Page 107 of 5+Us Makes Seven

Most of the locals knew she had a long-time boyfriend and a kid, but that didn’t stop them from flirting back. I tried not to flirt too much, I didn’t like to give drunken men the wrong idea. So far I hadn’t seen anyone worth flirting with, anyway.

I smiled as a familiar face entered the bar, waving at my old friend Lucas as he took his police hat off and approached me, surveying everyone around. Some looked back nervously at the uniformed cop.

“Hey, Lucas. Been a while, hon. You looking for someone?” I said as he stepped closer.

He grinned at me boyishly while he looked at me, the worry lines evaporating as he smiled. He instantly looked ten years younger.

“Yeah, been a while Eden. Nice to see you.” He placed his hat on the bar, sliding a stool over to perch on.

“Oh, nah, I ain’t looking for anyone, don’t worry. I’m off duty as of…” He studied his watch. “Now.”

I saw a few relieved faces turn back to their conversation and drinks.

“Meeting a friend for a few drinks. You know Jack? Jack Storm?” he asked me, eyebrows raised. He was trying desperately not to check me out, but kept failing.

I giggled at him. We’d known each other since we were kids, but had stopped hanging around years back when I’d got with Conall.

“Can’t say I’ve heard the name.” I paused, thoughtfully. “Is he hot?”

Lucas laughed, wagging a finger at my cleavage. “Ah I see what this is all for now!” He carried on laughing as I frowned at him, trying not to smile.

“I guess so,” he continued. “I mean, I guess women would find him attractive, yeah. But he’s ah… unique. Bit of a wild card sometimes.”

“Hmm, ok. Well put a good word in, will you?” I said, winking. “What’ll it be Lucas?”

“I thought you’d never ask. I’m thirsty as hell. I’ll have a cold pale ale. Big. And get me a shot of tequila, too.”

“Whoa, slow down, cowboy!” I said good naturedly, pouring him a beer. Cindy brought him over a glass of tequila, which he downed in one gulp. He took a big mouthful of ale as I passed him the glass.

“Keep the change,” he said, passing me a bill. He rose

to study the bar, eyes fixing on a booth near the door. He approached the booth and took a seat, sighing as he sat down.

The door swung open as Lucas took his seat. A tall figure entered, wearing a leather trench coat, black jeans and black boots. Short blonde hair, clean shaven. Very handsome, tall, lean and well-muscled. The coat sat casually back on his shoulders, accentuating his defined muscles. I could see his broad shoulders and biceps showing through the leather.

This must be Lucas’s friend, Jack. Wow.

Jack approached Lucas, and they clasped hands as they clapped each other on the shoulder. They exchanged a few words I couldn’t quite work out. They both laughed raucously, and Jack then turned to approach the bar.

I brushed my hair back with a hand and adjusted my top, trying to look casual as I waited.

Suddenly I froze, recognition sparking at the back of my mind. My gut turned to ice. I racked my brain trying to remember where I’d seen the guy. It finally dawned on me where we’d met before.

No. Can’t be. Fuck you, Conall.

The guy looked a hell of lot different, smartly dressed. Well groomed, not a mess like he did before. Clear, sharp eyes.

He had been an associate of the O’Rourkes, working as an enforcer and dealer. He’d risen through the ranks pretty fast, so Conall had told me, jealousy in his voice. I’d only met him once or twice, and he hadn’t paid me any attention at all. I remember his eyes. Focused and deadly looking. Cold. Never any fear.

I guessed Conall had contacted him upon his return to town, as Jack seemed to have somehow avoided prison. I was suddenly convinced Conall had sent him to watch or intimidate me.

I was still frozen in shock as he approached me, my mind racing in fear at the figure in front of me.

But something about him… seems different. What’s changed?

I grimaced as his eyes roved my body hungrily, before snapping back to my face. His gaze narrowed for a second, then he grinned mischievously at me.

“Hey. Hope I’m not bothering you, miss. Can I get a beer?”

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