Page 9 of Small Town Firsts
“I wish, but thanks.” I was still the same Kira, but I couldn’t deny the little buzz of pleasure at being found attractive. All too often, I’d been slotted in the friend zone with the men around me. Knowing, and working, with the same people for all of your life would do that.
Especially having the last name Webb as the shittiest whiskey chaser ever.
But today was a day to celebrate, not to think about my fucked-up family’s past. I was finally working my way forward and away from all of that, I hoped.
Kenny took the sticky plastic cups from me. “I’m serious. Let me take you out.”
“That’s very sweet, but I’m going to be busy.”
“Kenny, you are not seriously hitting on her.”
I turned toward the sound of Anne’s voice. “You know what? Tonight’s my last night and I don’t need to be nice to you anymore.”
“Just because you poured yourself into an outfit better suited for someone at least six sizes smaller doesn’t change who and what you are.”
A flush raced up my neck to my cheeks as I stiffened.
“I’m not sure who you are, ma’am, but you need to return to your friends before you say something that will likely get you slapped.”
The deep voice behind me startled me enough that I stumbled sideways as my ankle rolled on the heels I wasn’t used to wearing.
A large hand firmed on my hip to make sure I was all right before falling away just as quickly.
I started to turn to see who was speaking, but he crowded up against my backside, the growl still in his chest. But he wasn’t talking to me even as his body pressed close.
“And if you had an ounce of class, you would never body-shame another woman, especially one this stunning.” The deep timbre of his voice raised the little hairs on the back of my neck.
Anne’s mouth dropped open. “Mind your own business.”
I was pretty sure my expression mirrored hers. My scarlet flush of embarrassment was becoming something far different, and I hadn’t even seen what this guy looked like.
Stunning? Me?
“It’s okay. I can handle myself.” My voice sounding more firm than I thought it would.
“Obviously. You shouldn’t have to, though.”
Kenny’s Adam’s apple bounced as his eyes tracked upward, making my breath stall. Just who was this guy?
Anne’s lips twisted into something ugly and harsh. “You’re not worth the trouble anyway.” She shoved aside another customer in her haste to return to her friends.
My back stiffened. Shame trampled the quick rush of pleasure at someone standing up for me.
“Excuse me, can you take our order?” A guy oblivious to the uncomfortable moment broke in.
Kenny waved me off. “I got it.”
I gave him a weak smile. “Thanks.” Now that I didn’t have Anne in my face, I could slink away. I didn’t even want to see what the guy looked like now. I could live off the voice for a night and not be disappointed in the reality.
“She’s a vain, unattractive woman.”
A nervous laugh bubbled up. “She’s definitely not unattractive by anyone’s standards.”
He gently curled his fingers around my upper arm to turn me around. “I beg to differ.”
Whatever fantasy guy I’d put together when I was alone wouldn’t even come close to what this stranger actually looked like. Wild honey and caramel-colored curls framed a sharp face. He had a neat beard that softened his jaw slightly and his eyes were dark and intense.
He wore a navy T-shirt with a hawk logo on it that I didn’t recognize, but the heavy belt buckle with the Celtic knot made me swallow down a sigh of pure feminine pleasure. His shoulders were wide and muscular leading to arms that strained the cotton sleeves. Ink swirled around one bicep and down along his forearm in more of the same Celtic flavor.
