Page 16 of Light My Fire Three Times
Paper bats hanging from the ceiling, a fake cobweb or two draped over the walls, and a plastic jack o’lantern on the counter, flickering with eerie, electric light. Arlo’s behind the bar, nodding at me with a half-smile, preparing for what I’m sure will be acrazynight ahead.
The usual crowd’s here, of course: Boone, Silas, Rowan, Dottie… who's already got her phone out, no doubt updating her Tea with Dottie Facebook page with something juicy.
“Looking good, Karl,” Silas calls out from a table near the back, flashing me that mischievous grin of his. He’s in a cowboyoutfit tonight, though it’s more dashing rogue than “honest rancher.”
“Thanks, man. You too,” I reply, tossing him a wink. He’s got that perfect “bad boy” energy, the kind that makes the women swoon. Too bad he’s already talking to two of them at once. Not that I’m jealous… I just don’tdocompetition.
I make my way to the bar, taking my sweet time because, let’s face it, I know the spotlights are on me.
I’mKarl Madden, Coyote Glen’s resident troublemaker with a heart of gold. The perfect cocktail for Halloween: a mix of flirty charm, bad decisions, and too much confidence for my own good.
“Pour me a whiskey, Arlo. Make it a double,” I say, throwing a glance toward the far corner, where Rowan’s talking to Bill Granger, his usual quiet guy energy mixing perfectly with the grumpy shopkeeper vibe.
Their conversation looks about as thrilling as watching paint dry, but that’s how it is with those two—one’s calm, the other’s mad at the world.
“Rough night ahead?” Arlo asks, filling the glass with a practiced hand.
“You know me. It’s always rough,” I say with a laugh, giving him a lazy grin. “The rougher, the better.”
Arlo shakes his head with that bemused, poker-faced expression of his, not bothering to comment on my complete lack of seriousness.
I toss my drink back and make my way toward the crowd. I’m not one for long, drawn-out conversations unless there’s something to really sink my teeth into, and tonight? I’ve got my sights on a few people. But first, let’s enjoy the show.
The music shifts, and the atmosphere changes. Faster beats, heavier bass. The crowd responds, everyone moving a little quicker, their costumes flashing with each swing and sway.
I catch a glimpse of Silas whispering something to a redhead who looks way too interested in his antics. I roll my eyes.
I’m not here for the drama. I’m here for a good time.
“Karl Madden, you wild thing,” a voice calls out, and I know the source before I even turn.
I glance over to see Savannah Lee, the part-time helper from Coyote Cup, standing behind the bar, her wide eyes full of that infatuation she always tries to hide.
Cute girl, shy as hell, but I know the drill. She’s crushing on me in the same way most of Coyote Glen’s women do. It's all fun and games until it’s not.
As I move through the crowd, scanning for anything interesting, that’s when I seeher.
Ivy’s near the door, chatting with someone, but it’s the woman beside her that catches my attention. The woman Ivy is currently introducing to… well, everyone.
She’s stunning. Blond hair falling in soft waves to her shoulders, her eyes this perfect blue-green that’s a little hypnotic. Her skin’s fair, glowing as bright as the sun, and her look.
Simple but stylish. No makeup, but her beauty shines through. She’s slim but strong, the kind of strength that comes from someone who knows how to hold their own.
There’s something so effortless about her presence. She’s not trying to be noticed, but can’t help it anyway.
I’m not one to get distracted by a pretty face, but this woman. She’s different.
I pause for a second, trying to play it cool, but I’ve been hit with a wave of emotions that I can’t quite put into words. I watch as she laughs at something Ivy says, her smile bright and genuine, and I’m just… stuck.
Focus, Madden.I shake the feeling off and take another swig of my whiskey.
But the pull is there. And I don’tneeda reason to talk to someone new. I’m Karl Madden, and if I’m interested in something or someone, I go after it.
I make my way toward them, weaving through the crowd, and as I get closer, I can’t help but keep my eyes on her.
“Hey, Ivy,” I call out as I approach, giving her a friendly nod.
She looks up, grinning. “Karl! You look like you’ve already had half the bar to yourself.”
