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“Maybe I should take my own car. I mean if you’re planning an all-nighter, I have to meet that client tomorrow afternoon, early evening,” Ellie stated.
“Nonsense. We’re going there together. Now let’s get moving.”
* * * *
Ellie was laughing so hard at the story Sam was telling her and Moira. A Texas Ranger, retired from the military, the man had such an ability to tell a story he should be onstage. He was very attractive, and Moira was definitely interested in him and his three brothers. It just didn’t seem fair for other women that one woman could snag three or even four sexy men at a time. But being in Casper’s where a lot of retired military men hung out, there were ménage relationships all around them. It actually gave Ellie a sense of calmness and safety. Maybe because she figured most of the men were taken, and others that seemed to be single weren’t acting like jerks.
“You are so funny. Isn’t he, Ellie?” Moira asked her as Moira grabbed on to Sam’s arm and hugged it.
Sam’s eyes lit up, and anyone with any clue could see the desire in them. Moira just might get her wish after all.
Ellie took a sip from her drink and looked around the bar. She could see Donella doing some shots with a few guys, and Jessie was talking to another set of people by the juke box.
As Ellie glanced to the right, she spotted one man limping slightly as he walked toward her direction. She wasn’t certain why, but instantly her senses kicked in. He was tall, at least six foot two, with shoulder-length blond hair that looked untamed and wild just like the expression on his face. He appeared angry, determined, almost mysterious.
She felt the nudge against her arm, and Moira whispered, “That’s Hunter Lawson. He’s a friend of my brother Caprio. He and his brothers, the three guys coming in behind him, are big shots. They d
on’t usually hang out here. They’re probably here for the party in the back.”
Ellie immediately turned away as Hunter locked gazes with her and seemed pissed off.
As she thought about what Moira told her, she thought about Moira’s brother, Caprio. He was a really nice guy, hard around the edges but totally gorgeous. He’d served in the military up until two years ago when he was injured and lost his leg in combat. Her brother had a hard time dealing with his injury but pulled through last year with the help of some of the guys around the town who were also retired military. Ellie had even attended some sports competitions Caprio and other amputees were part of. In fact, there was a running event next week they were going to attend to see if Caprio made it to the sections championship. If he did, he would head to the state championship next.
“Hey, Justice!” Sam yelled out over Ellie’s shoulder, waving someone over.
Before Ellie turned, she sensed the large figure behind her. On instinct she moved to the left and bumped into someone.
“Hey.” The abrupt tone had her standing still and frozen in place.
To the right was the huge man with shoulder-length blond hair and deep green eyes, and next to him, the one she’d bumped into, was just as fierce looking. He had wavy blond hair, scruff on his face, and very blue eyes.
“I’m sorry.” She quickly turned back toward Moira. Moira eyed over both men with interest and then smiled.
“Moira, Ellie, meet some good friends of mine. This is Justice, his brother Hunter, and over there are their other brothers Seno and Mace. They’re on their way over now.”
Both men looked at her and Moira, and then Justice and Hunter stared at Ellie. She could sense their eyes on her even as she turned to look away. There was a strange sense of awareness. Where she had met other men, even tonight, and shared a few casual glances, none had made her body react or her skin feel their presence. Out of a combination of anxiety, and a bit of fear, she remained looking toward Sam and Moira.
“Hey, looks like you’ve got your own little party going on over here. Can we join?” Donella asked, sounding tipsy as she bumped into the guy, Hunter.
She must have hit him hard or maybe took out his knee or something because he cursed and looked as if he would fall. Ellie grabbed him around the waist, stopping him, as he used his other arm to brace the bar. It all happened so quickly. The feel of solid steel beneath her hand, the tattoos and Marine Corp symbol on his upper arm, the odd feel of his leg against her leg made her think he wore something over his leg and under the jeans. It was so weird. She must have looked at him oddly, because he snapped.
“What?”
She shook her head. But instantly she thought that maybe he was an amputee, too. Moira did say that Hunter was friends with Caprio. She suddenly felt as if she’d insulted him somehow but didn’t know why or even how she could have. She didn’t have to fret over it long because Donella made a complete ass of herself.
“Hey, just because you’re klutzy doesn’t mean you can yell at my friend,” Donella stated.
“Donella, don’t. It was just an accident. I think maybe you should slow down on the drinks.”
“I think you ladies shouldn’t be arguing over that brother when there are three others to choose from.”
They all turned toward a blonde woman they didn’t recognize at all. But Moira did, as she shot daggers with her eyes at the woman. She looked like a stuck-up model with her flowing golden locks, two-sizes-too-small glittering blue dress, and diamonds galore. She licked her lips as she eyed over Justice and the other two men but not Hunter.
Hunter got the evil look women give men who’ve done them wrong. And on top of that, the woman rubbed Sam’s shoulder and arm until Sam stepped away from her, drawing Moira into an embrace. It was a sure show of public display to say Sam wasn’t interested in this woman.
“Take a walk, Ray Anne,” Hunter stated. Ellie looked at him, noticing the way he stood so authoritative and tough. Any fool should recognize a look like Hunter’s.
The woman stared at Hunter and then at Ellie and Donella. Ellie was holding Donella’s fruity-smelling drink in her hand, which she had taken away from her as she wondered what the heck was happening here.
