Page 63 of High Water

“Shouldn’t you be up with the boys in Grant’s office playing poker or whatever you all do up there?”

“I’m headed there, but then I saw the commotion over here. I see why now.” Bishop gives the bartender a once-over that I imagine approximates the look he gives anyone who gets in his way when he’s working.

“Is this man bothering you?” The bartender steps back toward us, and his eyes shift back and forth before landing on me.

“That’s her husband. Or rather, he will be tomorrow.” Dakota sneaks between and slides Bishop’s whiskey to him. He pulls out his card, but she shakes her head, pushing it back.

“Lucky bastard.” The bartender winks at me one last time. “Let me know if you need your cherry popped again.” And he disappears down the bar.

“Drinks are on me for the new couple.” Dakota taps his card before letting it go.

“You’re fixing to break up a lot of couples with whatever that was.” Bishop raises a brow at Dakota.

“Then it wasn’t meant to be in the first place. Can’t quit true love.” Dakota grins at Bishop with the wisdom only a bartender has right before she launches a grenade. “Besides, jealousy looks good on you. You want to give her a shot? I can bring you one if she asks.”

“I’m not sure how many more I can handle.” Or if I can handle one from Bishop at all in my current state. The bartender might have the ability to make me flush but Bishop would melt every bit of reserve I have left with a shot like that.

“You sure I’m not just too old for you?” Bishop smiles despite Dakota’s ribbing.

“That’s what I’m fucking saying,” Bo murmurs under his breath. “Apparently, my favorite bar is aging me out.”

“Don’t get all excited. I got a group of grannies that comes in on Tuesday nights to play pinochle. They’d eat you right up.” Dakota laughs as she wipes down the bar.

“He’d probably enjoy that,” Marlowe adds as she and Dakota exchange amused looks at Bo’s expense. Hazel doesn’t come to her brother’s defense and knocks back her shot, grimacing with the burn.

“Christ,” Bo curses under his breath. “I’m going upstairs where it’s safe. You coming, Bishop?”

He nods but turns his attention back on me first.

“You take another shot like that, you better let me watch start to finish so I can take notes on how you like it these days.” Bishop leans in so he can speak softly enough that only I can hear, and the sound of his rich, deep voice against the shell of my ear sends a shiver over my skin. “I want to be sure I can please my wife.”

“Bishop.” I breathe out his name like a warning and watch as he smirks in response to the look I give him.

“Jones,” he whispers back as he pats his hand on my thigh. “Don’t get too wild without me.”

I am so very, totally, and completely screwed with that man as my husband.

TWENTY-FIVE

Bishop

“Your girl is an absolute fucking menace,” Bo complains as soon as we arrive in Grant’s upstairs extension.

“Watch your mouth when you talk about her,” Grant volleys back.

“She’s down there having the girls lick shots off a bunch of guys who look like they graduated college a week ago,” Bo continues.

“The place is full, isn’t it?”

“You’re not worried with all of those guys around her?” Bo looks at Grant and then turns to Levi. “Corrupting your poor little nun?”

“Lev’s already got her thoroughly corrupted, and Dakota’s tastes are very singular. So no, I’m not worried.” Grant motions for us to take a seat at the poker table.

“We’re sure the women are safe?” I ask, glancing at Levi, because I know he’ll want the same security measures I do.

He taps something on his phone, and the game that’s playing on the massive TV on the wall flips to a grid full of security footage. He scans through it, highlighting different sections of the footage as he speaks.

“Two guys on every door. Plainclothes guys at the bar and tables around the room. One of the bartenders is my guy. Dakota has multiple panic buttons stationed all around the bar and an under-counter gun safe on each side that can only be opened with her fingerprints.” Levi looks back at me. “I’ve got this all on my tablet here, and several guys in the security room are monitoring the cameras throughout. You want me to leave it up so you can keep an eye on her too?”