Twist of Fate (Taking Chances #2) - Tia Louise Page 0,62

chest tightens, and the air is too thick to breathe.

“Daisy.”

I don’t even realize I said it out loud until my brother answers. “Daisy’s here?”

Shit. I clear my throat, swiping up my beer and taking a drink. I nod towards the door before turning to the bar again. “Isn’t that her?”

What’s she doing here alone? Shouldn’t Chad the fucking super cop be with her? What’s wrong with that guy?

“Want me to call her over?” J.R. studies my face like I’m a book and he’s reading everything happening in my chest. “Is this why you wanted me to come with you tonight?”

“No. Stop looking at her.”

He exhales a chuckle, doing what I asked. “When did you start acting like a high school girl?”

My voice is low, controlled. “I thought she was out of town.”

“Looks like she’s on a date.” Fuck being cool. My face snaps around to see what he’s talking about.

She moves casually through the crowd to where a guy with a dark mullet and a fucking gold-toothed smile waits for her at the bar. He’s wearing a black tee that stretches over his chest, and his arms are covered in pretty intense ink, snakes and skulls. The guy’s skinny but cut, and he looks more like a biker than a cop.

“What the hell?” My fists clench as his hand moves across her lower back, pulling her to his chest. Chunky silver rings cover his fingers.

J.R. exhales a low whistle. “It’s been a while, but I didn’t think people changed that much.”

“They don’t.” I finish my beer in one long drink, setting it down with a hard clank on the bar. “I’ll be right back.”

The blood is surging in my veins and I push off the bar. If this guy is a sheriff, I’m a forest ranger. I’m ready to break that hand touching her skin and send this wannabe biker asshole packing.

A strong hand grips my shoulder, pulling me to a stop. “Hang on, little brother. What are you doing?” J.R.’s voice is low and commanding at my ear. “You can’t barge over there like this.”

I’m breathing so hard my nostrils flare, and fire is shooting in my veins. “That guy is no good.”

“Scout.” J.R. steps in front of me, between me and them. “You don’t know him. You haven’t talked to Daisy in years. The last thing you need right now is a bar fight.”

“I’m not going to fight.” Yet. My jaw is tight, and I’m about to move my brother’s hand off my shoulder when the sweetest voice cuts through the bar noise.

“Scout? I-is that you?”

J.R. releases me, and I turn to see Daisy standing there, big brown eyes wide. Mr. Bad News is still at the bar watching us with impatient suspicion. I’d like to flip him off, but she’s here.

“Hey, Daisy.” My voice is completely changed, the anger gone.

“You’re here.” She’s breathing fast, almost like she’s seen a ghost, and she touches my arm carefully, like she’s testing to see if it’s real.

“It’s been a while, I know.” I cover her hand with mine, soft and warm. “I’ve been wanting to see you.”

That adorable flush of pink fills her cheeks. I’ve wondered so many times if it would still happen when I saw her again. She’s so pretty.

“I can’t believe it… What are you doing here?”

“I came back to help with Jesse, and I’m between jobs, so I’m staying with Gran.”

Her fingers curl on my sleeve, and for a moment I think she’s going to pull me closer, step into the hug I’m ready to give. Until Tattoo Boy joins us.

“Hey, Daisy May, who’s your friend?” His voice is rough like sandpaper, like he smokes twelve packs a day.

I hate him at once. Why is he calling her that? Daisy’s middle name is Kate. Shouldn’t Chad the wonder cop know that?

“He’s not my friend…” She pulls her hand away, shaking her head as if she’s waking up from a dream.

“I’m Scout Dunne.” I hold out my hand. “This is my brother J.R. You must be Chad.”

The guy squints at me, and I stand straighter, liking the fact I’m a good three inches or so taller than him.

“I’m Travis.” Scumbag shakes my hand. “Travis Walker.”

“Travis Walker?” It comes out a bit on the confused and pissed side, and J.R. steps forward.

“Hey, Daisy. How’s it going.” He actually gives her a hug, which surprises her as much as it does me.

They were never particularly close, and I’m sure my brother is trying to step between me and this