Page 41 of You're All I Need

“He’s very jealous,” I state, lifting my own burger and taking a bite. The flavors burst in my mouth, and I can’t help but groan in satisfaction.

“See?” she asks, taking another bite.

When she meets my gaze, I state, “My cock really is magical, isn’t it?”

She barks out a laugh, almost choking on her food. “Stop.”

Smiling, I settle in to finish my meal. Adrienne stops halfway through to move to the other end of the bar and refill more drinks and before she can return to her food, one of the pub tables wants to settle their tab. I know she’s working, but she needs to eat too. Maybe I’ll offer to man the bar while she takes a few minutes and finishes eating.

Just as she turns and heads toward me, a smile spread across her gorgeous face, her foot darts out to the side. I watch, completely helpless, as her arms flail wildly and her legs shoot out. She goes down hard on her back, her body twisting and landing in a loud thud.

I’m vaulting over the bar instantly. I hear the crash of glass, but my attention is on the woman lying on the floor. “Adrienne? Can you hear me?” I ask as I reach her side.

“I’m okay,” she mutters, trying to stand up.

“Lie still,” I instruct, gently running my hand over the back of her head.

Glancing up, I see three of the four guys leaning over the bar. The fourth one is by my side. “What can I do?” he asks, crouching beside me.

“Go to the kitchen and get Jasper.”

He nods, disappearing to get one of the owners.

“Where do you hurt?” I ask, noting the lack of blood on the back of her head and taking my first breath since I saw her fall.

“You mean beside my ego?”

I crack a smile. “If you wanted to get my attention, you could have just said something.”

She grins back and shakes her head. “My ass is wet.”

“That’s from the ice that melted that you slipped on.”

“Adrienne?” Jasper is there moments later. “What the hell happened?”

“She slipped on a melted piece of ice and landed on her back,” I tell him, continuing to run my hands down her body to check for abrasions or broken bones.

“I’m okay,” she insists once more, pushing up to a sitting position.

“We should take you to the hospital,” Jasper says, a worried look on his face.

“No, I’m good. Just bruised my ass. Good thing I have lots of padding.”

“Are you sure you’re okay to stand up?” he asks, placing one of his hands under her arm, while I do the same on the other side. Together, we help her rise.

“I’m sure. Honestly, I’m good,” she insists with a little chuckle.

My heart is pounding in my chest, and I don’t want to let her go. The thought of her being hurt is killing me, but I know I need to release my hold on her. Slowly, I lower my arm and will my heartbeat to slow. I can feel all eyes on me, including Adrienne’s.

“You’re not the first woman to fall at my feet, sugar,” I say to lighten the mood.

“And I’m sure I won’t be the last,” she replies with a chuckle. “Jasper, do you mind if I take a minute to use the restroom?”

“I still think you should get checked out,” Jasper states.

“I’m okay, really. Just need to use the restroom and put my ass under the hand dryer for a minute.”

“I’ll call Walker and have him come in,” Jasper starts.