Page 6 of Rope Me In

“Thanks for hiring me with the limited experience I have.”

He tips the brim of his cowboy hat. “It’s easy work, though it can get overwhelming.” He pauses after he says that, probably thinking about how awkwardly I’ve presented myself since I walked through the door. “Any questions, come find me.”

When a concerned look returns to his face, I know he’s definitely thinking about it. I mentally smack myself for being so weird; I know I can present myself better. I did on the phone interview, though I didn’t have to look him in the eye for that. I was also running on pure adrenaline after deciding to leave the band. I was highly motivated to get a job and get out of the city quickly.

I plaster a smile on my face. “I will.” Though I know I won’t. I’ll work through anything I feel on my own, like I always do. I’m determined not to make a fool of myself further and keep this job, at least until I figure out what to do next.

Jake opens his mouth to say something else but gets cut off by the sound of a door opening. I turn my head toward the entrance and see two cowboys walk in. Even in the dim light and the glow of neon signs, I recognize one of the men right away. He’s the one I saw riding the mechanical bull shirtless—the whole reason I found this job and why I’m here right now.

“You need to take it easy, Kade,” the taller one says in a strained voice.

The one apparently called Kade doesn’t look back at the man as he says, “You’re not my babysitter, big brother. I’m fine. For the last time, lay off.”

“I’m not trying to babysit you, I’m—”

“Like hell,” he spits, spinning to shove his finger into his purported brother’s chest. They both stop, glaring at each other. I start to get uncomfortable. They must not realize they have an audience because they’re too focused on whatever is going on between them.

“I’m just trying to talk with you,” the man says to Kade. When he goes to say something else, Jake clears his throat loudly. The two men both turn their heads at the sound, finally noticing us standing a few feet away from them. There’s no music on yet, and we’re the only ones here, so the silence is deafening.

“Gentleman,” Jake says in a deep, authoritative tone. “Our new bartender is here.”

Kade, having only made eye contact with Jake, steps back from his brother and, without another word, stalks off toward the door behind the bar that leads to the storage area and Jake’s office. He flings it open, the top of his buckskin cowboy hat disappearing behind the now swinging door.

“Sorry about that,” the tall cowboy says after a heavy pause. He removes the black hat from atop his head, revealing short sandy-blond hair and deep green eyes that would make any woman swoon. He takes a step toward me, his bowed lips drawn into a tight smile. He looks embarrassed at whatever it was I witnessed but tries his best to remove the evidence of it from his square features.

“Nice to meet you; I’m Gavin,” he drawls, holding out his hand.

Not usually one for handshaking, I force myself to extend my arm so I don’t comeoff as rude.

“Nice to meet you.” Our palms meet, and his grip is strong, but it only lasts a few seconds before he’s pulling back and planting his hat back on his head.

“You’ll have to forgive my brother’s behavior.” His warm voice vibrates in the space between us, but there’s a sadness in his eyes as he says it. “He usually has better manners.”

Jake lets out a huff that tells me he doesn’t agree. Gavin glares at him, and I shift on my feet, feeling even more out of place. It’s always weird being the person that doesn’t have the inside info.

I stuff my hands in my apron pockets. “It’s alright.”

Gavin clears his throat, and then silence cocoons us once more. My brain tries to think of something to say, but now I’m thinking of Kade storming off and remembering the tail end of the argument I witnessed. It was charged, and by the way they were speaking to each other, I felt as if this was a normal occurrence for them. It reminded me of how Derek and I used to fight.

A chill runs up my spine, and I squash my curiosity. I don’t need to get involved. I need to keep my head down and stay out of other people’s business. I don’t want more drama in my life. I came to Randall to get away from it, not find it.

Maybe a small town was a bad choice, then.

“What did you say your name was?”

Gavin’s timbre breaks through my thoughts, and blood rushes to my cheeks. Crap, I didn’t tell him my name. Two points now for awkward first impressions. Not that it’s worse than Gavin and Kade’s dramatic entrance.

“I didn’t. And it’s Presley.”

He smiles at my name. I know he’s wondering the usual questions. “Were you named after Elvis?” “Were your parents big fans?” “Is that a nickname you picked?” And the answer is no to all of them. My mom doesn’t even like Elvis, and my dad didn’t like the name. Unfortunately, Presley is a product of Mom going into early labor and Dad being out of town on business. She heard Elvis on the radio in the cab ride to thehospital, and it was all she could think of when they asked for a name.

It’s stupid, but I’ve grown to love my name. It’s unique and stands out, something a person needs in the music industry. I also happen to love Elvis, so I guess that’s a win for me.Hooray…

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Presley.”

“Likewise.”

He shoves his hands in the pockets of his Wranglers and glances at Jake. “Can I talk to you in the back for a second?”

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