come empty-handed to a knife fight either. Your dream of the major leagues will be slashed along with the tendons in your shoulder.
Slipping behind the wheel of my truck, I turn the ignition and give the engine a few minutes to warm up, letting the cool air keep me from slipping into memories of the past. That injury may have crushed the plans I was making but it also forced me to take a hard look at my life and accept the lifeline offered me. I never thought I’d join the military. The day I took my oath to protect my country, I not only made a commitment, but I saved my life.
I’ve caught the beautiful brunette staring more than once tonight. Sitting with her girlfriends, she’s been nursing that bottle of beer for close to an hour. By the look in her eye, I don’t think she’s as interested in the lager as she is in the man who served it to her. I’m sure if I was closer, I could smell the desire on her. Just thinking about it makes me hard. I’m not sure why I ever thought of doing anything else in my life after bartending. Okay, life as a major league baseball player may have been the ideal career choice but this gig is a close second. My sister says I have the bad boy image women fantasize about down to a science and that not only makes me embarrassing to her, but a disservice to women everywhere.
I disagree. I think I service the women in the area just fine.
“Connor, my man,” a voice calls, pulling my attention from the brunette as she turns to face her friend. Landon and Owen lift their chins in greeting.
“What’s up guys? Beer?”
Both nod and I slide the bottles their way before asking, “Not used to seeing you guys in here lately.”
“It’s been a while, that’s for sure,” Landon says as he lifts the bottle to his mouth.
“I can’t believe we used to be here four to five nights a week. Seems like a lifetime ago. Everyone looks so young now.”
“That’s what happens when you get old, Owen,” I tease, and he flips me off in return.
When a group of customers approach the bar, I leave the two of them on their own and go about doing my job. Four blow job shots and six cans of spiked seltzer later, and I’m offering my friends another beer when Owen surprises me.
“I hear you were a pretty good ballplayer once upon a time.”
Taken aback by his comment, I freeze with the bottles in my hand. I never talk about my time playing ball or why I stopped playing. Sure, there were nights we were on patrol that I probably mentioned to Taylor and the guys about my childhood dreams but that was years ago.
“I played a bit.”
Coughing, Owen shakes his head. “Taylor says you were headed pro at one point.”
I must have done more than mention my intentions. “That was a long time ago.”
“Well, I’ve somehow been roped into coaching Little League and could use an assistant. This fool says he’s too busy, and I wanted to see if you felt like dusting off your old mitt.”
“Nah man, I haven’t—”
“Look, it’s just helping the local kids learn the basics. I could use the help. Besides, Minnie is a little scary these days, and if one of the single moms flirts with me again, she may scratch her eyes out. Pregnancy hormones are no joke, man.”
We laugh and I try to envision his sweet and funny wife being cruel to anyone. Then, I remember Dakota is her sister and managed to save Grant’s life last year so it’s no surprise she may be a little frightening.
Before I can tell him no, a shriek draws my attention and I turn toward the sound. A large man, scratch that. This dude is huge. And walking my way. The scowl on his face and fire in his eyes has me wondering who the fuck pissed him off.
“Kevin, no. I told you nothing happened. You’re being an asshole.”
That voice. I know that voice. What the fuck?
“You!” His roar is like a bucket of water on a fire, this part of the bar going eerily quiet.
Normally I’d look to the side and smirk at the fool this guy is going after. Dumbass about to get his ass handed to him. Except I have a feeling I’m the dumbass this time. Owen and Landon look from me