“Oh.” I grinned. “Then, I can’t wait to meet her.”
Damon’s phone beeped, and he slid his index finger across the screen. After a moment, he tilted his head up. “And it looks like you’ll get your chance.”
My mouth curved into a smile a mile wide. I was excited to meet the woman who had caught Damon’s attention. “Great! Well, we’ll meet you guys there.”
“Okay, we’ll see you in a few,” Jason said while walking in the direction of his car.
“Sounds good. I’m going to pick up Beth from her house, and we should be there in about twenty minutes or so.” Damon waved good-bye as he made his way across the parking lot.
Kyle and I were the last ones to walk to our car. I was beaming from ear to ear.
“What are you so happy about over there?” Kyle asked while taking my hand as we reached the middle of the parking lot.
I tipped my head up to see his face. “I can’t believe Damon has a date. I’m anxious to meet her,” I said as we stopped in front of our rental.
Kyle let out a chuckle. “Lily, I’m sure your cousins date all the time.”
“I know, but I’ve never been introduced to any of them,” I responded while realizing my cousins had never brought a girl home. They all kept their dating lives private. “I wonder if it’s serious,” I muttered more to myself.
Kyle opened my door. “Don’t get your hopes up there, matchmaker. It sounded very casual.”
I huffed in exasperation. “You never know,” I replied with a grin.
Kyle chortled and then shut my door. He walked around to his side and climbed into the Camaro before revving the beauty to life.
“They’ll have to settle down eventually,” I said to him.
“True,” Kyle answered with amusement, “and it will happen when they least expect it.”
My eyes glowed with affection as he pulled out onto the main road.
I could not help but ask, “Is that what happened with you?”
“Yep,” Kyle said while giving me a quick once-over. “When I was least expecting it, there you were,” he said before unleashing a handsome grin that was visible from the glow of the passing streetlights.
“Well, back at you, handsome,” I responded while my heart did flip-flops in my chest.
Kyle turned into the parking lot of the bar. It was jam-packed, just like the restaurant.
“I’m surprised this place is so busy on a weeknight,” I said quietly while checking out the building.
“It must be because of the band.”” Kyle cranked the wheel, parking the Camaro into a tight space.
After Kyle shut off the ignition, we both made our way out of the car. The temperature had cooled off several more degrees since we left the house earlier this evening. I tightened my shawl around my shoulders as Kyle strode to my side. I tucked my arm under his, snuggling close to his side, to fend off the chill in the air as we walked up to the doors.
Once inside, I saw Jason standing off to the side, talking with a gentlemen. The guy was huge. He had to be almost six-five and well over two hundred pounds of muscle. He was definitely someone not to be messed with.
I shifted my attention to the bar. It was loud with music, and colorful strobe lights were flashing everywhere. I stood as close to Kyle as possible, feeling a little on edge with so many people.
Jason talked with a waitress, and then he ambled over to us. “Jack just hooked us up with a free tab tonight, so let’s get our drink on.”
“That was very nice of him. Do you know him?” I asked.
Jason led us to a table that was only five feet away from the stage. The band wasn’t playing yet, but the night was still young.
“Yes, he’s the owner. I remodeled this place about a year ago,” Jason answered as we all took our seats.
Kyle glanced around, looking at the bar and floors. The waitress appeared with two beers and a pink drink for me.
“I ordered you something fruity. I hope you don’t mind,” Jason said.
I thanked him, and then he turned his attention to Kyle.
“I refinished the hardwood, tiled the bar and kitchen, and ordered all of these tables for him from Benson’s Cabinetry last fall.”
“From what I can see, it looks good, man. How long did the remodeling take you?” Kyle asked before taking a swig from his beer.
“Damon and I did it together. It took us three weeks,” Jason answered.
“Not bad for two men,” Kyle replied.
Damon and a tall blonde woman strolled hand in hand through the crowd, making their way to our table.
“Hey, guys. This is Beth,” Damon said, introducing us, as he gestured to her. “Beth, this is Jason, my brother, and that’s Lily, my cousin, with her fiancé, Kyle.”
Beth’s wide smile was infectious. “Hello,” she said in a shy tone.
“Hi, Beth. It’s great to meet you,” I offered, returning a kind smile.
I outstretched my hand to her, and she took it without hesitation.
“Nice to meet you, Beth,” Kyle said while shaking her hand next.
“You, too,” she said before turning to look at Jason.
“Hi, Beth. What can I get you to drink?” Jason asked in a friendly manner as he shook her hand.
“A Jack and Coke would be great.” She grinned at him.
“Whoa…starting off a little heavy tonight, aren’t we?” Jason teased while motioning the waitress to our table.
He ordered Beth’s drink, and then Damon asked for a beer.
“If you’re going to drink, you gotta make it count,” she replied good-naturedly.
Jason grinned. “Glad to see Damon picked out a woman who can hold her own,” he said while tapping Damon on the back as they sat down next to us at the table.
“So, what time does the band start?” Damon asked while putting his arm around Beth.
“I think they start at ten,” Jason responded. “They call themselves Sisters with Rhythm
.
I heard they were based out of Chicago.” Jason swallowed a large sip of his drink.
“Never heard of them before,” I said before trying my pink drink. It tasted of vodka and fruits and went down my throat smoothly.
“Jack said they rocked when they auditioned to play here, so we’ll see,” Jason said over the loud music.
Just then, a stunning petite brunette wearing a black-and-white plaid short skirt and a cutoff white mini T-shirt, exposing her flat stomach, came up to our table with a tray of shots. Her eyes danced over Jason’s face and the width of his broad chest.
She slowly looked at all of us with a warm smile. “Would y’all like a shot of tequila?”
“Sure,” Jason said while giving her a once-over. He reached his hand up to grab a glass and a slice of lime.
Beth grabbed one next, followed by Damon.
I debated on taking one, but I knew tequila meant a mad headache in the morning if I was not careful.
What the hell?
I shrugged and took two off the tray, one for Kyle and the other for me. I slid Kyle’s across the table to him.
He let out a mischievous smirk. “Planning on a rough morning, are we?”
I picked up the salt from the table, and I lifted my free hand to lick the center between my thumb and index finger. “You only live once.” I grinned while lifting my glass.
“Alright, beautiful,” Kyle replied while applying salt to his own hand. He raised his shot of tequila in the air. “Here’s to good times.”
Kyle and I toasted our drinks with Damon, Beth, and Jason.
“Good times!” we all cheered before throwing back our shots.
Damn
,
that burned.
I did not think I would ever adjust to the taste of tequila, but it did always make for a great buzz.
As we all chatted randomly about this and that, I could not help but feel blessed to be in the company of my two cousins. I did not know how I’d managed without them for three years.
Now, I was also so grateful for Kyle’s love and support in everything that I did. He was always willing to fly halfway across the country with me without any hesitation, and he always found ways to comfort me in a time of need. No matter the circumstance, he was there by my side. His devotion reminded me of how family and friends were supposed to be—unconditional and forever.
Kyle only had one shot. He insisted that it would be a shame to put the Camaro in a ditch. The rest of us were on our third, and it was still early.
At ten, Sisters with Rhythm
took the stage, and the whole bar went wild. Their first song started with an amazing beat. Beth dragged Damon out to the dance floor. As I felt the effects of the alcohol, I wanted to let out some steam. Kyle must have sensed my eagerness because he grabbed my hand and tugged me after him. I smiled at his gifted ability to read my mind. I turned around and looked for Jason, not wanting to leave him out, when Kyle lowered his lips to my ear as we continued to walk.
“Look over there,” he said, pointing to my cousin. “He’s already on the prowl.”
I chuckled affectionately at watching Jason put the moves on a stunning redhead who looked to be in her mid-twenties. “Wow, that was fast!”
Kyle let out a rich laugh as he stopped in an open spot in the middle of the dancing crowd. He wrapped his arms around my waist, placing his hands on the small of my back, as he yanked me closer. Then, his hips started moving in sync with the beat.
Oh my…
I lifted my hands, gathering them around his nape, while I gazed into his eyes. He pressed his body into mine as he lowered his head and nuzzled into the side of my neck.
“Having a good time?” he breathed along my ear.
“Yes,” I answered while keeping up with his pace. “And it just got better.” I grinned as the song changed to something more upbeat.
Kyle took a step backward while lifting his hand to spin me around. I laughed out of pure bliss as I twirled under his arm. Before I could face him again, he stepped forward, pressing his chest against my back, and he gripped my hips. He dipped his head forward, and I pushed back against him, grinding my behind on his now firm erection. His hands traveled up and down the length of my sides. Together, we swayed to the tune of the loud music.
Hot and thirsty from dancing to a few great songs, I motioned to our table. Kyle grabbed my hand and maneuvered us through all the people. I let out a deep breath as we took our seats. Beth and Damon made their way over to us and sat down. Jason looked content as he was still dancing with the same woman.
Lifting my glass of water, I took a huge sip. The band announced they were taking a quick ten-minute break to greet the guests.
I leaned toward Kyle. “I’m going to use the restroom. Be right back.” I gave him a kiss on his cheek.
“I’ll join you.” Beth smiled and rose from her chair.
We made our way to the back of the bar to the restrooms. It was a small one, but at least it was clean. After exiting the stall, I walked over to the sink to wash my hands.
“So, how long have you been dating Kyle?” Beth asked while approaching the faucet.
“A couple of months,” I answered. “What about you and Damon?”
Beth smiled fondly. “This is our third date,” she replied while reaching for a paper towel. “Your cousin is so sweet and romantic. It’s been wonderful.”
“He seems very smitten with you.” I smiled at her as we made our way to the door.
“Thank you. I feel the same way,” she responded as we turned the corner.
I collided into a hard chest, knocking the air from my lungs. I staggered back and hit the wall behind me. A sharp pain radiated up my back from the impact.
“Lily!” Beth said, whipping around to face me.
My eyes were frozen in terror, and I was speechless at the sight of the person in front of me. All the alcohol seemed to dissipate from my system, and I sobered up quickly. A knot formed in the pit of my gut, twisting and churning my stomach.
A.J.
“Lily,” he drawled out in a drunken tone.
My entire body broke out in goose bumps.
“I never pictured seeing you here.”
“A.J.,” I breathed, not sure what else to say. “What…what are you doing here?” I asked without thinking. I pressed my hands on the wall behind me, feeling as if he was too close to me. I wished I could put more distance between us.
His eyes bore into mine with mixed emotions flashing across his face. “Well, I live in this town, so here I am.” He lifted his hand, running his fingers across the length of his jaw. “The better question is, what are
you
doing here?” he sneered. His eyes were much darker and unfriendly now.
My hands trembled behind my back, and fear coiled inside of me at the tension rolling off of him in thick waves. I had no idea what he would do in a public location, but I did not want to piss him off.
“I’m visiting my family,” I replied carefully.
“Lily?” Beth asked with an unsure expression.
“If you put one fucking hand on her, A.J., you’re a dead man,” Kyle’s deep voice said from behind A.J.
Kyle was radiating with hostility. Before A.J. could respond, Kyle pushed him hard, effectively moving him out of the way. Kyle’s eyes met mine and then roamed up and down my body as if he was searching for any signs of injury. Then, he tugged me into his arms in a protective gesture.
I exhaled a liberated sigh in his strong arms. The man had a sixth sense or something for danger. I was baffled and grateful for his impeccable timing.
“Lily,” he breathed in relief.
“What the hell, man?” A.J. said, coming closer. “I didn’t do anything. She ran into me when she was leaving the restroom,” he said aggressively.
“One more step,” Kyle said while maneuvering me behind him, entirely blocking my view with his large frame, “and I won’t be responsible for what happens next. Your choice.”
“Damn, I really messed up, and I’m so sorry, Lily,” A.J. said with a pleading voice.
I frowned, confused by his instant mood swing. Mere seconds ago, A.J.’s intentions did not have a friendly vibe.
“I never meant to hurt you. I was just so lost after losing Annie and the baby. When you didn’t press charges, I thought we could try to be friends again,” he added.
Kyle let out a menacing laugh. His rigid back and shoulders vibrated against me. If I wasn’t in love with him, I would have been shaking with fear.
“Over my fucking dead body. What you did is unforgivable. Now, get out of our way before I move you myself,” Kyle said.