Page 10 of Big Bad Wolf

Christ, his name from her mouth was too much.

He cleared his throat.

“Yeah. Last week.”

Ruby’s lips twitched like she was fighting a smile.

“So, what can I get you, Rafe?” She did it again, like she was purring it. His name rolling off those ruby red lips was nearly enough to kill him.

And she looked like she’d enjoy it.

“Whatever you have on tap is fine.”

Ruby’s smile grew. “We’ve got a fun local one this week. Sexy Chaos.”

Sexy Chaos. He would have laughed if he wasn’t losing his grip on reality. His grip on the seat, however, tightened. The vinyl creaked.

“Sounds good.”

Ruby smirked as the old men chuckled. “Coming right up.” She spun on her heel and headed back toward the bar, her little black skirt taunting him with every step.

Rafe slumped back in his seat.

Gil eyed him from across the table. “Our Ruby can have that effect on people.”

“What effect?”

Gil shrugged. “She’s a good girl. But a feisty one. Doesn’t take no crap from anyone.”

The three men were staring at him like they were worried he was planning to give Ruby crap.

He held up his hands. “I’m not here looking for trouble. Just came to talk to Macy about a job.”

“Bartending? I didn’t know she was looking to hire.” Gil said, taking a slug of his beer.

“No, I’m a woodworker. Uh … Macy wants the tables redone.”

Tom raised his busy brows again. “Big job.”

“Yah, bub,” Gil said with a nod. “Big job.”

Kev sat silently, alternating between looking Rafe over and sipping his drink. Rafe wondered if the other two men always did all the talking.

Ruby was back with his beer before the men could quiz him any further.

“Thanks, sweetheart,” Tom said with a wink and Ruby scowled at him.

“I don’t let Sal call me that, and I’m certainly not going to let you,” she said.

“Sorry, sorry. I forgot.” Tom’s apology didn’t seem overly sincere to Rafe, but his smile was.

Ruby just shook her head like she was more than used to this nonsense.

“Thank you,” Rafe said, drawing Ruby’s attention back to him. His breath caught in his throat when she looked at him.

“You’re welcome. Enjoy your Sexy Chaos. Macy’s in the back office when you’re done!” she called over her shoulder as she walked away.

Tom chuckled. “See, feisty.”