Page 2 of Hooked on Marshall

I nod and step back as she walks into the bar to look for it. She’s back in less than a minute. As is the norm for her, she makes little to no eye contact with me. I’m not sure why, but if I decide to stay here and take over, I’d like to find out.

“Let me walk you to your car,” I say lightly. “It’s dark out now.”

She nods and waits by the back door. I turn off the lights and gesture for her to step outside. While not a bad area, the back lot where employees park has just one streetlamp on a far corner. But as soon as we step outside, the motion light comes on. I keep pace beside Lana as she heads for her car. Then I stand by while she unlocks her door. Before she gets in, she looks at me more directly than she has ever before.

I am briefly stunned by her beauty. Even more so when I watch her eyes moisten as she speaks to me in a voice full of emotion.

“I really am sorry about your brother,” she half whispers. “He was a very good man.”

“Thank you,” I say softly. “I appreciate that.”

She holds my gaze for a beat longer. Then nods once and slides behind the wheel. I step back as she closes the door and watch her drive away. I’m rooted to the ground as my brother’s voice rolls around in my head about life being sweeter when it's shared with someone you love. For whatever reason, the sight of Lana’s face just now has finally made me consider the merit of those words.

I’m not saying that it’s going to be Lana. But she’s the first woman who’s made me pause in quite some time. Maybe it’s my still emotional state about Mark’s death.

Or maybe it’s something else?

I sigh heavily and head for my Jeep. A vehicle that was a bit out of place in the city, but sure fits in here at home.

I stop again at that thought.

For the past six years, I’ve considered the city my home. And this place as simply my hometown.

“Wow,” I breathe.

With a small smile, I head to Mark and Gina’s house, intent on doing whatever I can for them for tonight and for as long as they need it. And maybe I can figure out what I need for myself while I do that. Wherever it may be.

Two

When I’m around the corner and down the street, I finally release the breath I’ve been holding since I looked Marshall Jones dead in the eye for the first time. And I felt like he was seeing into my soul. Yes, I am thoroughly crushed about his brother’s death, but something about that extra moment that we stared at each other did something to me. Something that I don’t trust myself to handle anymore.

Not after the fiasco I suffered with Jonas.

And after two months back here, I had finally scraped up the courage to talk to Mark about some ideas I had to better market his bar. After all, that’s what I was doing for a living before I made the worst decision of my life and lost my dream career. What’s more, Marklovedmy ideas and gave me a green light to bring them to fruition.

That was the day before he was killed.

“Jesus,” I sigh.

Just when I thought things were looking up for me again, I’m back to square one. And if I don’t get something going for myself soon, I’m sure to lose my mind living in my childhood bedroom under the same roof with not just my parents, but my grandfather, too. All throughout college and the first year and a half at my dream job, I was on my own. I loved it. But thanks to my stupid romantic heart and Jonas’ sweet-talking ways, I lost it all.

I curse under my breath at my stupidity for the bazillionth time. Then I take several deep breaths to calm myself. The only way to get back on track is to find a job doing what I do best. Which probably isn’t at Brick Oven Alehouse anymore.

Yes, Mark gave me the go ahead on my ideas. But he’s gone now. And I have no idea what’s going to happen when his brother Marshall goes back to his own bar in the city. I know my ideas are good, but I can’t go to the next owner and explain that Mark liked them and gave me a green light. Because it won’t be Mark’s bar anymore. And the thought of trying to pitch my ideas to Marshall before he leaves is just…not possible.

Why?

Because while Mark was handsome in his own right, Marshall is the same, but with a bad boy glint in his eye. And that’sexactlywhat got me in trouble with Jonas. I can’t afford to let a man in a position of authority take advantage of me again.

Been there, done that.

In less than ten minutes, I’m home. My parents and grandfather greet me when I walk in and ask about the last celebration of Mark’s life, but I wave them off and head to my room. As I climb the stairs, I cannot get Marshall’s face out of my mind. When I jump into the shower, I’m hard pressed not to relieve the ache between my thighs that’s been residing there since I locked eyes with him less than a half an hour ago.

Damn, that man.

Intent on sating my personal needs, I rummage through my nightstand for my favorite toy. Then I settle in bed and turn off the light. When I do, my phone lights up. And I lean over to look. My heart stalls in my chest at the words. Because even though I deleted Jonas’ number, Iknowfrom the first two words that it’s him. Steeling my nerve, I pick up my phone and open the message.

Lovely Rose – I did it. I left Emily. These last two months without you have been unbearable. Please, come back to me.

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