Page 40 of Rip Ryder's Second Chance

“Wait…is that a serious question? You know if you’d won, you’d already have the clippers in your hand and my shirt would be off.”

“Fine. I’m only asking because wouldn’t you rather take bouncy blonde over there on a date?”

He laughed. “Careful, your jealousy is showing.”

“Why do you keep accusing me of being jealous? That only makes me angrier.”

She had a bit of sugar at the corner of her mouth. Before he thought twice, he reached out and swiped the crystal off her magnificent lips and popped his finger in his mouth. Her eyes widened slightly. “If the shoe fits…” he said in a whisper.

After a dramatic roll of her eyes, she continued walking. She didn’t get very far because the crowd created a human bottleneck. At least something was working in his favor tonight. They finally reached a quiet part of the building and that was when he grabbed her wrist and gently turned her around. “If you don’t want to make good with the bet, I won’t force it. What was I thinking anyway?” He didn’t need this in his life. Chasing her down like he did when he was a kid.

After a long hesitation, she finally said, “Are you saying that you’re pulling out?”

“What I’m saying is I won’t chase after you like we’re teenagers again, Noelle.”

“Why are you so upset? Is it because I told you to ask the blonde out?” she said flippantly.

“If I wanted to date Sandra, I would. I don’t, but at least she wouldn’t be so hot and cold.” He held Noelle’s heated gaze and knew he’d put his foot in his mouth.

She shoved the cotton candy into his chest and he caught it before it fell to the floor.

“Good night,” she said and took off.

He watched her push through a line and instead of following her he shook his head in frustration. The woman would be the death of him. Taking a bite out of the cloud of fruity tasting spun sugar, he went back to the booth.

Chapter 14

“Why are you being such an A-hole, dickhead?”

Rip brought his harsh gaze on LB. “Which is it? A-hole or dickhead? Two different parts of the body, bro.” Rip knew he was being a grumpy bastard but he didn’t care.

“I told you, if you want me to manage the bar while Whiskey’s away I can.”

“I got it covered.” Rip slammed a glass down on the smooth slab of polished walnut bar top. He was being his worst possible self, but since Noelle had returned to Second Chance, Rip wanted to bite through rusty nails. After he got home last night, he’d taken a cold shower until his balls were nearly cryogenically frozen. The need for Noelle remained with the force of a tornado and hurricane going head-to-head.

“Then quit acting like you need a diaper change.” LB narrowed his gaze on Rip. Out of all the brothers the two of them always seemed to be the ones that knocked heads most.

“Don’t like my attitude? There’s the door.” Rip jutted his chin toward the exit and held up his middle finger.

“I should do just that, but seeing how you’re down a cook, Whiskey isn’t here, and Pa is busy, I’m doing you a favor by staffing the grill. No one wants your burnt burgers and steaks.” LB sniffed loudly.

“Since you’re so proud of yourself for manning the grill then why aren’t you in the kitchen instead of standing out here busting my balls, Dr. Phil?” Rip grunted.

“Do you boys need a referee or a break?” The newest server, Maxine “Max” Dubois set her tray on the bar top, eyeing each of them sternly. She could be described as feisty. With jet black hair, sleeve tattoos and standing no taller than five-two, Rip guessed she could take him. She’d taken over the serving position and she managed things like a drill sergeant. From what he’d been told Max had been an amateur boxer for a few years, and he didn’t doubt it.

“Neither,” Rip quipped.

“I’m going back to the kitchen,” LB muttered.

“You ever try hitting the punching bag to let off some steam?” Max said then laid down a ticket order.

Rip swiped up the paper and went to grab two bottles of beer and a wine cooler. “You like the punching bag and I prefer a fast ride.”

“That sounds interesting. How about both?” She looked at him with sultry green eyes.

He set the bottles on her tray. “Sorry if I’m being a jackass.” He needed to cool his jets.

“No worries. We all have our moments. I’m guessing she’s got you all in knots, huh?”

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