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Heath nudged him and pointed at the bar. The two cowboys were involved in a conversation and seemed to have sobered up a bit. Cody nodded and pushed that concern to the back burner as he scanned the crowd, wondering for the hundredth time when she’d show up. He’d never had trouble focusing on the job like he was tonight, imagining her again in that sexy little gypsy jacket and a matching skirt slung down on her hips…and nothing else.
Several more couples and groups streamed into the club entry. The combination of perfume, cologne, and the cooking scents from the steakhouse next door filled the air.
Ryan, the new club bouncer, came forward through the crowd when Cody gave him the signal and lifted his chin in silent acknowledgement as he watched the crowd.
“Are there any tables left?”
“A few, including the one you reserved.”
“Can you help Tammy and Tracy to one of them? A couple of overzealous cowboys were hitting on them earlier and wouldn’t leave them alone.”
Amusement glimmered in Ryan’s eyes as he slid the ladies a look and winked at them. “Sure. They look like they were just getting comfy-cozy in your chairs.”
Cody chuckled. “I don’t want for our lady to walk in, see them, and get the wrong impression.”
“Sure. When your company gets here, if you guys want to take breaks I’ll cover for you.”
Ryan was in his early twenties but he was proving to be quick to observe, slow to react, and decisive when action was called for. Now he was proving to be thoughtful as well. They’d made a good move when they’d brought him on.
Other guys had worked for them but hadn’t stuck because they didn’t understand Cody, Heath, and Spencer’s philosophy, one which Camilla and Sylvan, the nightclub manager, shared. The single ladies were the hub of their business. If they felt safe within the Twisted Bull’s doors, they’d return and bring their friends. The more single ladies that came in, the more men would come in. Business was good. When those women walked through the club doors, they weren’t on their own to fend off creeps or drunks. The security team didn’t wait for situations to get out of hand or for fights to get started before acting, therefore the Twisted Bull and Chantilly’s had developed a solid reputation in the community.
With Ryan helping Tammy and Tracy to another table, Cody turned to the entry as the front door opened. He cringed on the inside when Presley Ann Woodworth and her sister, Leah, entered the club. Leah looked like she was already worn out and ready to go home as Presley Ann kept up a stream of chatter…until she set eyes on him. She licked her lips like a tiger looking at a juicy chunk of raw meat.
“Well hello, Cody Welsh,” she drawled out in elongated syllables as she hugged his arm, rubbing her breasts against him and stroking his biceps. He quickly moved on to greet her sister, who smiled at him apologetically.
“Hi, Presley Ann. Hello, Leah. How is business at Stigall’s?”
“Well,” Leah said with a grin. “It keeps me busy and with sis starting her new job there next week, it’s sure to be interesting.”
Presley Ann gasped and rolled her eyes, tilting her head back as if the tragedy was too much to bear. “I wish you wouldn’t even talk about that, Leah. I can’t believe Daddy’s making me work in that store. Cody, you would not believe it. I’m all—Dad, I can’t work there, and he was like—You’re gonna get a job so you can take care of yourself, and I was all—Daddy, I can’t find a husband if I’m working in Stigall’s, and he was like—Honey, you’re going to have to learn to be responsible. Pffft! I just want to party tonight.” He blinked as he tried to process what she’d just said and gave up trying. One thing was clear. Presley Ann was already well on her way to tomorrow’s hangover.
Cody had to stop himself from bursting into laughter. Old Man Woodworth must’ve finally had enough of his gold-digging daughter if he was making her work in one of the family stores. He felt a little sorry for Leah, since she managed the store.
He turned back to the front and caught his breath as the woman he’d been waiting for came through the door with her friends.
