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I found the group easily enough, their booming voices able to drown out a good portion of the off-key music.
“Hey. Hey!” Hawk noticed me first, the dim lighting accentuating his genuine smile. “I thought you’d hole up in that place for years.”
“Don’t put it past me,” I grumbled, realizing the entire helicopter unit had already arrived. Even Phoenix had joined the group, which halfway surprised me. He and I went just as far back as I had with the members of my team, but he’d gone in his own direction after the devastating events surrounding Belle. Now the man was my neighbor, our horse fences butting together. I’d known he’d become friends with Hawk, but I didn’t think he was close enough to be included in on whatever announcement would be made.
“Come and have a beer,” Scorpio shouted over the noise. “On the house, and I get to say that since I own the joint.”
That I could do. As beer was poured from one of three pitchers, the glass slid in my direction, I did what I could to try to relax. The lingering effects of the nightmare had hit me hard, keeping me on edge the entire day. Other than tending to my horses, I’d done jack shit, which I knew had to stop.
“So what’s the big announcement?” I asked after taking a gulp of the lukewarm brew.
“Just hold your horses,” Vader said, the almost nonexistent lights unable to hide the twinkle in his eyes.
“I’m glad you showed,” Mustang said across the table.
“Yeah, well, you kind of bullied me.”
“Bullshit. I just pointed out your faults.” His grin made me laugh.
“I’m certain you did, and I have plenty for you to do so with.” I glanced around the bar, surprised how packed it was. Scorpio had done an incredible job of turning the place around. Hearing a series of feminine whooping noises, I shifted my attention in the direction of the noise. Then I narrowed my eyes, watching a girl walk in. My balls tightened, a single bead of sweat forming over my upper lip. After shifting, I managed to lose the girl in the crowd. Then I noticed her again and took a deep breath.
Long, dark curly hair.
A shimmer across her face.
A figure that would stop a man in his tracks.
There was no way Chasity was in the bar. It couldn’t be her, although karma had been a bitch my entire life. I turned away completely, catching Mustang’s eye. Then I glanced away quickly, my pulse racing.
What was wrong with me? She was just a girl, nothing special.You’re lying to yourself again.I shook my head. Coming here had been a big mistake. Huge.
“What are you looking at?” he asked, glancing over his shoulder.
“Nothin’.”
“Uh-huh. You have that look of consternation on your face.”
“Don’t you mean constipation?” Reaper teased.
“He’s just been hiding in that ranch of his for far too long,” Phoenix chastised.
“You’re watching me?” I challenged, although I had a grin on my face.
He shrugged. “Maybe. You need to get out more. Come work with me.”
“I’m busy,” I lied.
“Right. You forget I drive by your place every day. I’m serious. I need help.” His push to get me to work with him had become annoying. And I knew he wouldn’t stop.
“I do just fine, and I thought that gorgeous woman of yours kept you busy so you wouldn’t bug me. Plus, you have far too much construction going on.” I couldn’t help but tease him since he’d taken it upon himself to create an animal sanctuary, turning his entire ranch into a special facility. His father had been none too happy, but Phoenix had always done things his own way.
Maybe that’s why we’d remained friends after… after what happened in the mountains.
“It keeps me busy. That’s for certain,” he mused. “But well worth it. You know. I’m not kidding, Snake. I could really use some help, someone I trust. The project is a lot more than I thought I’d be biting off. Wren is amazing but she can’t do everything that needs to be done.” When he lifted a single eyebrow, I shook my head.
“I’m no carpenter.” He’d found himself an incredible woman. It was good to see everybody at the table was happy. Good for them. I was grousing again, which I’d become damn good at.
“But you are good with animals,” he challenged. “Wren and I really could use some help. I’m not kidding about that. I have no freaking clue what I’m doing.” His laugh was boisterous.
