AllFreeNovel
Share Us
1
Devon
It’sanother Saturday night at my dad’s bar and Weston Strong is the only man left standing. Not that I mind, he makes every Saturday night exciting. Built like a professional linebacker with the most handsome face I’ve ever seen, I could gaze into those gorgeous hazel-blue eyes of his forever.
He finishes the last sip of his beer and I immediately fill a fresh glass for him from the tap. “On the house, Officer.” I give him a wink, and try to control the butterflies in my tummy.
“I can pay for my beer, Dev.”
“It’s the least I can do for my favorite man in blue.” I throw my blonde hair over my shoulder and lean forward, knowing damn good and well that I’m flashing him a little cleavage. Not that it matters, a man like Weston doesn’t go for girls like me. The men in the most prominent family in town must have higher standards than a bar owner’s daughter. Still, it’s so fun to flirt; If it were an Olympic sport, Weston would win a gold medal.
“You’re too good to me.” His tricep bulges as he raises the glass to his mouth. His plain black t-shirt looks tailor made, stretched across his broad, muscular chest like second skin. Built like a professional athlete with the good looks of a daytime soap star, Weston Strong is head to toe perfection. Even in high school, he was the hottest and surprisingly nicest guy in our class.
“I’m not that good, Wes. I have to close up, so that’s your last one.” I playfully point my finger in his direction. He juts his bottom lip out in protest. “No, buddy. It’s not going to work tonight. I’m already serving an hour after I’m supposed to.”
Weston leans in closer, causing his biceps to swell. His sultry gaze makes me melt. “Between us,” he glances playfully around the empty bar. “I don’t think you’ll get into trouble.” He scrunches his nose. “I’m the law.”
I burst out laughing. This gigantic, dead sexy cop’s sense of humor is the cherry on the sundae. “You don’t say.”
“Oh I do say, but, I’ll only have one more if you have one with me.” He leans back and shrugs. “That’s the only condition, otherwise.” He raises one eyebrow to the sky. “I’m out of here.”
My center clenches. Is it possible that he’s flirting with me. No, he probably just wants one more beer and this is how he’ll get it out of me. I should really head home, but how the hell can I resist having a drink with the only man in the world I’ve ever been secretly in love with? I’ve thought about Weston more than I’ve thought about anyone I’ve ever dated.
I clear my throat. “One more drink, but then, cop or not, I’m kicking your ass out of here. I want to go home sometime tonight.” I don’t add “with you”but I'm definitely thinking it.
“You’ve always been a ball buster, Dev.” He runs his tongue across his teeth.
My mouth drops wide in objection. “I most certainly have not.”
“Come on, in high school you wouldn’t let any guy get within a few feet of you.”
A scoff escapes my mouth. I rack my brain trying to remember high school me, unable to believe what he’s saying. “I dated people.” I huff.
“Who?”
“Um…” It’s like time traveling back ten years, trying to recall anyone I was remotely interested in besides Weston. Not that I could admit that to him. I’d sound like a total loser. Imagine?Yeah, I didn’t date anyone because I was kind of in love with you.
“Got nothing, huh?” The corner of his mouth lifts into an arrogant smile.
“In case you forgot, I grew up with two very large older brothers just waiting to kick someone’s ass for something.”
“Oh, I didn’t forget.” He licks his full lips and in that moment, every memory of Weston in high school comes back to me. His cute butt in his football uniform, the way he walked down the hall like he owned the joint, how he never paid attention to me.
Yikes.
“Could’ve fooled me.” I whisper under my breath and turn toward the cash register. Shit, did I say that out loud? A wave of heat rushes to my cheeks. I pull out the drawer and start counting the cash with my back to Weston. Normally I wouldn’t do it in front of a patron, but he’s a cop so I think I’m safe.
“Devon.” My heart races. I don’t want to meet his eyes. I cannot believe I let my emotions get the best of me. I’m normally so good at holding it all inside.
“Hm?” I don’t turn around.
“Devon.” He sings my name. I take a deep breath and turn to him. His sparkling eyes bore into mine. My body goes numb. He’s the only person in the world that makes everything else fade away. “I noticed you.” He whispers.
I open my mouth to respond, but I can’t think of anything to say. When the tension between us gets too thick, I relax my face into a smile. “Wes, it’s fine.” I flick through a stack of twenties. “I didn’t really notice you too much either.”
My heart races in my chest. I’m such an idiot, and I remind myself of my cardinal rule. Keep the patrons onthatside of the bar. Don’t let them in. Even if it is the great Officer Weston Strong.
The barstool creaks, causing me to turn my head. “Be right back.” He says, that joker’s smile splashed across his face. Once I hear the door to the restroom shut, I let out a long exhale.
