be ok on your own?”
His hand swept over my lower back. “It’s a bar, sweetheart. I’d be surprised if the football game wasn’t airing inside.”
I rolled my eyes. “True.” I halted in the parking lot, staring up at him. “Yeah, but it’s not swanky. You know, upscale. What you’re used to. I just want to prepare you.”
He grinned and pulled me close. “All I need is the game, beer, food, and you.” His lips fell upon my forehead.
My eyes slowly closed and my nerve endings pulsated. “You don’t have to keep kissing me.” I narrowed my eyes at him.
“Oh, that’s right, I don’t want to set off your fake boyfriend. If he approaches me, I promise we’ll have a problem. You’re mine, my little rugged princess.”
Butterflies fluttered in my tummy, and heat swept through me. How I wished his words were sincere.
“Come on.” I tugged his arm.
We stepped inside. Laughter and chatter encompassed us. All but two pool tables were occupied to our left. Colorful lamps hung from the ceiling throughout. I waved to my friends sitting at a table in the center of the medium sized bar.
“I’ll introduce you to my friends, then Peter the bartender.”
“Ok.” Collin slipped his beanie off of his head and stuffed it into his coat pocket. I stood on my tippy toes and tousled his thick brown curls. Why was he walking sin?
“Sorry, your hair was all over the place.”
His cheeks reddened. Oh my god, I made him blush.
“Thanks.”
We checked into the lodge for the night, which was two doors over. He insisted on paying for our hotel rooms.
We walked toward my friends. “Chrissy, I’d like to introduce you to my client Collin Daughtry. Michelle, you remember him from this morning.”
Michelle smiled. “Hello again.”
Chrissy’s arms crossed her chest. “Since when do you straighten your client’s hair? I’ve never seen you do that before.” Her eyes darkened.
“I’m not a regular client. But I understand I’m in competition with her fake boyfriend. I’m always up for the challenge.”
Michelle snickered. “You’re in the running, Collin.”
My eyes widened. “Michelle, don’t encourage him.”
“Thank you, Michelle. Dinner and drinks on me.”
“We appreciate it, Collin.” Michelle winked at me.
“How long are you here for, Collin?” Chrissy’s dark brow rose.
She didn’t care for Collin. I knew her better than anyone. She’d probably continue to give him a hard time.
“For two weeks, maybe longer.”
I grabbed his arm. “To the bar, Collin.”
“What did I say wrong?” he asked, as he sat on the bar stool.
I had to get him away from her. She’d chew him up and spit him out.
I sat beside him. “Nothing really. It’s just flirting, Collin. It’s nothing but fun to you. Chrissy is my best friend. She’s over protective and has my best interest at heart. You want to get to know me while you’re here, but…”
“But what?”
His brown eyes sparkled as he stared into mine.
“Nothing.” My smile rose and fell.
“I hate when you do that.”
My finger traced over the carvings in the old wooden bar. “I know.” The smell of cedar and fresh beer swept up my nose.
Peeking at the other end of the bar, I waved my hand in the air. “Peter.”
He walked toward us. “Kara, I haven’t seen you in a little over a week.” His hand ran gruffly over his face.
“Yeah, I was on a tour. My client, Collin Daughtry, wanted to hang out with us tonight.” I stretched my hands toward him.
They shook hands.
“Collin, call me Pete. What can I get for you?”
“I’d like to start out with a Guinness. And can you be sure I get Kara’s bill?”
Peter slapped the bar. “Not a problem. Are you watching the game tonight?” he asked, before he glanced at the TV, then back at us.
Collin smiled from ear to ear. “Absolutely. The San Francisco 49ers are playing.” He winked at me.
“Yeah, it will be a good game tonight. You didn’t miss much. The game just started.” Peter smiled.
“Kara, the usual?”
“Yes.”
Collin stood and slipped my jacket down my arms. “I’ll hang our coats.”
“Ok.” I wiggled my fingers through my dark hair. My eyes followed his ass toward the coat rack.
“Nice ass,” I muttered under my breath.
“Never seen you drool over your clients like you are with this one.” His gray eyes narrowed as he sat the drinks on the bar.
I met Peter's gaze and cleared my throat. “That’s hilarious. He’s a big flirt. It’s harmless.”
“No, I think it may be a little more than that. You know, several guys wanted a chance to date the great Kara.