AllFreeNovel
Share Us
But he wasn’t here.
That’s the day I’d decided to make him trust me. It had taken three weeks but as soon as I’d started attending functions with him, acting the part of his dutiful fiancée, he’d become less interested in keeping me locked down. While his goons normally followed me, the leash Giovanni had mentioned had been lengthened.
I remained in my truck, staring at the bar Maverick had suggested I try to get a job at. Since I wasn’t new to waiting tables, it wouldn’t be a stretch to make a career out of it for a little while. I just wasn’t certain I should stay in Montana at all.
Don’t let the bastards push you away. You’re here for a reason.
How many times had I reminded myself of this very thing? Enough I shouldn’t be hesitating at all. Well, at least if I made some money over a couple of weeks, that would help with wherever I decided to go if and when I found no evidence of my mother’s existence. I’d called ahead, making an appointment with Scorpion. The least I could do was meet with him since he’d been nice enough to ask me to come in and talk.
Exhaling, I shoved aside my fears, climbing out of the truck. While it was early in the evening, the place was already hopping, the music blaring out the doors making me smile. As I walked closer, I wasn’t certain if I was under- or overdressed. I’d found a thrift store, thrilled that I’d snatched up a hot little denim skirt and sexy blouse in emerald green. They’d even had a few pairs of softly used cowboy boots in my size. Did I look the part of a cowgirl waitress? How the hell would I know.
At least it gave me a laugh as I walked inside. Holy crap. The place was huge, the exterior of the building deceptive. I felt out of place, not only because I was the only chick in the bar but also because of my attire. Within seconds, there were at least eight hungry men sizing me up like filet mignon. I did my best to ignore them as I walked further in, wondering if I could even do this.
When Maverick had mentionedRoadhouse, one of my favorite movies, I’d expected to see a barbed wire fence enclosing where the band performed and half broken tables from unruly customers. I was shocked that the place reminded me of something I’d seen on the Grand Ole Opry. There were gorgeous light fixtures everywhere, and wooden tables that had been carved out of some expensive woods. There were two bars, both massive in design. And the location where the band played was huge with an intricate lighting system.
This was no cowboy joint but a country bar that would do Nashville proud. I headed for the closest bar, still feeling all eyes on me. While they should make me feel creepy, they had the opposite effect. I had a feeling that if I got hired and somebody messed with me, I’d have a few burly men coming to my rescue.
I waited to catch the bartender’s eye, noticing an electric bull on the other side of the room. I could imagine Maverick on it right now, spinning around. No, that wasn’t true. I was certain he’d make fun of it, calling people pussies who dared go on the ride. If he were here, maybe I’d try it out just to piss him off.
My thoughts drifted back and forth from the passionate night we’d shared to the ugliness that constituted my life. I’d enjoyed being with him, even if he was a gruff son of a gun who thought his shit didn’t stink.
“Can I help you?” The voice was female.
I spun around, forced to accept that I look ridiculous in comparison to the girl behind the bar. She wore a tight pair of black jeans and a snug red tee shirt that left nothing to the imagination, Raunchy Ride’s logo smack in the middle. “I have an appointment with Scorpion.”
She gave me a hard onceover then nodded toward a neon sign over to the left. “He’s in his office.”
“Thanks.” I was more nervous than I’d been when interviewing for my first job as a vet tech what seemed like a lifetime ago. As I headed toward the hallway, I took another look around. The restaurant and bar were lively. I could only imagine when it was filled with people. Before I had a chance to knock on the door, it was thrown open, a huge man barreling into me.
“Oh, shit,” he growled, immediately backing away. “Are you okay? I didn’t see you there.”
“I’m fine. Just a little startled.”
“You must be Lily. Right on time. I like you already. Go ahead and sit down.”
“Aren’t your employees on time?” I did so, now wishing the skirt wasn’t so short.
He laughed as he invited me inside. “You’d be surprised around here. The waitress whose position I’m filling ran off with the guitar player from the last band. I doubt I’ll hire them again cause you’re pretty enough the damn bass player will try claiming you.”
I must have had my eyes opened wide because he held up his left hand, wiggling his fingers to show off his wedding band.
“I’m sorry. I’m just… a little skittish being in a new place.”
“You don’t need to worry about me. Not only is my wife the promoter for the club but Maverick would fucking kick my ass.”
I reacted badly and immediately, jerking up. “I’m sorry. I was very blunt and clear to him that I won’t take handouts from anyone.Ever.” I realized I’d put a little too much emphasis on the last word, but I was serious about it. Why couldn’t Maverick just mind his own business? If I saw him again, I planned on giving him a piece of my mind.
“Whoa, little filly. Hold on here. I assure you that I’m not into giving a job just cause you’re a pretty face or because Maverick and I go way back. That’s not me. Plus, while the man was looking out for you, one of the nicer things he’s done in his life, trust me in that, you don’t want to get involved with him.”
I wasn’t certain if he was tossing out bait, but I took it anyway. “Why is that?”
“He’s not good with women.” He was straight and to the point and I liked that about him. “Now, tell me about your skills.”
After easing back into the chair, I gave him a limited rundown, even tossing out I’d been in college during the time I’d waited tables. After I stopped talking, he gave me a pointed look.
“Can you handle rowdy cowboys? I have a staff of bouncers, one assigned to the employees, but I can’t stop all the tourists and country star wannabes from coming in and creating a ruckus. You gotta stand up for yourself. You’re a tiny little thing. That’s why I ask.”
I stood up, cocking my hip and giving him a hard glare. “Trust me, cowboy. If any of the rowdy customers get in my face, I’ll make certain they realize that respecting women is in their best interest. And I’ll do that using my three years of martial arts training.”
