Page 23 of Silver Player

“That’s more than a pour,” Billy snaps behind me, but Clyde ignores him and slides me the glass.

“On me,” he states with a wink.

“Why haven’t you called me?” Kristy whines, and I can only imagine the pout of her puffy lips. She’s bleach-blonde and big boobed, and probably everything Billy looks for in a woman. My sister certainly matched the description, but I never did. Being overweight as a teenager, my breasts were uncomfortably large. Once I started eating better and working out, I liked myself better, but the extra frontal baggage had to go. I had a breast reduction so guys would stop noticing my triple Ds before looking up at me. And I was never a blonde but a brunette before the pre-maturing gray. Now I sport a full head of wispy silver and dark chrome.

Nope, I’m definitely not Billy Harrington’s type.

“Have you been avoiding me, Billy Harrington?” Kristy drones, and I catch her fiddling with the collar of his shirt through the reflection in the mirror. Suddenly, I’ve abandoned my purpose for being here this evening, and all I want to do is disappear. I turn enough to see I’m blocked in my seat by the Krist-illy embrace behind me, and I don’t know how to escape them. Twisting back for my wine, I take too large a sip, as I rush to finish the glass, and choke on the fizziness.

“Now, why would I avoid you?” Billy responds. Clyde has walked down the bar to help another customer, but he looks up at Billy’s comment. I close my eyes, willing them all away. When I open, Clyde stands before me. He tilts his head to the side, keeping his eyes on me.

“Want to get out of here?” he mutters, and if I didn’t know better, the proposition would sound clandestine and appealing, but I have a sneaky suspicion Clyde has a crush on my employee. Still, I’m happy for his intervention due to the scene behind me. “I get a break in…” He looks at his wrist, which is missing a watch. “Now.”

“The hell you do,” Billy snaps from behind me.

“I’m taking five,” Clyde states, speaking up to his boss, and I watch him step to the end of the bar and then circle around for me. Clyde wedges his big body between Krist-illy and extends his elbow for me. I slip my hand into the crook, silently thanking him with a glance.

“I’m so relieved chivalry isn’t dead.” I giggle as I slip from the stool, and Clyde walks me to the door. Once we step outside, I slip my hand from his elbow and stop him on the corner.

“Thank you. That was…” I turn in the direction of the front window to the pub. I don’t know how to explain myself, but my heart races, and I’m grateful to be out in the fresh fall mountain air.

“Let me walk you across the street,” Clyde offers, but I chuckle.

“The store is closed, Clyde. Grace went home.”

“What? I…I was keeping up the chivalry act.” He winks at me again, but he’s teasing. I pat his thick forearm.

“I can handle myself from here,” I state and press up on my toes to kiss his cheek. He’s a sweet man, and if Grace would ever open her eyes, she’d see someone looking for her.

I turn for the crosswalk, abiding by the rules as I cross straight across the street, then turn left to walk the length of my building for the back entrance to the apartment above. I’ve almost made it to the staircase when I hear heavy boots thundering behind me, and I spin in time to have my mouth covered before I can scream.

“Don’t scream. It’s me,” Billy says as a thick palm covers my lips, and I’m pressed against the brick building. Immediately, I swat at his broad shoulders, telling him with my body language to get off me. His free hand captures my wrist and holds it near the side of my head.

“Calm down. I just don’t want you freaking out the neighborhood.” He withdraws his hand and quickly captures my other hand, pressing it to the wall near my head as well. For some reason, his fingers spread, forcing mine to link with his.

“Oh, and like you didn’t freak me out by running up after me, slamming me into this wall, and covering my mouth, telling me not to scream.”

His pelvis leans against my lower belly, holding me in place, and a rush flutters up my middle. “Are you hurt? Did I hurt you?” Concern fills his eyes although his body has not moved back from mine.

“No,” I whisper. He’s so close. His breath on my face. His hands holding mine. His lower half pinning mine to the wall at my back.

It’s just like her. The woman I saw him with.

“Why were you at the pub?” I open my mouth to respond, almost forgetting my purpose with all the Krist-illy-gate happenings, but he continues. “Did I see you kiss Clyde?”

My mouth gapes. “What?” Has he lost his mind?

“Did you. Kiss Clyde?” He slows as if I’m not quick on the intake.

“Are you kidding me? How would you notice anything being you were all wrapped up in Kristy Moseley?”

“Were you jealous?” he asks, as a seductive grin slowly graces his lips. “That’s it. You are jealous.” His smile grows salacious and pleased, but I snap.

“I won’t be squeezed out of Sadie’s life if you take a wife.”

That smile instantly disappears. “What?” He’s so loud I turn my head to the side, no longer able to face him. He tightens his grip on our linked fingers and pulls our collective hands under my chin. “What on earth made you think I’d take a wife?”

“You’re with Kristy. I’ve heard the rumors.” I can’t even use the word dating for what they might be doing.