Page 44 of Seized by the Lawman

The tall guy from the parking lot made his way through the maze of tables and Nix saw Melly stand and wave. His stomach turned and his gut clenched when the city slicker strolled up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist and hugged her—a little too close for Nix’s comfort. She was smiling and a sharp pain of jealousy circled his heart. Damn, this was why he shouldn’t be here. He didn’t need this. It wasn’t as if he had any rights to her. Just because she was carrying his child didn’t mean she couldn’t date, even hug another man.

Like hell. Nix growled and took the stool, ordering a beer while keeping his gaze on the couple across the room.

“I thought you weren’t drinking tonight?” Jamison nudged him.

“It’s either a drink or take a fast run around the building. I’ll take the beer.” Nix thrummed his fingers on the table in restless energy. He pointed to the dartboard. “Let’s play. Loser pays for dinner.” He had to do something to keep himself busy.

“Sounds good to me. You realize I’m king of darts, right?”

Barely hearing Jamison, Nix’s gaze was on the Melly. She and the yuppie were sitting now and he was leaning in saying something. Maybe he was telling Melly that real men did get manicures or have their brows plucked. Blowing out a breath, Nix rubbed his jaw. He was being petty. Not watching where he was going, he bumped a waitress knocking a bottle from her hand and sending the beer splashing all over the front of Nix’s Wranglers. “Ah, shit!”

“I’m so sorry,” the brunette apologized.

“No, it’s not your fault. It’s all mine. Here, I’ll buy that one.” He reached into his pocket, pulled out a bill and handed it over. “You keep the change.”

The waitress’ eyes lit and she stuffed the twenty in her pocket.

“You okay, man?” Jamison asked once they reached the dart board.

“Hell, I don’t think so.”

While Jamison took the first turn, Nix slid up onto a stool and watched the yuppie at Melly’s table lift a hand and wave to a nearby waitress who was busily serving plates at a nearby table. So, he was a man who relied on his looks because he had the attitude of a dead fish. What was Melly doing? Fine, maybe she didn’t want Nix, but she deserved the best.

The yuppie laughed and then it struck Nix who the man was and why he was familiar. Brad Santiago, Melly’s ex. The blade drove deeper into Nix’s chest.

Swiveling on the stool, he rubbed his brow, then drank thirstily from his bottle. Drunk never looked good on a bastard so he needed to slow down.

“What can I get you boys to eat? There’s a special on T-bones tonight,” the waitress asked as she gave Nix an extra special smile of appreciation.

“Sounds great,” Jamison said.

“Sure does. I’ll take one, medium well, stuffed baked potato, baked apples, salad, sweet potato, and how about I get a slice of blackberry pie with a dollop of whipped cream.” When a man couldn’t do what he really wanted to do, he could eat, although he doubted it would ease any tension.

After their order was given, Jamison gave Nix a confused expression as he handed over the darts. “Where you going to put all that food?”

“In my mouth,” he grumbled, got up and tossed one dart. It missed the entire board.

“Whoa. Relax, man.”

The next two darts were just as humiliating.

Nix opened his mouth to give some lame excuse, but suddenly was bumped hard and shoved into the table, knocking over his bottle and the cold liquid spilled onto him…for a second time that night. He jumped and shot a cold stare around, ready to pummel the man who was so clumsy when his breath swished out of his lungs.

Cold, blue eyes took him in. He swallowed against the building constriction in his throat. Melly’s hand planted on her flared hip and he could see she was ready to unleash…

“Excuse me. Did I do that?” Her thin brow popped up over a heated stare.

“You know very well you did,” he moaned.

“Maybe it would have been safer for you away from the bar, or somewhere else entirely,” she said through clenched teeth. “What are you doing here?” she whispered.

“I was hungry and I couldn’t wait to sink my teeth into a T-bone.” He winked.

“Liar. You came here to spy on me.” She crossed her arms over her chest and her chin jutted upward.

“To spy?” He chuckled. “Sorry, darlin’, you’re mistaken. I told you why I came here. Ain’t that right, Jamison,” he said to his buddy who was trying very hard to mind his own business.

“Hell if I know. You suggested this place and I’m the go-with-the-flow kind of guy.” Jamison planted his gaze on Melly. “Hi there, Miss Melly.” He tipped his hat.

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