AllFreeNovel
Share Us
When I turn, I find a man towering over me. He appears to be in his late twenties. His tight, black T-shirt is attempting to contain his muscles. His chiseled jaw tells me he’s not messing around. But it’s his kind eyes that make me feel safe. And when they meet mine, I let out a sigh of relief.
For some reason, I trust this man. No questions asked.
“Mind your own business, man.”
“She is my business,” he states, moving to my side and placing his arm around my shoulder. “If you mess with her, you mess with me. We’re a package deal. Right, babe?”
I nod my head once and curl my arms around his waist. I’m tucked against his side now, and John is staring us down. Looking from me to him, more than likely debating on whether he wants to pick this fight or not.
If I were him, I’d back down.
Thankfully, he does, walking away without another word. But he glances back, just as I’m about to step out of my savior’s embrace. And the heated stare he shoots me sends a new shot of adrenaline to my system. I take a step forward, but I don’t get far.
“He’s not worth it.”
“I know that. He’s a loser and always has been.”
“I’m just glad he didn’t hurt you.”
Turning to face the mystery man, I find him smiling down at me. “Thank you. I don’t know what I would have done if you hadn’t stepped in.”
“Looks to me like you would have tried to kick his ass.”
“Tried?” I ask, lifting my brow at him, attempting to appear more confident than I feel.
“Yes, tried. And you would have ended up hurt because guys like that never play fair. So, if you see him again, please walk the other direction. Better yet, run.”
“You seem to know a lot about guys like him.”
“Let’s just say I was a bad boy in another life.”
“And now?”
“Now I run around saving beautiful women,” he offers with the shrug of his shoulder.
“Right. You’re like Batman. You only come out at night to keep the town safe.”
“Something like that.” He laughs, offering me his hand. “Tate Jacobson.”
“Alexis. It’s nice to meet you.”
“Same. Can I get you something to drink?” he asks, motioning the bartender over. He backed away from our confrontation as soon as Tate stepped in.
“Water please.”
“Two waters and two shots of tequila.”
When the bartender disappears, I lean in close and whisper to Tate, “I can’t drink. I’m not old enough.”
“Both shots are for me, so I don’t do something stupid like ask you out or kiss you.”
“And tequila will make you stronger?”
“No, but it’ll help me forget about you when you walk away. Because I’m going to make you walk away. The bad boy I once was is still in here,” he says, tapping his chest. “I haven’t reined him in just yet. It’s a work in progress. But when I do, I’d like you to be the first person I call.”
“I’m not sure my boyfriend would like that very much.”
“I guarantee he wouldn’t.”
