“Such a shame, he’s hot and needs to think about finding the one,” Ash remarks.
“He will, just give him time. Look how long it took the rest of them to find us. When it’s right, he’ll make his mark.”
Glancing back over in their direction, I see her walking this way following Christian and Jenn. As they each take a seat at our table, I catch that I have my mouth hanging wide open.
Oh my God, that girl . . . that girl is Jenn’s sister.
Chapter 11
Another class of wine is placed down in front of me. Embarrassment sweeps through my nerves as I turn to see Steve standing behind me, arms crossed and a smirk resting on his face.
“Thank you,” I say with a shy smile.
“Don’t mention it, just make sure the contents go down your throat and not all over the floor this time,” he replies with a wink before turning and walking away.
My eyes watch as he leaves the table and moves toward the back room. I take a sip of my wine and purr in response to the flavor as it touches my tongue and coats the back of my throat.
I feel like a complete idiot and for the life of me I don’t know what in the hell just happened back there. That guy . . . whoever he was kinda took me by storm. Those eyes pulled me in like nothing I’ve ever felt. I couldn’t process what was happening in the moment, but as soon as I realized what I was doing Christian came by and interrupted. Maybe it was a good thing, shit, I don’t know. I’m still completely struck by my stupidity of the moment. I was tongue tied, lost in thought and unable to speak. His eyes are the most amazing things, like two bright shining blue lights that captured my every sense . . . ugh, what in the world?
I don’t know if the shots and wine are playing tricks on me or what, but I definitely need a moment to process what just happened.
Focusing my attention back to the table, I look around at the unfamiliar faces. Not knowing two of the other girls and not too sure how to act around the other, I feel like a bit of an outsider. The conversation is flowing and I don’t know if I should join in or just sit back and continue looking like a moron. As I focus my eyes on the table and not the people in front of me, I take another smooth sip of my wine. Maybe the faster I drink, my earlier buzz will come back, and maybe . . . just maybe I’ll feel a bit more comfortable around these perfect strangers.
After a few moments, my eyes move up from the wooden table and begin to search the faces of these people. Jenn is sitting to my right, engrossed in conversation with a petite girl with long bluish hair. She has a very pretty face and what seems to be a genuine smile. As my eyes continue to roam over the others, there is a slim woman with shoulder length dark hair and to her left another petite girl with bright pink hair who I know as Ashley.
Geez, I’m starting to catch onto the trend here.
All of these women are breathtakingly beautiful, yet just a bit eccentric compared to what I’m used to back home. It’s not every day I’m sitting round a bar room table with ladies that are covered in tattoos and funky colored hair. Shit . . . I’m not being judgmental; it’s just a tad bit different from the folks I surround myself with in South Carolina. I don’t even have a tattoo or piercing other than in my ears. I’m out of my element here and feeling a bit out of place.
Letting out a heavy sigh, I bring the wine back to my lips and consume the remaining liquid resting in my glass.
“Wow, you thirsty or just trying to get drunk tonight?” A female voice asks from across the table.
My eyes move to meet hers and my nerves begin to twist in the pit of my stomach. Shyly smiling back at her, I just nod. Ugh, I feel like a freaking idiot, I’m so not fitting in right now and I just want to get up and leave.
“Hey, girl, I don’t think you’ve formally met the ladies of the pink crew,” the girl across from Jenn says.
She’s beaming a gorgeous smile and it’s kinda contagious, I can’t help but smile back as her eyes light up.
“Yeah, I don’t think I have. I remember you from the other night at the tattoo place,” I remark in a nervous tone.
“Yup, you came into Cursed Magic on our grand reopening. I’m Etty, the gorgeous brunette is Jo, and our pink haired bombshell is Ashley.”
As I look around to each of the girls, they all smile in response to their introduction. I can only assume that Ashley hasn’t told the other two girls that she already knows Jenn and me. At least if she did, this Etty chick is playing it off pretty damn well.
They seem to be welcoming and all, but I still feel like I’m the odd woman out. I’ve known Ashley for a long time; after all, she was best friends with my sister. Speaking of which, they don’t seem to have a problem being in the same room with one another . . . why should I be feeling like this is an awkward night out?
Ugh, damn it, Kris, pull your head out of your ass and let your hair down.
Situating myself in my chair, I sit up straight and dive into the conversation. There’s no point in making myself the outcast when the rest of them are perfectly fine chatting it up with one another.
I look across the table, making eye contact with Ash.
“It’s really good to see you again,” I blurt out before I can register the words coming out of my mouth.
Jenn places her hand on my shoulder and leans into me.
“Relax, Kris, it’s totally fine. We’re all good here . . . right, Ashley?” she asks looking to Ash.
“Yup, everything is cool, we’re one big happy family here,” she replies with a giggle. “Well maybe more of a dysfunctional family, but nevertheless it’s great to see you both again.”
Taking a moment to register what’s transpiring right here in front of me, I inhale a deep breath, count to ten and release the air through pursed lips. If Ashley and Jenn can get along after everything that’s happened then I can too. It’s not that hard, it wasn’t me who was involved in the love triangle. These ladies seem to be nice and are welcoming us in as if we’ve been a part of their little crew forever. Plus, if I do decide to make this place my permanent residence, I need to know as many people as possible.
Oy, I need to figure out what in the hell I’m going to do with my life . . . should I stay or should I go?
I can totally do this. I’m a sweet and caring person; it doesn’t take much to get on my good or bad side. This place is going to be a whole new world for me. It’s mind over matter and honestly, I just want to fit in with the crowd.
“Sorry, I just feel weird, I really don’t know any of you, and dropping my drink on that guy kinda has me thrown for a loop.”
“Oh please, it was just Cliff. Word of warning though, don’t look directly into his eyes for too long . . . his evil, twisted soul will suck you right in,” Jo says in a serious tone, the expression on her face completely stone cold.
What in the hell . . . his eyes were so captivating. I couldn’t look away. It was like a train wreck. I knew I shouldn’t stare, but he hypnotized me.
“Yeah, thanks for letting me know that after the fact,” I reply chewing on my bottom lip.
The three girls start to laugh and I can’t help but sense that a joke has just been played on me.
“Oh, honey, don’t look so sad,” Etty says. “Cliff is really a great guy; we all love him to death. The guys just mock him that he can bring a girl to her knees just by looking into his eyes. He’s like a brother to us all and I know he has a good heart. He just hasn’t found the one to fill the void . . . or break down the walls he’s put up just yet.”
“He’s a bit intimidating if you ask me,” I reply twisting the stem of my wine glass between my fingers.
“Nah, he’s a giant teddy bear, don’t let the rugged exterior fool you one bit. All of our guys may seem a bit rough around the edges, but once you get to know them they’ll melt your heart,” Jo says holding her hand to her chest.
“So let me see if I got this straight,” I pause for a moment to gather my thoughts and any brain cells that are still functioning. “Jo, you’re with the
guy who was wearing the blue shirt and, Etty, you’re with the guy in the red shirt?”
“Ha-ha, yes, I’m engaged to Linc and Etty is madly in love with Dault.”
“Gotcha,” I respond.
Okay, I’m slowly starting to piece together each of them, now to just see where I fit into all of this.
“So tell me, Kris,” Jo says with a pause. “You’re here visiting or are you planning on moving to our rustic little town?”
Placing my hands in my lap, I take a moment to think about this, I’m really not sure what the best move is for me. I know Jenn wants me here and my mom would love nothing more than for me to be closer to my sister. It’s just a lot to decide.
Looking up, I see that all of the ladies are awaiting my response.
“I’m not sure yet.”
Jenn pulls at my arm and turns her body to face mine.
“You’re moving to ‘Bama, no questions asked.”
My eyes go wide as her grip on my arms tightens. I know she wants what’s best for me and being here is exactly what she thinks will help me move on from the pain of my past.
“What’s holding you back. Kris, is there a lucky guy waiting for you back home . . . by the way where is home?” Etty asks.
A stabbing ache within my chest causes me to lean forward as my hand covers my heart.
It’s been over a year, when will this pain subside?
Jenn pulls me in close to her while the tears threaten to fall from my eyes.
“It’s okay, sweetie, take a deep breath,” she whispers into my ear.
“I-I’m so sorry. Kris, did I say something wrong. I didn’t mean to upset you. Fuck, I’m really sorry,” Etty replies in the most nurturing tone.
Before I know it, she’s by my side kneeling down next to me. With her small hands, she pulls me into her and hugs me with everything she has.
“Come on, girl, let’s go for a walk and get some fresh air.”
Without a second thought, I stand from my chair and walk through the crowded bar room, Etty’s arm wrapped tightly around my side.
I don’t know what’s about to happen, what my future holds for me, but right now I feel like I have a serious choice to make. Going back to South Carolina will only bring back all the memories of the love and life I once had. Staying here in ‘Bama could be a fresh start for me. There’s a lot of unknown and it scares the shit out of me, but with Jenn, Christian and now these girls I think I can do it . . . at least I can try to move on and start a new life.
Chapter 12
Tonight is exactly what I’ve needed after a week of pure stress and bullshit. The alcohol is easing the tension and the banter amongst the guys makes me feel like things are slowly getting back to normal . . . well, as normal as things can get with us clowns. It really is amazing how some time spent with my best friends, a few too many drinks, and a two to three wins against Linc on the pool table can instantly put me in a better mood.
Pride boosts from the smile on my face to see Linc sulking like a little kid. It sets him into frenzy when he doesn’t win at something and I can’t help but laugh. It’s only a game of pool, but the sore loser in him is something I need to poke at a bit longer.
Following his lead, we walk back over to the table, my eyes catching sights of the ladies who are now in deep conversation. Linc moves behind Jo as she stands and allows him to sit down on her chair. I watch as he whispers in her ear, her eyes moving to meet mine. She tosses me a wink before turning to wrap her arms around his neck. Moving my gaze from the happy couple, I see that Steve and Christian have quickly embraced their woman as well.
I can’t help but gawk at the scumbag as he’s engrossed in the conversation. The stupid fucker has caused so much shit for the crew and now he’s sitting here as if he’s a part of our close-knit circle. No matter how hard he tries, he’ll never be someone I feel safe keeping close. He’s not a member of this crew and I do not intend to let him weasel his way into my pocket.
For the life of me, I don’t know what it is about him, but I do know that I don’t want him anywhere near Etty. Dault may have forgiven and moved on, but there’s just something sketchy about Christian that doesn’t sit well with me. Call it a feeling or just that I really don’t like him. Whatever it is I’m not looking to make him a close friend anytime soon.
Moving to take one of the last two empty seats, I notice Etty and that chick is missing . . . hmm? Well, since there’s a chair available, I choose to take a seat while Dault comes from behind and hands me a bottle of beer. Looking toward him, I give a nod and take down a long swig.
“It’s last call so I figured I’d get us all another round before they close shop,” he says while passing out a few beers to the guys.
“No worries, thanks, man,” I reply as I tap the rim of the bottle against his. “I need to be heading out soon anyway. Tomorrow is a jam-packed day of appointments and I need to rest up a bit for my upcoming hangover.”
He lets out a loud laugh just as Etty comes up beside him, wrapping her arms around his waist, and resting her face against his arm.
“Hey, babe,” he responds pulling her into his side.
A smile beams from her pretty little face while I roll my eyes. Looking to her left, I instantly stop breathing when I see her.
Those beautiful brown eyes meet mine and I can see her take a step back. For one reason or another, this woman is standing alone in this bar room. Where’s her significant other? There’s no way she can be here alone. No way she’s single. Maybe he’s just not out with her tonight or maybe it’s my lucky night. .
Standing from my chair, I gesture for her to take a seat. She shakes her head as to decline my offer when I reach out and grab for her arm. Her body stills and I can feel her pulse racing as my hand glides down to her wrist. Moving in a step closer to her, I lean down and push her hair off her shoulder.
“I’m not going to bite you, Doe, relax,” I whisper against her ear.
Her entire body tenses as a wicked grin spreads across my face. Her reaction to me is overwhelming and I can’t help but enjoy the innocence she’s projecting. I don’t know her story or why she’s here, but for right now, I’m savoring every second my eyes are focused on hers.
I’ve been a loner for so long that I’ve never taken the time to embrace a moment like this, either that or no other woman has pulled me in like she is right now. She’s captivated my interest since she came barreling into me earlier tonight. It’s not every day a gorgeous woman like this slams against you and falls to her knees . . . okay, the fantasy in my head is a bit exaggerated, but nonetheless, shit this good rarely happens to a guy like me.
We’re stuck in a trance yet again and I can’t seem to pull my gaze from hers. Minutes, hours could be passing us by and all I want to do is intently look back at her. This is fucking nuts, I need to pull my head out of my ass and do something . . . anything but stand here like a complete moron.
Gliding her over to the seat, I motion for her to sit. Her eyes leave mine as she lowers her body down onto the wooden chair and there’s an overwhelming urge for me to see those brown eyes again. Looking up at me, she forces a smile while making herself comfortable before turning back toward the table.
“Well, it looks like you two keep finding yourselves in this same compromising position. Does anyone else feel the tension coursing between these two?” Dault remarks with a wicked grin.
What in the fuck is he doing?
My head flips in the direction of Dault as I stare him down, the look in my eye telling him to shut his goddamn mouth.
Jo and Etty start to giggle while Ash reaches for her hand from across the table.
“So you two haven’t formally met yet. Let’s not make this anymore awkward than it already is thanks to Dault,” Ash says giving Dault the look of death while laughing.
“All right. All right. All right,” Dault says moving in closer to me. “I’ll keep my thoughts to myself from now on.”
“Good thinking, babe,”
Etty chimes in. “Cliff, this beautiful woman here is Kris. She’s Jenn’s sister and spending the next few days here in ‘Bama. We know you two have already collided a time or two tonight so now it’s official,” she says looking down to Kris. “You’ve now been properly introduced to the entire crew, girl, welcome to the family.”
“Thanks, Etty, I’m happy to be here with you guys.”
Kris turns her head to face me and moves to stand from her chair. Extending her hand out to me, she looks up through her lashes and into my eyes.
“Well, I guess we’re not strangers in the night any longer. It’s nice to meet you, Cliff.”
Her lips form into a smile, one that I can’t help but want to return. Taking her hand in mine, I feel that same tingling sensation I did earlier.
This chick is something else, she has some voodoo power taking over me, and I’m not sure if it’s something I should be enjoying or running for the hills.
Walking home from Duke’s I feel like I’m genuinely happy. I don’t remember feeling like this ever. I’ve got a great buzz going and after finally being introduced to Kris, I’m kinda looking forward to seeing her around a bit more often.
From the way she was talking, it sounds like she may be sticking around for a little while longer. Hell, she won’t hear a complaint come from me and being surrounded by the crew, she’s in good hands if she does indeed choose ‘Bama as her new home.
I know she’s got to have a story to tell, we all do. She intrigues me in a way I’ve never felt towards another woman. Her eyes consume me, there’s something hiding behind them like a door I want to open. The only thing is that what’s on the other side may be something neither one of us are prepared to discover.
She has a virtue to her, either that or there’s more to her that she’s not allowing others to see. I’ve only met her twice now, but I figure in time I’ll find what she’s all about.
Slow down, Romeo . . . not so fast.