Page 5 of Just This Once

I shifted, holding out my hand for hers. “So... definitely-not-a-librarian Emily, would you settle for a Valentine’s date redo?”

THREE

EMILY

I staredat his outstretched hand, his wide palm and long fingers waiting for me to make a decision.

Do I do it? Oh my god, this is so unlike me.

A squeal threatened to tear out of me when I placed my hand in his. Whip gave it a gentle squeeze before standing and hauling me up with him. I flashed a quick smile to hide my nerves. Hand in his, I followed Whip through the deserted general store and out into the cold night. I shivered, and he dropped my hand to slip his coat off his shoulders. Before I could protest, he wound the large jacket around me and pulled it closed.

“You’ll freeze,” I argued, appreciating the way his biceps strained the long sleeves of his Henley.

“Nah.” He shook his head. “I was built for the cold.”

Whip towered over me—all broad lines and hard edges—as we walked. He was most definitely built and had the kind of body that screamed promises of warmed skin and protective embraces.

I swallowed hard as Whip led me down the sidewalk toward the muted sounds of music and neon lights. I shook away my wandering thoughts when my feet stopped short. “Shit! I forgot to pay for the chocolates!”

Whip grinned. “My cousin owns the general store. I’ll be sure to square up with him before he starts printing the Wanted posters.”

I sagged in relief. “Thank you.”

“No problem.” I couldn’t tear my gaze away from him as he smiled. “Thief.”

My laugh rang out into the crisp winter air with a puffy white cloud. Excitement danced under my skin as we walked.

My whole life I’d made the right choice. Been the good girl. It was exhausting, and for once I wanted to spread my wings—stop thinking twelve steps ahead in any scenario andlive.

“I know a place just up this way.” Whip continued up the sidewalk, shifting his position to be on the side closest to the roadway, and I followed, reveling in the subtly protective gesture.

When we stopped, I glanced at the neon sign next to the heavy wooden door. A jaunty skeleton grinned back at me.

“The Grudge Holder?” I asked. The muscles in Whip’s arm rippled through his shirt as he leaned forward to pull the door open. I slipped past him as he held it for me. “Cute name.”

He slid in next to me, and the warmth of the bar wafted over us. “Yeah, it’s kind of an inside joke in this town.”

I had started toward an empty high-top table when Whip’s long fingers gently wrapped around my hip bone, stopping me. No man had ever touched me in such a benign way while exuding such raw masculinity. I willed my knees not to buckle.

His breath floated across the shell of my ear. “This way.” With his head he gestured toward the opposite end of the bar. “My family only sits on the east side.”

My eyebrows lifted. “Oh.”

Whip helped me into the stool at a high-top table and rapped a knuckle on the wood. “Can I get you something to drink? Mybrother owns a local brewery, and they sell it here. It’s pretty good.”

“A beer would be great. Thanks.”

Whip sauntered toward the large bar in the back, and I used the opportunity to stare incessantly at his ass. No man had any right to look that effortlessly put together in simple jeans and a long-sleeved Henley.Totally unfair.

I tore my gaze away from him before I got caught and took the opportunity to look around the bar. Music spilled from a jukebox in the corner, and posters announced various bands for the upcoming weekends. A pink-and-red banner was strung across the stage with loopy, romantic font.Love is in the air—try not to breathe.I laughed and soaked up the friendly, inviting atmosphere.

Curious, I looked across the dance floor toward the west side of the bar. A few wary glances were cast my way, and it seemed as though everyone really did keep to their own side.Curious.

Whip sidled up next to me and set down two beers, one light and one dark. “I wasn’t sure of your preference.” He pointed to the dark one. “Vanilla porter, one of my favorites.” His finger moved to the other. “Hefeweizen with malty, caramel notes. Lady’s choice.”

My eyes danced with delight. “You really do know your beers.”

He shrugged. “It’s really Abel’s deal, but I’ve learned a thing or two.”

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