Page 49 of Courageous Hearts

My boss gives me a nod before picking up the phone, and I head out of her office, closing the door behind me. Blowing out a breath, I stand in the fairly deserted hallway for a minute. It’s still early in the evening, so the bar isn’t fully packed for showtime yet. It gives me a moment of solitude to acknowledge that I’m really doing this. I’m going down to Texas to confront my brother.

It needs to be done. Doesn’t mean I’m looking forward to it.

As someone passes by on the way to the bathrooms, I head off toward the bar for Bridget’s Sprite. Jameson is hard at work as I approach, laughing at something a customer is saying, and I drink him in. He’s so handsome in an almost understated way. There’s a genuine quality to Jameson that’s appealing. How he’s in shape but not flauntingly fit. The coarse stubble along his jaw and the hair that’s relatively tamed but still a little defiant, tousled over his forehead. The way he’s so clearly a people-person. Happy to chat and friendly while doing so.

I can see how folks would be drawn to him so easily, the same way I am. But I can also see that look in his eye that’s reserved for me—the same one I’m seeing now as Jameson turns my way, his gaze settling on my face and his grin turning crooked and bright.

It makes me feel…seen.

“Hey,” Jameson says, striding right over to the end of the bar to reach me. His eyes swing over me, lingering a little on my red lips.

“Hey,” I reply, unable to stop my smile. “Could I get a Sprite for Bridget? And for me—”

“A Shirley Temple,” he fills in with a nod, grabbing a couple glasses and chuckling. “I see how it is. You’re only with me for my expert drink pouring skills.”

I laugh, pulse fluttering as Jameson plunks two cherries into my favorite drink. “You know that’s not the only reason,” I say quietly, ducking my face.

“No?” he asks, raising an eyebrow when I look his way.

“You’re a good cuddler, too,” I mumble.

Jameson grins, setting the glasses down in front of me. “I’ll take it. See you after showtime?”

“Yeah, uh…” I hesitate for only a second before brushing off my doubt. “Could I come over again tonight?”

Jameson’s grin grows, and he leans toward me, elbows on the bar. “It’s a date.”

My heart kicks like a drum, and I nod, too tongue-tied to make any sort of retort. This man was rubbing his naked body all over me just this morning, and yet a couple simple swoony words, and I’m a goner.

Grabbing the drinks, I go to make my retreat, only to nearly bump into Andrea as she passes. She puts a hand on my shoulder, steadying me, and I apologize as she goes through the partition door to join Jameson behind the bar. He chuckles, eyes on me as I turn around more gracefully this time. I can feel his gaze all the way to the hall, and when I glance back, he gives me a little wink.

Feeling a little giddy, I bring the drinks to the dressing room, and after passing Bridget her soda and taking a few sips of my Shirley Temple, I grab my wardrobe for tonight. Corset in hand, I pause, pulling out my phone to text Cooper.

Me: Officially coming to Plum Valley in a few weeks. Mark your calendar.

Cooper’s response comes through before I’ve finished pulling off my shirt.

Cooper: Yes!

Cooper: We’re going to have so much fun.

Cooper: Oh my God, we should do karaoke while you’re here.

Cooper: Or have a bonfire! We’ll roast marshmallows.

Cooper: Can’t wait to see you, sib!

I chuckle at Coop’s rapidfire texts, shaking my head as I tighten the laces on my corset.

Maybe there are certain things I’m not looking forward to in Plum Valley, but it sure will be nice to see Cooper again. As well as Will and my aunt.

And who knows, maybe the trip won’t be so bad after all. Maybe things will turn out differently than what I’m expecting. Maybe Diesel will surprise me.

In any case, I have three weeks before I need to worry about it. In the meantime, I can think of something—or rather, someone—else to occupy my time.

With a little smile, I tug on my garters, adjusting the elastic bands until they sit just so. And mind whirring, I wonder what Jameson would think of some of the other lingerie I keep at home in my dresser.

Only one way to find out.

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