A woman behind the bar stops drying a glass, smacks the dishcloth on the counter, and saunters her way to us. Her hips swing from side to side in tight, faded jeans that look painted on. A black leather vest is working hard holding in her full breasts. Tanned tassel cowboy boots click on the hardwood floor. Shepauses in front of Lucas, tosses her long, straight, silky black hair over her shoulder, and slaps him across the face.
Lucas’ head snaps over his shoulder, and he holds a hand over his red cheek. Looking at her with shock, he rubs his face. “What was that for?”
“That’s for slinking out in the middle of the night. Do I mean nothing to you?”
He straightens. “Allie, I’m sorry. Of course you do. I…I…thought we were having fun. We agreed it was only a one-time thing.”
She pokes a finger in his chest, the force hard enough for him to stumble back a step.
“What the hell, Allie?”
Is this Alison who Flo mentioned earlier? Looks like she’s paying Lucas back for being a dirty dog. Probably promising her things he had no intention of giving her. I have to admit, seeing Lucas getting pushed around by a woman half his size is entertaining.
As I scan the room, men with leather vests and big, bushy beards—who I’m assuming belong to the motorcycles outside—are staring at Alison and Lucas and are grinning at the show. I’m not the only one finding Lucas’ discomfort amusing.
“And why has it been months since I’ve seen you?” She crosses her arms over her chest.
“Allie, I’ve been busy and—”
In mid-sentence, Alison grabs Lucas’ face with her hands. “Shut the fuck up and kiss me.” Pulling him to her, she plants her lips on his mouth.
The bar erupts in a chorus of whistles and cheers. Alison presses her body against him and deepens the kiss. The cheers turn into lewd suggestions.
When they don’t pull away and Lucas’ hands slide down her back to palm her butt, something hot clutches in my stomach.Heat rises across my chest and up my neck. My reaction feels something like jealousy. How can that be? I don’t even like Lucas. Barely know him. Plus, a couple of days ago, I had a fiancé whom I loved and was going to marry.
This feeling must be something else. Annoyance? Yes, that’s it, because I’m tired, frustrated, heartbroken, and I’m trying to find a room to rent. While all I want is to lock myself away and be alone, he’s hooking up with the woman I need to speak to.
Clearing my throat to distract them, I wait for them to stop. When they don’t hear me or are ignoring me, I do it again, only louder.
Nothing.
I roll my eyes and tap Lucas on the shoulder. He breaks away with a disgruntled expression on his face at being interrupted. Too bad. I have things I need to do.
“I’m sorry to interrupt this joyful reunion—”
“Then don’t.” Lucas starts to turn away to go back in for another kiss.
I put my hand on his shoulder to stop him. “I’ve come here to get a room, remember? After we’ve settled that, then you can get back to playing tonsil hockey.”
Alison juts out her hip and rests a hand on her waist. Her gaze travels over me from head to toe. With an air of indifference, she says, “Who are you?”
“I’m Penny,” I don’t give her my last name just in case she recognizes it. “Lucas said you might have a room to rent for a few nights.”
“There are no vacancies.” She hooks her arm through Lucas’ and places a hand on his chest like she’s staking her claim.
Well, you can have him. There’s no competition from me.
“Oh,” I sigh with regret. “That’s too bad. Is there anywhere else in town I can stay?” If not, then I’m going back to Lucas’ cabin.Although, with such tight accommodation and unappealing sleeping arrangements, I’d rather not.
“The bar is the only place that rents rooms,” she says without looking at me. She’s too preoccupied with running her finger along Lucas’ jaw.
Blowing out a breath, I look around the bar like a solution is going to jump out at me. All I’m met with is deer heads hooked on walls, staring down at me with unblinking, glassy eyes.
“That means you’re stuck with me for a few days, Lucas,” I say. What other choice do I have? Besides, that was the original plan. Surely it won’t be so bad.
Alison’s head swings toward me. “You’re staying with Lucas? In his cabin?”
Oh, now you want to look at me. Feeling threatened, are you?
