Page 96 of Jagger

Anything.

CHAPTER 27

Bella

“A country bar?” I asked as we walked to the entrance of the bar. We’d had dinner at a quaint and very quiet Italian restaurant close to where Doc Welby’s clinic was. We hadn’t talked about my past or his, just spending time getting to know each other.

For the first time since we’d met, we’d been completely relaxed, bantering like kids and enjoying the food tremendously. He’d even dressed up in a jacket with black jeans and without a doubt, Jagger had been the most handsome man in the entire place.

No, in the entire town.

“Only part of the time,” he answered as he opened the door.

“Then what’s with the music? I don’t do the two-step.”

“Don’t worry, city girl. I don’t either.”

The music was loud, the crowd huge for a weekday. A Monday no less. I was shocked to see so many people dressed in jeans and cowboy boots. This wasn’t the Wild West.

Shackles felt welcoming as soon as I walked in. There was a long bar on one side of a massive room, a raised stage on the other, and in between were dozens of tables. With three bartenders working, I sensed they’d been prepared for a busy night.

“There’s the band,” I said wistfully. They were checking their equipment, getting ready for the show.

Jagger grinned as he pushed his way through the crowd, heading for the bar. “At least four nights a week. You’d be surprised the number of smaller but decent artists who appreciate the venue.”

“No, I don’t think I’d be that surprised.”

“Hey, buddy,” a bartender called from behind the bar. “You’re beginning to be a regular. This must be that famous gal I’ve been hearing about. I’m Mark, this man’s favorite behind the bar dude. What can I get you? On the house. You worked on a buddy of mine the other day. Might have saved his life.” He threw his arm across the bar for a handshake.

“Regular, huh?” I poked Jagger in the stomach with my elbow. “I was just doing what I could to help. Maybe a glass of merlot if you have it?”

“Sure do. From a pretty fine vineyard. I know what you want, Jag.” Mark winked and moved to fill our drink orders. “From a certain famous vineyard in town.”

The Foxhead Winery.

“I guess you’re well liked,” I told Jagger. “And Jag?”

“Smalltown stuff.”

“Uh-huh.” At least I felt freer and more comfortable than I had in a long time. I pressed my hand on his chest and peered out at the crowd. “Don’t look now. I think your brother and that park ranger spotted us. Are they together?”

“Engaged. Shep wants me to be his best man.”

“And?”

“Hell, no.”

I smacked his arm. “You’re a curmudgeon if I ever met one.”

“Hey. I’m in shock,” Shephard said as he approached. “Good to see you both. We got a table. Why don’t you join us?”

“Please. We’d love to have you.”

Jagger acted like he was going to say no. I poked him again and at least he smiled. “Fine. We’ll join you for a little while.”

After answering me, he locked eyes with mine and did something that instantly shocked me. He took my hand.

As he led me through the crowd, I could feel all eyes on us; they weren’t gazes of anger or hatred, but ones of admiration and respect.

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