Page 125 of What About Us
Chapter 45
Hudson
The bar is packedtonight. There are a few locals mixed with a shit ton more tourists. Finn hoists the tray of drinks I just poured up over her head and throws me a wink before snaking her way through the crowd. She’s got that fire-engine red lipstick on—the one I envision smeared all over my cock every time she wears it. Her dark hair bounces against her back as it falls in long waves, just brushing her belt. Hips swaying, her round peach of an ass is like a beacon shining in the night and I can’t keep my eyes off it. Tight jeans hug every curve, a tiny red crop top shows off her toned abs and perky tits.
I’m half hard behind the bar, where I’ve been filling in all night for Josh, my bartender, who called in sick again. My eyes roam over to where Finn deposits waters and drinks on the table in front of Wren, Nat, and Norah, and then heads over to the pool table with the rest.
She’s gorgeous tonight, and I’m not the only one who’s noticed. A group of guys sits nearby. The two dressed in pearl snap western shirts and distressed pants with spangly pockets have been unabashedlychecking out both Hayley and Finn every time they bend over to take their shots at the pool table.
I nod at the guy in front of me when he asks for a Moscow mule and clench my jaw. As I pull out a copper mug from the bin of clean dishes under the bar, my eyes track back over to the pool table. I fill the cup with ice, then pour in a shot of vodka, followed by a squeeze of lime. I do all of this without taking my eyes off the group of guys currently pointing at Hayley’s ass as she bends over. I grit my teeth after one of them lets out a whistle when Finn rounds the end of the pool table, attention on something Hutch says, with laughter spilling out of her pretty mouth.
Hank seems to notice all at once, too, and he makes eye contact with the one ogling Hales’ ass. That burning, broody gaze of his has their table quieting down some. A couple of them laugh and turn back to their beers. The two douche canoes in cowboy shirts who clearly wouldn’t know what to do with an actual horse if it kicked them in the face smirk, but say nothing else. They can look, and so long as they keep it respectful, we won’t have problems.
Thankful for the watchful eye of my older brother, I fill the mug the rest of the way with ginger beer and give it a mix. I then slide it across the bar and pick up the ten the man places down. He tells me to keep it, and I nod, turning to put it in the register.
Hales and Finn have been kicking Hank’s and Hutch’s asses at pool all night, and I watch as Hutch sinks the white ball. He tips his head back on a groan, while Finn and Hales cheer and raise their hands to high-five, congratulating each other on their victory. Hank slaps Hutch on the back before heading back to the table.
My eyes coast back to the pool table, where Hayley and Finn are racking up another set of balls. As Russell Dickerson’s “All the Same Friends” fills the speakers Hank pulls Wren out onto the dance floor, her face lightingup when she smiles at him. It’s nice to see them out tonight—sort of their last hurrah before she’s too big to move. Her words.
My eyes trail back to Finn as she bends over the table, lining up her shot. She’s incredible, and I don’t think I’ll ever get over how she makes me feel. I want to give her the world. She makes me want to be a better man, and it’s insane how much being with her makes that true. And as someone who has spent most of their life trying to live up to the image of my father and older brother, that means everything. With her, I don’t have to be anyone other than who I am, and I’ll always be grateful to her for that. I love her, and I want to spend the rest of my life showing her just how much.
I’ve started the process of buying the bar, having met with Trevor when he came into town last week. He’d been exhausted but happy, enjoying time with his family in Helena, including their new baby girl, Stella. He was understandably sad about selling the bar. If anyone knows how that feels, it’s me. But he said he’s looking forward to putting down roots near Tanya’s family and maybe opening something there in the future. He’s a smart, driven kid, and I have no doubt he’ll do it.
I’m excited as hell for the plans I have for Roxy’s. There’s so much potential in this old space, and with a few updates, I can really make it mine. Trevor’s taken amazing care of it, though, and most of the upgrades inside will be cosmetic.
There’s also plenty of space for all of the ideas I have for the outside and I’m excited to get started. The gravel lot has ample space for parking, and there’s an empty piece of ground next to the bar that’s been nothing but dirt and weeds for as long as I’ve been alive. It sort of loops around the back and is surrounded by towering trees that would provide great shade in the afternoons. I have plans to put in a wood deck and outdoor tables, with horseshoes and corn hole boards nestled back in the trees. Every time I think about it, exhilaration rushes in myveins.
Finn’s been amazing at encouraging me. She sees the vision and the value of it. For the first time in a while, I feel like I’m moving in the right direction. My daughter is happy, thriving, making friends, and seems content. Working at the bar and developing plans for it keep my thoughts occupied during the day, and Finnley keeps my body and heart occupied every night. I’ve never been happier.
Jody, one of my servers, snags my attention and I turn away from the room. She rambles off the order for two tables and I jump in to help her make all ten drinks. The music, the fact that my family is all here, the smell of alcohol, and the creaking of the floorboards under my feet lull me into the routine of it all. It feels right; I’m in my element. I feel lighter than I have in years. That is, until I turn back from stacking drinks on two trays for Jody, to see Douche Canoes One and Two making their way toward the pool table.
Finn and Hales both look up, sharing a glance before going back to their game. The shorter one approaches Hayley, while the taller one says something to Finn, who smiles politely and murmurs something, but she’s too far away and the music is suddenly too fucking loud to make out what she’s saying. The guy steps closer to Finn as she bends over to take her shot. Blood roars in my ears. I don’t want either of those fuckers near my sister or my wife.
My wife.
The words echo around my skull. I toss the towel I’m holding down on the bar and stalk to the end, rounding it so sharply I almost knock over the woman standing there. I shoot her an apology with clenched fists when I see Douche One lean over, not so subtly trying to look down Finn’s top.
My eyes snap around the room. Nat and Norah sit and watch nearby, but where the fuck is Hutch? Hank is still out on the floor with Wren somewhere, swallowed up in the sea of others dancing. Hales sees me coming and backs up a step from the guy set on pursuing her, but hefollows, pressing closer. She finally manages to duck around him, and he must see me, too, because he doesn’t move to follow her. His eyes flick between me and his friend hovering over Finn.
My angry strides get me there in no time and I stop next to the pool table, right behind the dickwad currently crowding Finn.
“Back the fuck up,” I bite out, my voice sounding murderous even to me, and my blood thrums through my veins.
The man straightens and turns to look over his shoulder with a cocky smirk just as Finn notices me.
Finn blinks nervously up at me. “Huddy, it’s ok—”
I shoot her a look and she stops talking, eyes wide.
“Yeah,Huddy,” the man mimics, turning fully around to face me. “Listen to the pretty girl. She’s fine.” He sneers and squares up to me. “Listen, man, I’m just checking out the local buffet. I see something I like, I’m gonna sample it. Lots of fine ass in this place tonight.”
A gasp escapes Finn’s lips as rage colors my vision at his use of my nickname for her, the arrogant way he uses her nickname for me, and the crass way he talks about her. Thismotherfucker.
“Watch your mouth in my bar and get the fuck away from her,” I repeat, stepping into his space. I flick my eyes to Hayley and this asshole’s friend. “Away frombothof them.” It won’t matter where he goes, I’ll fucking follow every step.
I vaguely register both Hutch and Hank approaching nearby, as well as Wrenley in my periphery, her face concerned.
The guy’s face contorts into irritation. “What the fuck is your problem?” He steps closer, toe to toe with me. He’s got an inch or so on me, but I barely notice. “What’s it to you, dickhead?”
