Page 99 of Finding Home

“I can’t tell if these jeans will motivate me or distract me tonight.”

“If you’re good tonight, I’ll let you take them off me,”she purred.

“What will you let me do if I’m bad?” His low voice rumbled through her, making all her lady bits clench.

“Why, Doc Owens, are you flirting with me?”

“Oh baby, I think we arewaypast flirting.”He nipped her lips.

The warmth of his hand on her lower back as he guided them through the crowded VFW toward their usual table caused a starry-eyed smile to bloom on Elle’s face. Clayton’s hands had been on every single part of her body, but still the feel of his protective palm on her back made her feel like the Hope Diamond. There was no doubt that her uncle, aunt, and Tobey loved her. That she was important to them, but with Clayton it was different. Something she couldn’t explain, but the sensation cascaded within her.

“Lady Elle!” Jerome’s bulky arms scooped Elle up in a hug, then turning to Clayton. “Sir Clayton.”

"King Jerome.” Clayton bowed.

“Kids,” Pete drawled, walking over.

“Where’s my handsome husband?” Jerome’s gaze darted around the room.

“He’s helping Janet lug a few things into the banquet room for tomorrow.I was told I’m not allowed to help, because it’s birthday stuff.”

It seemed fitting that Pete’s fiftieth birthday party would be held in the VFW banquet room.This place had played a pivotal role in this family’s life. Uncle Pete had played darts here for years with his dad, then his wife, and now his son.Janet and Pete’s wedding reception had been held in this very room. Both Elle and Tobey had graduation parties here.

“Hey, Clayton, why don’t we see if Mom needs more help?” Jerome suggested, placing his hand on Clayton’s shoulder.

Clayton nodded at Jerome before placing a kiss on Elle’s cheek. “Be right back.”

“I’ll go order drinks and wings.The usual, everyone?”Elle peered at her trio of men, who all grinned in agreement.

Breaking away, Elle made her way to the crowded bar. As usual, Laney was behind the counter directing customers with the grace and ease of a sassy orchestra conductor.

“Eleanor…Elle… the usual?” Laney asked with an upward tilt of her backwards-cap-wearing head.

“Yes. Do you have Ketel One?”Elle teased with a sardonic smile knowing what the response would be.

“Still a VFW, darlin’.”Laney’s impish smirked taunted as she leaned onto the bar.

Elle joined Laney leaning against the smooth bar surface. “A girl can hope.”

“Sweetheart, the VFW is where hope comes to die.” Laney jested, yanking a bottle of vodka from the mirrored shelf behind the bar.

As Laney stirred the drink, Elle took in the sea of boisterous smiles, teasing grins, and jovial faces. Hope did not come here to die. It lived here. In every crevice.

“I wouldn’t agree with that,” Elle countered.

“You haven’t worked here for five years.” Laney shrugged and placed Elle’s drink in front of her before reaching for a clear pitcher from below the bar.

“Laney stop, you love it here!”An elderly man in a Vietnam Veteran hat hollered warmly. “If you didn’t, you’d take Noah Wilson up on his offer.I’ve seen him try to poach you on five different occasions to work at that fancy bar of his.”

“Lloyd, if I went to work for Noah Wilson, who would cut you off and call your wife to pickup your sorry ass after too many Labatts?”Laney pointed at the older man with her right hand as she slid the now full pitcher of beer over to Elle.

It was clear to Elle that Laney’s sassy and snarky retorts were a total act. The warm glow in her green eyes as she bantered withthe regulars and newcomers spoke of a woman who loved what she did.Although she and Todd together behind the Wine Down bar would be an endless barrage of sarcastic spunk for Noah.

“How much do I owe you?”Elle set the drink and pitcher on the worn bar and moved to pull out her wallet.

“Oh, I think thatveryhandsome man behind you plans on paying.”Laney clucked her tongue.

Elle rolled her eyes, knowing it was either Clayton or her uncle but suspected the “very” in Laney’s statement spoke of Clayton. Elle wasn’t the only person not immune to the penetrating gray eyes, cut body, and thoughtful smile of Clayton Owens. With a shake of her head, she turned.

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