I didn’t see you out front I thought maybe you changed your mind.”
“Nope.”
“In that case, I’d be more than happy to buy you a drink, or an ice cream if you’d rather?”He gestured toward an ice cream parlor across the street that was busy with tourists.
