Page 97 of Jagger

“You look amazing,” Denise said as soon as we sat down.

“Doesn’t she?” Jagger piped in.

“The only dress I brought with me. Thank God I had a decent one to wear. Although by the looks of things, jeans and cowboy boots would fit in nicely.” Maybe I was a tad bit overdressed. I laughed and continued studying the bar. “This is interesting.”

“You should see it on a Saturday night. It’s insane in here. Never come unless you want to be hassled by tourists. Summer is worse. Hopefully, you’ll find out.” Denise shook her head. “But a place that frees the soul. After today, I need that.”

“Meaning what?” I asked her.

“I had to tackle a tourist trying to take up close and personal pictures with a bear.”

My laugh continued, but I could tell she was serious. “Really? Who would be that stupid?”

“Tourists,” all three of them said together.

“Hey, we aren’t all bad,” I told them.

“Except what I hear is that you’re no longer a tourist,” Shephard suggested.

Shephard glanced at Jagger, a grin crossing his face.

“We’ll see.” I could feel Jagger’s eyes on me.

Jagger’s brother leaned forward in his chair. “I guess I’ll have to work my magic on this little lady since my brother is having a difficult time convincing her to stay.”

“No pressure, honey bunny,” Denise told him.

“Honey bunny?” both Jagger and I asked at the same time.

Shephard growled. “Be careful, flowerpot.”

“Ohhh…” The two were adorable together, but I sensed it made Jagger somewhat uncomfortable.

Mark found us at that point, placing the drinks down without asking if we wanted to run a tab. I had to admit it felt good to be out like a normal person.

Even though I wasn’t certain I could ever consider myself as one again.

“I wanted you to know I checked with the hospital. All the patients have already been released. You did an amazing job, Bella. I can’t thank you enough. Cally doing okay?” Denise leaned over the table.

“Better than okay now that Xena is in our lives.”

“I think you’re creating a home here.” As soon as Shephard gave her a look, she shook her head. “Hey. There are mostly grumpy guys or older women in town. I’d love to have a friend.”

“You won’t if you keep pressuring her,” Shephard told her.

“Yeah, don’t pressure Bella. She doesn’t like being told what to do.”

Now it was my turn to glare at Jagger. At least he was grinning. “Very funny. Besides, I have some news. I might as well spill the beans now.”

Jagger twisted in his seat. “You’re keeping more secrets.”

“Just for a few hours. I’m taking Doc Welby up on his offer.”

Denise squealed and clapped her hands. “That’s fantastic! I am thrilled and I know Jagger is.” She gripped his hand and Jagger immediately tensed.

I was surprised when I felt his other hand on my leg. The little squeeze made me swoon. Conversation was cut short when the band took the stage, and the entire crowd started clapping.

He leaned over, nipping my earlobe. Another sign of affection. I was hot and wet all over at this point. “You’re really staying?”

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