Page 4 of Kink in the Road
And it was that distant cousin—and his friend—that had me visiting far too many a night.
I tucked my hands in the pockets of my overalls and headed to the bar. Like a beacon, my senses immediately identified where the two men were. Aiden manned the bar, his smile flashing as he joked with locals. Meanwhile, Finn stood at the pass, controlling the kitchen with his brisk efficiency.
I slid onto my usual bar stool and waited for Aiden to make his way down to me, taking the time to observe the men.
Aiden with his dark hair and green flashing eyes would have made a charming pirate—sailing the seven seas and seducing each and every lass or lad who caught his eye.
Unlike Aiden, whose tattoos painted beautiful stories across his skin, Finn had no visible tattoos or body piercings—though tiny scars marked his arms and across his hands, marks from a career spent with knives and hot metal. Finn kept his sandy-brown hair cropped close to his head, and I knew from experience that his stunning blue eyes could flash with fire. Both stood either at my height or a fraction taller.
Aiden had inherited the pub, and its raft of issues and financial pitfalls. Enter Finn. They’d pooled their money, investing their time and effort into the pub, clawing it back slowly from the brink of financial ruin to build it into something special.
Aiden interrupted my musing by placing a glass of non-alcoholic cider in front of me.
“Hard day?” he asked, in his usual charming way.
“Long day,” I responded, forcing myself to shove away my shimmering flit of attraction. “You?”
He shrugged. “We’re busy preparing for the singles weekend.” He flicked a lock of dark hair out of his eyes then placed his forearms on the bar, leaning toward me as his green eyes danced with mischief. “You attending that?”
I grimaced. “Apparently.”
His eyebrows rose. “Really?”
My gaze darted to Finn, who stood at the pass watching us as his hands automatically assembled plates of steak with thick cut fries and fresh grilled vegetables.
“The mayor roped me in.” I sighed, glancing down at my hands. “Seems I’m to help you and Finn out here.”
“You’re unhappy with hanging out with our lovely selves?”
His question reignited frustrated needy ache in my chest.
“No, it’s fine, it’s—” I forced myself to stop speaking, biting the inside of my cheek to keep the words from spilling out.
“It’s?” he prompted, his green gaze searching mine.
“Nothing.” I turned away, lifting my beer. “Gonna go play some pool.”
He placed a hand on my arm, halting me as I tried to slide from the stool. “Are you okay?”
For some strange reason, the care in his voice broke through my hardened exterior, hitting the vulnerable woman underneath.
No, I wanted to say. I’m lonely.
Tears burned the back of my eyes, and a lump clogged my throat.
I want, I burn, I need.
I forced a laugh, pulling my hand from his. “I’m fine.” I nodded at the bar. “And you have patrons waiting.”
I stepped away, ignoring the way his gaze seemed to burn into my back.
Taking a long drag of my drink, I glanced over at the pass to see Finn staring at me, his gaze narrowed.
Forcing a reassuring smile, I turned away from him and moved to the pool tables.
Those boys aren’t for the likes of you.
CHAPTER 2
