Page 8 of Rugged Hero

CHAPTER 5

BRIDGET

My heart flutters as I take one last look in the mirror, smoothing my hands over my curves hugged by the dark-wash jeans. The cap-sleeved top accentuates my cleavage in a way that makes me feel sexy yet classy. I slip on my ankle booties and take a deep breath.

It’s been months since my breakup with Christopher. His cruel words still echo in my mind—that I wasn’t thin enough, that he couldn’t understand why I wasn’t model-skinny even though I did yoga. Screw him. I’m determined to push past the ache and open myself up to something new with someone who likes and appreciates me for exactly who I am.

The doorbell rings. I grab my purse and hurry downstairs, unable to stop grinning as I open my door.

The sight of Moses standing there literally takes my breath away. His muscular form is showcased perfectly in snug jeans and a fitted sweater that outlines his sculpted chest and arms. His beard is neatly trimmed, and his dark hair is combed back. His intense eyes meet mine, and a smile tugs at his full lips.

“Hi,” I manage to say, my voice breathy.

“Hey, yourself.” His rich baritone washes over me. He looks me up and down appreciatively. “You look incredible.”

I blush, heat spreading across my skin. “Thanks. You clean up pretty well yourself.”

Hope flutters in my chest as I lock the door behind me. When I turn back to Moses, he extends his elbow to me, his eyes soft and earnest.

I put my arm through his, allowing his warmth and strength to envelop me as we walk to his truck. Butterflies dance in my stomach.

Something tells me this is going to be a great night.

When we arrive at Bullseye, the parking lot is packed with pickup trucks, and the muted thump of country music beats against the walls.

Moses cuts the engine and looks over at me, his brow furrowed. “Listen, if you’re uncomfortable at any point or want to bail, say the word and we’ll get out of here.”

I tilt my head, studying him. He seems on edge, his jaw tight and shoulders tense. “Is everything okay? We can do something else if you want.”

He shakes his head. “No, it’s not that.” He exhales heavily. “It’s… I’m still adjusting to civilian life. I’ve been out of the Army more than a year now, but crowds still make me uneasy.” His admission hangs vulnerably between us.

I reach over and squeeze his hand. “Thanks for letting me know. Remember, you’ve got your friends in there…and you have me. I’ve got your back. We’re in this together.”

Surprise flashes across his face, then melts into a warmth that reaches his eyes. He opens and closes his mouth as if unsure of what to say. Eventually, he says, “I appreciate that, Bridget. More than you know.”

My heart flutters at the sincerity in his deep voice. The urge to wrap him in my arms and comfort him crashes over me.

Moses climbs out and rounds the truck to open my door. I hop down, and he drapes a strong arm around my shoulders. I lean into his side, relishing the heat of his body and the way my softer curves fit against him.

Right before we reach the doors, Moses pauses and looks down at me intently. “Don’t let the guys give you any crap in there. Razzing is their favorite pastime. They can get carried away.”

I meet his gaze and raise my hand to cover his where it rests on my shoulder. “We’re a team, remember? We’ve got this.”

He gives me a little squeeze, then leads me inside the lively bar, straight toward a group of rugged men gathered around a high-top table. Raucous laughter and good-natured insults fly between them.

As we approach, nervous excitement zips through me.

I plaster on a bright smile as a bearded man spots us. “Well, well, well. Moses finally decided to come out of the woods and grace us with his presence!”

Moses grunts, but I can tell there’s something bashful about it like he enjoys the teasing but wouldn’t say so. He turns to me and smiles, and my heart skips a beat at the tenderness of his gaze.

Moses introduces me to a tall man and a pretty dark-haired woman. “Bridget, this is Lucas and his wife, Jessica.”

They greet me enthusiastically. Jessica immediately steps forward and pulls me into a hug, her smile warm and genuine. “It’s so nice to meet you, Bridget! I was beginning to think Moses made you up.” She winks playfully.

I laugh. “Nope, I’m real. It’s great to meet you, too.”

“Everyone is around here. Nathan’s off smack-talking like he’s going to win this thing,” Lucas laughs, rolling his eyes.

---