Page 4 of Must Love Alligators

Yeah, he was sure she was confused.He doubted men said no to her very often.Or ever.

“No.I have…something else I need to take care of.”

The blonde narrowed her eyes.“Whatever.”

“I—” He had nothing else to add.And he was needed at the end of the bar.“See ya.”

The blonde shook her head.“Not as much of me as you could have.”

Chase actually chuckled at that.Touché.He turned and headed straight for Bailey and the jerk who was still leaning into her space.

Chase moved in behind her, put his hands on her shoulder, and said, “Hey, babe, sorry I’m late.”

Bailey stiffened, obviously in shock.Chase stiffened—particularly below his belt—because…damn.She smelled fucking amazing.He wanted to know how she tasted now..

Fortunately, he was onlypartasshole, and he realized immediately that all of that was super creepy to be thinking when he was over here to help her get away from the other asshole who was likely thinking about how delicious she’d taste, too.

He straightened and met the other guy’s stare.

“Who are you?”

“Chase Dawson.Who are you?”

“Justin Banks.”

“Well, Justin, I’m going to need Bailey to come with me now.”

“Is that right?”Justin looked down at Bailey.

But Bailey had craned her neck and was looking up at Chase.Her expression was…befuddled.That was the best way to describe it.Chase grinned at her.

“You ready?”he asked.

Had his voice just gotten a little husky?It had.Not on purpose, but he did like the way her lips parted slightly at the sound.

Was she ready?Washe?He had no idea what this even was but, yeah.He was ready.

“I um…” She trailed off, took a deep breath, glanced at Justin, then back to Chase.“Yeah.I’m ready.”

“Wait a second,” Justin said.“You’re going with him?”

“Well, that’s really none of your business,” Bailey said, before Chase could cut in.

Chase watched Justin.His jaw tensed and he took a deep breath.“Bailey—”

He reached for her arm, but Bailey pulled away before he could touch her.

That was enough for Chase.He stepped around Bailey’s stool, pushing in between them.“Okay, that’s enough.She said it’s not your business.”

Justin gave him an annoyed look.“I need another minute.”

“No.”Chase stepped into the other man, backing him up, away from Bailey.“You don’t.”

“Look, man—”

Chase put his hands on Justin’s chest and pushed.“No.You.Don’t.”

Justin glared at him and shoved Chase back.“Relax.Just back up.”

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