Page 37 of Don’t Go Breaking My Heart

A woman sauntered over. I saw the way she checked me out. She was probably trying to figure out why a guy like Kannon was with a girl like me. I sipped my margarita and tried not to break the glass over her head. I wasn’t jealous, of course. I just didn’t like judgmental people. And I wasn’t mad at Kannon. Obviously, he had lived his life the last ten years.

I didn’t know about him, but I hadn’t been in a serious relationship at all. Ever. I focused on my degree and my career instead. I’d had a few relationships but none of them had lasted more than six months, and all of them were with men I wouldn’t lose as a friend if they didn’t work out.

That was what had always stopped me and Kannon. I didn’t want to risk losing him. Oddly enough, I basically did lose him. We lost touch. He used to be my everything and then I moved away and we never spoke again.

It wasn’t long before we were delivered two massive burgers with a side of steak fries.

“Wow,” I said. “I was thinking this was going to be mediocre bar food.”

Riggs chuckled and shrugged. “Taste it first. Then give me your honest opinion.”

I took a tentative bite, bracing myself, but the flavor had me groaning in delight. “I’m in love.”

“Relax,” Kannon said with a laugh. “Anyone can make a burger. You don’t need to oversell it.”

“Now, now,” Riggs said, beaming. “Let the woman talk.”

“I am pleasantly surprised,” I said. “It might clog my arteries but all that grease and cheese is hitting the spot.”

Riggs grinned. “I like your new friend, Kannon. Treat her right or I will.”

Kannon scowled at the man as he walked away. “The guy makes one decent meal and he’s floating on cloud nine,” he muttered.

I smiled and nudged him with my elbow. “Relax, caveman, and eat. I’m going to be halfway through before you even start.”

Kannon took a bite and chewed grumpily. “I guess it’s alright.”

“You’re the one who brought me here to eat,” I said and popped a fry into my mouth. “Did you expect roadkill burgers or something?”

Kannon burst out laughing, the sound sent a pleasant shiver down my spine. “You never know with Riggs.”

“Hey!” Riggs protested from down the bar. “I’ve never served roadkill. Not on purpose anyway.”

We got another round of drinks as we ate. The outside of the bar screamed shithole but it was clear Riggs took pride in the food and drinks, which was mostly what mattered.

As the evening wore on, people came and went, and eventually, it was just me and Kannon, alone at a dartboard in the corner. I hadn’t played darts in years, but muscle memory took over quickly. It didn’t take long to realize I was better than him. Much better.

“You’ve got to be cheating,” he grumbled, narrowing his eyes at me as I nailed another bullseye.

“Cheating? Please.” I twirled a dart between my fingers, savoring the way his frustration only made my victory sweeter. “All skill, baby.”

“Did you major in darts in college or something?” He shook his head in disbelief.

“You’re surprisingly close to right,” I said, nodding. “Our favorite dive bar had dartboards and we got pretty good at it.”

“I knew it wasn’t beginner’s luck,” he said, stepping closer.

“Should I have gone easy on you?” I smirked as I nailed the final bullseye to win the game.

He slumped into a seat, watching me with an intensity that made my pulse quicken. His gaze was slow and deliberate, trailing from my face down to my legs and back up again. It reminded me too much of my dream—the way he’d looked at me like he wanted to devour me. My stomach flipped, and suddenly the room felt too warm.

All I could think about was that damn dream. His lips looked impossibly soft. The way he watched me, like he was daring me to make the first move, only made it harder to think straight.

He stood abruptly, breaking the spell. “Come on,” he said. “Let’s get you home, champ.”

The cool wind did little to cool the fire simmering in my veins. I clung to him, my arms wrapped tightly around his waist, and tried to ignore the way his body felt beneath my hands. Strong, solid, and all too tempting.

This could not happen. Period.