Page 2 of Spar
“What can I get you?” the bartender asked as Chris sidled up to the bar.
“Bud Light. Leave the tab open.” Chris handed the bartender his card.
“Rough night?”
A strong, spicy perfume filled his nose, and he turned, grabbing the cold beer as it was placed in front of him. Holding onto the bar for support, she lifted herself onto the stool and smiled up at him. He glanced at her hands and saw no signs of a wedding ring, but gold and jewels adorned her other fingers.
“Something like that,” Chris said, turning farther to get a better look at the face of the woman taking a seat next to him.
She was attractive, in an overly done up way. Stylish, short, blond hair, large blue eyes rimmed with heavy eye makeup. A little black dress clung to her curves perfectly, revealing a conservative amount of cleavage and leg. How old was she? Did it matter?
Shaking his head, he swiveled the stool in her direction. She was exactly what he was looking for, for tonight anyway.
“Did you knowhe was fighting tonight?” Luke questioned her as he finished his beer and motioned for the bartender to bring him another.
“Of course not. I only heard about the fight from you.”
“That fucker’s everywhere,” Luke grumbled under his breath and took a long drink of his fresh beer. He motioned again for the bartender, who shot an annoyed look that Luke either didn’t see or didn’t care enough to comment on.
Tori offered the bartender an apologetic smile.
“Two shots of Jack,” he requested when the bartender was in earshot.
“Seriously?”
Luke turned, his eyebrows drawn together and a frown on his face. “You know, ever since your brother made you a partner at Fit Club, you’ve become a real drag. It’s Saturday night, Tori. I think it’s okay if I have a few drinks.”
Tori grabbed her purse from the bar and stood. “I drove two hours to seeyouthis weekend. Just like I do nearly every weekend. I have better things to do than sit around and watch you get shitfaced.”
“Sorry, he just gets under my skin. I don’t like the way he looks at you.” He grabbed the shots laid out before him and handed one to her.
“Who, Chris? He couldn’t even see me.” She flung her hands up in the air, tired of the same old conversation. “Besides, I’ve told you a million times that there’s nothing to get upset about. He is my brother’s best friend. We tolerate each other at best.”
“Sorry. You’re right. We’re out, have a drink and relax.” He winked and downed the shot before turning the empty glass upside down on the bar.
Tori sat the full shot on the bar next to his empty. “It’s all yours. I don’t feel like drinking tonight. I think I’m gonna go back to the apartment.”
Luke wrapped his arms around her waist and peered down at her with wide puppy eyes. “Come on, don’t be like that. A bunch of the guys are in the back, shooting darts. I told them we’d stick around.”
Placing a hand on his chest, she gave him a quick kiss. “You go have fun. It’s been a long week, and I’m tired. I’ll see you in the morning.”
He nodded, releasing his hold on her, and she pushed her way out of the busy bar without looking back.
It was cold, the bitter windy cold that January nights were filled with in Missouri winters. The wind whipped around her bare legs, turning them to ice. Breath visible in the night air, she fumbled through her phone with numb fingers, looking for the number of a cab.
Tori headed north to a quieter section of the downtown area in search of a warm place to wait while she found a ride. Opening the door to a small, dingy bar, she was greeted with a warm blast of air. This place was filled with an older crowd than that of the busy bar she’d just left, but the game was the same — dolled-up women hoping to snag a boyfriend, or in this bar, husband number two.
Tori’s gaze went to the bar where one such woman was making her play. She couldn’t see the face of the man the woman was draped over, but he was built and looked a little young to be in this crowd. He was certainly underdressed in a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt. Tori watched with amusement as the woman whispered something in the man’s ear, and he tipped his head back and laughed. It was a deep laugh that sent shivers down her spine.
She would have recognized that laugh anywhere. He’d laughed at her plenty.
CHAPTER TWO
Chris blinked twiceand shook his head to make sure he wasn’t seeing things. He saw her in his mind a lot. Admittedly, in his visions she was usually naked and not snarling at him.
“Well, well… look what the cat dragged in.” He took a long drink of his beer, trying not to stare at her gorgeous legs in that short dress. Her face was red from the frigid temperature, and her teeth chattered as she wrapped her arms around herself. What the hell was she doing out in the cold dressed like that? She’d catch a damn pneumonia.
“Kind of slumming it for a man who should be out celebrating.” Tori smiled slyly at him. All traces of the soft, vulnerable woman who’d walked in here, cold and unsure, were gone.
