Page 3 of Finish Line
Chapter Three
Athena
“What the hell is this guy’s deal?” I vent to Rusty.
Not only is she the main bartender here, but she also owns the place. I stumbled upon this bar a couple weeks ago, only stopping for a warm meal. Rusty and I got to talking. She offered me a job and a place to live. There just happened to be an apartment for lease in her building when I showed up. I work as much as she’ll let me and save every penny possible.
“First off, honey, that man is the President of the motorcycle club that practically owns Texas. I think their clubhouse is an hour or so south of here. Not sure what would bring him here. Second, by the way, his eyes are glued to you. That man definitely has the hots for you.” She wiggles her eyebrows at me.
I glance over my shoulder at the biker. Rusty was right about one thing, his eyes are very much glued to me. Guys come in here every day and flirt with me. Some make me uncomfortable, like the table of guys I have tonight. Most, I ignore. There’s something different about this guy, though. Not that I’m interested in him.
“I don’t care if he’s the President of the United States. He’s not my type,” I tell her.
Rusty scoffs. “Let’s pretend like I believe you. I’d take him off your hands for you, but he’s made it clear who he wants here and it ain’t me, darlin’.”
I grab a menu and a tray of drinks. I stop at the biker’s table first, dropping off the menu and his beer. “I’ll be right back to grab your food order.”
“Take your time, Goddess,” he responds. I shake my head at the new nickname he’s given me.
I stop by a couple of my tables, dropping checks off to those who are done. Then go to the table of guys to deliver their first round of drinks. They’re only here to drink, so I know it’s going to be a long night.
The guy on my right grabs the back of my thigh as I set down the last drink, making me jump. “Hey, sweetheart, you got a boyfriend?”
I panic on the inside, but do my best to keep a cool façade. “Yes, I do and I would appreciate it if you would keep your hands to yourself.”
The whole table groans at my comment, but I’m not about to let these jerks think for one second that I’m interested in any of them.
“Wave me down when you guys are ready for another round,” I tell them.
“You got it, doll,” one of them responds. He looks to his friends. “Who wants to play darts?”
I take that as my cue to leave, finding my way back to check on the biker.
“So,” I glance at his vest again and catch a glimpse of his already half-empty beer. “Bull. Are you ready to order some food and another beer?”
“Yes, ma’am. Let me get a bacon cheeseburger with a side of onion rings,” he tells me.
I write down his order. “I’ll get that right in for you.”
“Why don’t you order somethin’ for yourself and join me?”
My cheeks heat. I can’t help but think that could be a bad idea, yet a part of me actually wants to. I’ve never in my life imagined I’d meet a biker, much less a biker who would be interested in me. “I do need to take a break. I’ll talk to the boss and see what I can do.”
I walk over to the bar, putting a little more swing in my hips, knowing Bull is watching.
“Girl, are you tryin’ to get yourself in trouble with that man?” Rusty laughs.
I giggle. “Just having some fun.”
“Be careful with that one. If I know anything about those bikers, it’s that they always get what they want. And that one,” she nudges her head in Bull’s direction, “has his sights set on you.”
“Speaking of, he wants me to take a break and have dinner with him,” I tell her.
“Is that what you want?”
I shrug a shoulder. “Yeah, I think so.”
Rusty glances around the bar. “It seems to have died down a bit. I don’t see why that would be a problem.”
