Page 17 of Headed for Home

The blonde blabbermouth beams with pride. “The news was too juicy and thick and creamy. It burst out of me.”

“See? That’s how you properly support me during my time of need.”

“Quit while you’re ahead, Granger.” The threat spews from the corner stool steeped in shadows.

I roll my eyes at Jake, also known as Knox Creek’s favorite asshole. “Your wife started it.”

“Doesn’t matter. Finish it or I will.”

My laughter meets his malice. “Calm down and carry on nursing your drink while picturing Harper naked.”

“Ugh, don’t encourage him. I can’t handle more.” Yet she winks at her husband.

A low rumble that can only be described as satisfaction is Jake’s response. The guy has less tact than a butt pimple, but he treats Harper like a queen. His little girl has him wrapped around her pinky too. The grouch is a total softie where it counts.

Much like the loyal pack that gathered at Roosters once I told them I had a date. Regardless of the shit they talk, these hecklers care. They’re like my family. It’s obvious in the way Garrett winces after another minute ticks by. Ridge’s fingers drum an impatient beat on the bar top that I feel in my soul. Even Jake arrived on the scene much earlier than usual tonight. They’re inmy corner, rooting me on. Warmth spreads through my chest as I take a moment to soak in the encouragement. The only person missing is my plus-one.

That’s when the door opens again. I do a double-take and nearly lose my footing. Cassidy struts into my bar like an exclamation point. Her entrance punctuates the rambling sentence these nameless faces created.

As she crosses the threshold, I swear a gust of wildflowers and unbridled passion billow toward me. My legs carry me forward until I crash into the counter. I grip onto the barrier as my gaze feasts on the beauty staring back at me.

Cassidy’s playful gaze skips over the framed jerseys and sports memorabilia on the walls. The oversized booths and exposed beams might as well be a muted backdrop. Not even the reclaimed barn wood that’s repurposed throughout the room earns a glance. She doesn’t seem to notice anything except my smirk aimed at her.

I allow myself to indulge, as if there’s another choice. Admiring Cassidy Brooks demands my complete concentration. Fiery auburn waves are gathered in a loose braid to hang over one shoulder. Curly wisps frame her face, wild and free.Her green eyes are smoky from makeup. Glossy red is a hypnotic stain on her lips. A peek of her cleavage is on display in a white tank top. The stretchy material molds to her breasts in a tight fit meant to captivate. And that’s only her upper half.

There’s a steady throb in my dick, getting more insistent as my perusal travels lower. On the bottom, she wears a long skirt cut into strips that reach above mid-thigh. I gladly give the garment a closer look. The black fabric is purposefully designed to resemble Western chaps. Her toned legs are on full display through the sheer material and multiple slits. A thick belt is cinched low around her waist. Conchos and rhinestones decorate the leather, catching the light with every subtlemovement. Fancy cowboy boots polish off the outfit. She looks ready for a reckless night that I plan to provide.

“Dibs,” stumbles from the depths of my awe. I wasn’t blowing smoke up her fine ass the other day when I told her that she’s the whole package.

“Holy. Shit.” The expletive comes from Grace. “Pour that woman a Wife Material.”

Garrett scoffs and makes no move to fill the order. “That’s your drink, soulmate.”

“I’ll let her borrow it.”

“That’s not how specialty cocktails work. Those mixes are custom crafted for one,” he argues.

A frustrated noise escapes her. “Are you watching this? Forget eye fucking. They’re ditching the condom and making babies.”

“She’s his unfinished love story. They’re going to write the end together and literally ride off into the sunset.” Leave it to Harper to be the eloquent one in the bunch.

“I’ll be expecting a wedding invite in the mail,” Ridge mumbles. “Probably before you receive one for mine.”

My grin spreads until I resemble a much more attractive Joker. I point at Cassidy and announce loudly, “I’m coming for you, beauty.”

Her painted lips tip higher on one side before she crooks a finger to beckon me. “Do your worst, trouble.”

I vault over the counter and clear the stools tucked into the rail. Garrett boasts about me stealing that move from him, but I barely hear him over the pulsing desire. My shoes begin eating concrete the second I land on the floor. People scurry from my path, granting me unrestricted access to Cassidy straight ahead.

“Hi,” she breathes.

I inhale a hit of her addictive scent. Crisp and fragrant like lilacs after a rainstorm. “Hey, you.”

“Sorry I’m late. Billy and Gruff chewed through a fence. A few horses bolted free from the paddock, but they didn’t get far. Botched escape attempt. Typical Saturday.” Her hurried explanation adds to her undeniable appeal.

“You’re here now. That’s what matters.”

“Couldn’t skip out on you if I tried,” she laughs.

---