AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Hey man, I’m a big fan! Can I get a picture for the wife? She’ll get such a kick out of it!” Some guy slung his arm around Will’s shoulder and Rebelle watched as his expression shuttered. The muscles in his jaw worked before he replied with a clipped, “Sure thing.”
Rebelle backed away, she could see the change in him, and it brought her memories and fear to the surface. Her hands began to shake and she waved to Taylor. “I just need a minute.”
Taylor smiled. “Of course, just take a breather, sweetheart. You’re doing amazing tonight!”
Rebelle smiled weakly at the redhead’s praise.
“Hey you big sexy lug, what can I get you?” Taylor said, and Rebelle turned back to see her leaning across the bar to hug Will.
Rebelle escaped to the bathroom, trying to calm her thoughts and nerves, using the controlled breathing technique Justine had taught her, resting her forehead against the cool ceramic wall tiles. Rebelle liked the idea of this technique, being in control, of taking charge when for so long she had to put up with what someone else wanted, having her choices taken away from her and feeling insignificant. Going along with what Marcus wanted and never having whatshewanted. As she focused on the control, her breathing slowly settled and the tremor in her hands ceased.
She heard Taylor announce the Elvis tribute act which happened to be Ben, the other newbie working at the bar.Rebelle had met him tonight and he seemed sweet, but time would tell. People rarely showed their true colors up front.
She headed back out to the bar, pushing her way through the crowd, keeping her eyes down. Thankfully when she came back, all the patrons were gathered by the stage watching Ben’s performance, so she had some more breathing space.
She tidied up the empty glasses left behind and wiped down the bar, listening to the music and trying to enjoy normal life. Her eyes swept over the crowd. If she hadn’t married Marcus, would she have made friends and been here with them tonight, letting her hair down? Would she be out there dancing with Taylor and Beau and…her eyes met Will’s and she fumbled the bottles she was holding.Why is he watching me?He blinked and his eyes flicked back to the stage and she released the breath she’d been holding.
Rebelle didn’t know too much about modern music, she couldn’t say who was at the top of the charts or trendy to listen to, did charts even exist now? But Ben had a great voice and his guitar skills were excellent.
Taylor rejoined her at the bar. “How’s it going?” she yelled over the music. Rebelle thought it was nice that Taylor kept checking on her and making sure she was okay, but she felt bad at the number of glasses she’d broken.
“Okay I think. Sorry again about those glasses. Make sure you take them from my paycheck.”
Taylor shook her head. “Why the hell would I do that? Shit happens, sweetheart and I’m certainly not going to take money off you for being human and having a clumsy moment.”
Rebelle tried to protest but Taylor shouted her down which she was secretly grateful for, she needed every cent she could get her hands on.
“For what it’s worth, I think you’re doing great.” Taylor squeezed her arm briefly, so quickly she wouldn’t have noticed the way Rebelle tensed up and took a slight step back.
Ben’s performance ended and everyone flocked to the bar for a refill, including the tall, intimidating man with ocean eyes who wouldn’t stop staring at her.God, why are you comparing his eyes to the ocean?Luckily Taylor filled his order and Rebelle’s eyes were glued to his retreating back as he headed towards his booth with Beau.
As the evening wore on, her eyes refused to leave the booth he was in for barely more than a few minutes. She studied him, looking for any signs, any hint of the anger she’d seen earlier when that guy interrupted them. She noticed she wasn’t the only person watching him. People flocked to his booth all night to talk to him, some randomly took pictures with him - what was that about? How did he know so many people in town when he’d only just shown up? And surely if hewasa bad guy then people would stay away from him? She’d seen people behave the same way with her sheriff husband but when they approached him there was always an undercurrent of fear in their expressions. That wasn’t the case when they looked at Will. There was nothing but friendliness and eagerness. Awe even.
Taylor liked him and so did Beau. Maybe she had been too hasty in calling Blake? Maybe she should let him help out at the shelter, heaven knows she needed those damn muscles of his. What she could do with that strength down at the shelter.
The evening came to an end with only one or two hardcore regulars still around. Rebelle had been watching Will discreetly over the top of a cocktail menu, observing his easy banter with Beau. Beau was also good friends with Blake and Justine, two of the only people that Rebelle truly trusted. She replayed Justine’s words from the other night. If they trusted Will then maybe Rebelle could too.
The guys stood up and Taylor went over to them, reaching her arms up and linking them around Beau’s neck, kissing him tenderly and Rebelle’s pulse thudded at the intimacy between them. Rebelle had never experienced that kind of connection with someone.
Then Will dropped a kiss on Taylor’s cheek, fist bumped Beau and headed towards the bar. Rebelle squeaked and dropped the menu, scurrying to look busy and like she hadn’t been watching him.
He deposited their empty glasses on the bar top and lingered, her eyes darted to his and immediately bounced away. She focused intently on drying the glass in her hand, her body turned away from him but still able to watch him from the corner of her eye.
He tapped the bar top. “Goodnight, beautiful.”
He was nearly at the door before she found her voice but with the place practically empty, her soft words carried.
“I’m sorry I called Blake on you.”
Will halted in front of the door. Taylor and Beau’s attention slid to Rebelle before looking back to Will. He shifted on his feet and turned towards her, his expression unreadable. Rebelle’s skin heated, something hot spreading through her and her throat dried.
“I-I do need some help at the shelter.”
Her stare dipped from his ocean eyes towards his lips, noticing his mouth tick up on one side. He walked back toward the bar, a slow lithe prowl and she held her breath.
“I’d say so, yeah,” he murmured, his voice low.
“If you think you’d maybe have some time to spare then maybe,” her voice faltered,damn dry throat. “Then maybe you could swing by and maybe help out.”
