Page 9 of Rugged Hero

I watch as Moses looks around the bar and nods. “I’ll make sure you meet everyone properly. Dane is that giant over there,” he says, gesturing to the bar.

One glance, and I immediately know who he’s talking about as a tall, burly blond man waves down the bartender.

Moses and Lucas exchange a quick bro-hug, slapping each other on the back. “We’re gonna grab fresh drinks. You okay with beer, Bridget?”

“Yeah, beer is fine. Whatever you all are drinking.”

“Excellent choice,” Lucas laughs. “Can we trust you two not to get in trouble without us?” he asks with an exaggerated wink.

“We’ll be fine,” Jessica assures him and gives him a quick kiss. As the men head to the bar, Jessica links her arm with mine conspiratorially. “So, tell me everything! How did you and Moses meet? I barely know anything about him; he’s always so quiet at gatherings. All I heard is that maybe he had a woman in his life.”

I hesitate, unsure how much to divulge. “We met at yoga. Moses has been taking one of my classes.”

Jessica’s eyebrows rise. “Moses? Doing yoga? That’s unexpected.”

Smiling, I shrug. “He’s getting pretty good at it. But yeah, he’s different from my other students.”

She nods thoughtfully. “Lucas says he’s a great guy, but yeah, he keeps to himself and tends to stay up at the fire watch. He comes down for meetings, but we don’t see him out on nights like tonight much. I’m glad he’s getting out there, though. With you.”

Just then, a gorgeous redhead arrives at our table, two beers in hand. “Here you go, Jess! Who’s this?” She appraises me curiously.

Jessica jumps in. “Marian, this is Bridget, Moses’ date. Bridget, meet Marian. She’s engaged to Reggie, who’s around here somewhere. She’s one of the bartenders at Waylon’s bar, King Tap.”

“A rare night off, yet here I am at another bar,” Marian jokes, her eyes twinkling. “But I couldn’t miss cheering on Nathan!”

As the women laugh and clink bottles, I decide I like them already. Everyone is making me feel welcome, like I’m already part of a large, sprawling family.

Suddenly, a large hand comes to rest on my lower back. I turn to find Moses beside me again, his woodsy scent enveloping me. He and Lucas each put fresh bottles of beer on the table. Moses hands one to me and touches his bottle to mine. We don’t say anything for our toast, but my stomach fills with butterflies because I’m toasting to us and where I hope this night leads.

I put my hand lightly on his waist, smiling when his eyes flutter with surprise and he inhales quickly. Seeing the effect I have on him makes me feel stronger and more desirable than I have in months.

“Doing okay?” he murmurs, his lips brushing my ear.

A shiver runs through me, and I nod, tilting my head back to meet his eyes. His eyes search mine, and my heart flutters. How does he make me feel so safe and wound up at the same time?

Swallowing hard, I relax into his embrace. “I’m good,” I assure him. “Your friends are great. I’m having a good time.”

Moses smiles, and it feels like everything in the world is perfect.

“Here, let me introduce you to the rest of the crew,” Moses says, guiding me toward a group of burly men. My stomach flutters with nerves as we approach.

“Bridget, this is Nathan, Reggie, Daryl, and Waylon,” he announces, pointing to each in turn.

They pause their conversation to greet me.

Nathan steps forward first, his ginger beard split in a welcoming grin. “Good to finally meet you,” he booms. “We’ve heard a lot about you.”

Heat floods my cheeks, and I glance at Moses questioningly. He shrugs, a half-smile playing at his lips. Interesting.

I return Nathan’s smile. “Likewise. And congrats on making it to the finals! I’ll be cheering you on.”

“Much appreciated.” He winks. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, we’re due to get started soon.”

I watch as Nathan joins a bunch of men standing in a group in front of the axe-throwing lanes.

Marian and Jessica bustle off toward the crowd and join two more women. Moses surprises me by staying with me and keeping his arm around me.

Daryl lets out a raucous whoop, sloshing beer from his mug. “Let’s get this party started!” he hollers. “My money’s on Nathan kicking all y’all’s’ asses!”

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