Page 29 of Cocky

He drew back with a smirk. “Babe, we’re a long way away from any beach.”

“The drink,” she clarified with a laugh, knowing he was just teasing.

“Yeah, I know. But old Lou isn’t much for the frilly stuff. He keeps it simple around here. Beers, liquor, the old-fashioned stuff.”

Angel hadn’t heard of any place in modern history that would willingly cut out such a huge market for business by not upgrading to the latest alcoholic beverage mixes. Not even the basics—a simple margarita? A mojito? Unheard of. She was curious who this guy was.Probably some ancient codger who’s as rigid as a two-by-four, she thought.

“Just a beer I guess. Something domestic,” she told Kade, figuring she couldn’t go wrong with somethingthatsimple.

“Honey, domestic is all he does.” Kade winked at her, dropped a quick kiss on her lips, then was off, swallowed by the crowd in less than two seconds flat.

Angel immediately folded in on herself, trying to be as small and invisible as possible. In a place like this, the likelihood of anyone taking notice of her or singling her out was slim, yet she felt like a sore thumb anyway. She preferred to keep to herself.

Twangy country music played over the speakers, mingling with all the conversations and laughter and occasional whoops and hollers, pressing down tight on her ears. It reminded her a lot of her job at the club, but this seemed amped up, even for as small a venue as it was—they had to be far beyond the fire safety code… By the time they left, it would feel like she had her ears packed with cotton.

“So he finally decided to make an honest woman of ya.”

The gravelly male voice came from behind her, and Angel jerked her head around, catching a familiar, smiling face. “Cricket, what are you doing here?”

The handsome devil slid into the chair that was technically reserved for Kade, wherever he was. “I’m meeting someone.” Anticipation and mischief danced in his eyes.

Angel’s smile grew fast and wide. “This someone doesn’t happen to be the mystery woman I heard you boys gossiping about, is it?”

“We do not gossip,” he said, feigning offense. “Much. Anyway, yes, that’s the one, and she should be here any minute.” His head turned as if on a swivel, searching the crowd.

“How exciting,” Angel told him, genuinely happy for him. She hoped it worked out. True love stories were always a guilty pleasure for her growing up, and that had only intensified in her adult years. The problem was always with finding the prince charming who wasn’t a total loser, liar, and waste of time, space, and energy.

Kade was none of those things—yet. She hoped he’d turn out to be all she thought and hoped he was. He sure was painting a mighty fine picture for her, and she was nearly ready to go all in. It was hard holding back when all she wanted to do was leap in with both feet and her hands tied behind her back, completely at his mercy to catch her and lift her to safety in those big, beefy, totally lickable arms.

Holy crap, it was hot in there. Maybe Old Lou didn’t believe in air conditioning either. Too new-age for his taste?

“So where’s your man?” Cricket asked, bringing her attention back to him.

She flipped her hand in the air. “Around. He said he was going to fetch us a couple of drinks. I think the crowd ate him.”

He chuckled. “It’s busy tonight,” he stated the obvious. “The owner is a penny pincher. He likes to keep his staff small, but…busty.” He tipped his head to a woman passing by, weaving her way through the throng with a couple of beers clasped between three fingers and pressed up against a mountain of boobs that were bigger than her head.

Angel’s eyes widened in shock. “I’m surprised she doesn’t fall right over,” she whisper-shouted over the table once the woman was out of earshot.

“Who says she hasn’t?” he said with a wink.

“Oh, you’re terrible!” But she’d bet he was right. Those thick, red lips screamed free BJs.

“Who’s terrible? And why are you sitting in my seat?” Kade’s booming voice cut through the din, startling Angel, while Cricket merely looked up at him in amusement.

“Just keeping this lovely lady company. Seems her date ditched her.”

Kade glared, though there was no heat behind it. “Move it or lose it, jackass.”

Chuckling, Cricket moved out of the way so Kade could take his place. “Any chance one of those is for me?” He pointed to the four beers Kade had returned with.

“Not a chance in hell, my brother. That line is crazy ridiculous. You’ll just have to wait like everyone else.”

“That’s cold, man.” Cricket slapped Kade on the back and then shot Angel a warm smile. “I’d better get myself a place in that line. Hate to keep a lady waiting.”

“Good idea,” Angel agreed. “Good luck.”

“Thanks, hon.” He winked, and Angel had a feeling it wasn’t just a friendly gesture but designed to raise Kade’s hackles. The brothers were always trying to piss each other off.

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