Page 5 of The Red-Hot Stakes

“Yes, sir.” Mr. Weston hurried toward the stairs.

Liam called after him. “I want the paperwork sent to Gina as soon as it’s done.”

Maybe that stupid lip will finally get fixed.

Chapter Two

Liam pulled his wallet from his pocket. “Sarah, right? Can you cash out my table? And make sure Gina gets her tip? Maybe see if any of her other tables are done as well?” Then he knelt in front of me again.

My patience wore thin, and I closed my eyes as I shook the glass out of my hair. “It’s just my arm.” And I started to lower it, wanting to see the damage.

“No!”

I jerked, startled by his ferocity. The sudden motion dislodged the glass, and I bit back a gasp at the stabbing pain before it tumbled to the floor with a sharp crash, spattering the area with blood as my arm began to drip. “Shit.”

“Clean towel.” Liam looked around the kitchen frantically. “I need a clean towel!” Wyatt flung him a fresh dish towel, and Liam caught it as he dropped to his knees next to me, heedless of the pile of glass. “You idiot. You better hope you didn’t hit an artery.” He pressed the towel to the wound, gesturing to Wyatt for another towel to tie it in place with. Then he shoved my arm above my head, glaring the whole time.

“Sorry.” As soon as the word left my lips, I was annoyed with myself. Apologizing to Liam? Really? I stared at his profile as he brushed more glass off my shoulders and my lap. “How do you know all this?”

“I played football for years. And I watch way too much Grey’s Anatomy.” His clipped tone and tight mouth told me there was probably more to the story, but now was not the time. Using yet another towel, he dabbed at my nose. It came away bright red from the blood that had dripped on me. “All right. Let’s get you on your feet.” When he helped me stand, more glass tinkled down. “Careful, it’ll be slippery.”

“I need to clean this up.” I stared at the floor covered in a thick layer of pieces mixed with splotches of red.

“Gina, you’re bleeding, and you need stitches. Someone else will take care of this. Come on.” He held my good hand, leading me through the mess.

“But—”

Wyatt chimed in, “Don’t worry, G. We’ve got it covered.”

Liam shot him a grateful look. “Where’s your purse?”

I pointed to the cubby where I stowed my things during my shift. He cleaned it out, helped me get my jacket on my good arm then draped the other side of it over my left shoulder. His familiar scent lingered, like a comforting hug.

Sarah met us at the bar, handing me a wad of money. “I cashed you out.”

Guilt hit me hard. Not only was I leaving her that huge mess, she wouldn’t even get any of my extra tables. “Sarah, no—”

“You earned it. Maybe Mr. Weston will fix that damned lip now.” She tucked the money into my hand then told Liam sternly, “Take good care of our girl.”

He nodded, practically dragging me out the door. Burt gave me a little wave before the cool night embraced me. Fall in southwestern Michigan was my favorite, with warm days and cool nights. I sucked in a big lungful of the crisp air as Liam opened the door of his Porsche for me. My arm throbbed as he backed out of the parking lot.

“Wait!” I gasped. “Should you even be driving?” I’d served at least three pitchers to their table.

“I only had one drink. The other guys will take a cab.” He gave me a side-long look. “Maybe you should call that boyfriend of yours.”

Annoyance flared that I hadn’t thought of it first. “Great idea.” I dialed Josh right away, and explained the situation. “Liam’s driving me to the hospital. Maybe you could meet me there?” I hated the plea in my voice.

Josh’s yawn echoed through the phone. “Babe, it’s late. You know I have that audition tomorrow. Can’t Liam bring you home?”

I held the phone away from my ear to stare at it, stunned. “Possibly, but why should he? It’s not his girlfriend going to the hospital!”

“Just ask him, would ya? I mean, he’s already taking you there. This audition is really important to me.”

More important than a lot of things, evidently. Anger coursed through me, making my words short and clipped. “Forget it. I’ll figure it out.”

“I take it we’re not expecting Josh to come riding in on his great, white steed.” When I glared, Liam splayed his fingers in surrender, keeping his palms on the wheel. “Just checking. I’m happy to give you a ride home if you need.”

I pushed aside my anger to deal with later as I went over my options. Avery and Derek were visiting his twin sister, Rhonda. Aunt Thea and Uncle David were also out of town. More tension tightened my chest at the blood seeping through the towel.

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