Beautifully Hurt (Beautifully Broken)

by Michelle Heard

  “Cordless, right?” Steward asks.

  I nod.

  He inspects the other drills, then smiles. “I’ll take one.”

  I help him with the purchase and hand him the box. “Thanks for the support and good luck with the shelves.”

  “Thanks.”

  As soon as Steward leaves, I close up. I head to my truck, and sliding behind the steering wheel, I drive to The Port, our local bar, where Jason’s the bartender.

  I park out front, and when I step inside, I greet neighbors and acquaintances as I walk to the bar.

  As I take a seat on a stool, Jason grins at me, then he tilts his head toward the pool tables. “Look who’s here.”

  I glance to the back of the bar and see Quinn and Katie playing pool.

  “Are you going to pluck up the courage and ask Katie on a date?” I ask as I turn my attention back to my friend.

  He hands me a beer. “Maybe. Maybe not.”

  “You’re so full of shit,” I taunt him as I take a swig. My eyes find their way back to the girls, and I watch as Quinn bends over the table to take a shot. The tight jeans she’s wearing give a perfect view of her ass, and I notice I’m not the only guy staring.

  “I’m just waiting for the right moment,” Jason says, pulling my attention back to him. He grabs a beer for himself and leans against the counter. “Did you get the toilet done?”

  I nod and let out a sigh. “Around midnight. The bathroom’s finished.”

  “Which room are you tackling next?”

  “The kitchen.”

  His eyes find Katie with a look of longing as he asks, “So you’re moving in this weekend?”

  “Yeah, finally. With the main bedroom and bathroom done, I can manage.”

  “Gonna live off take-out?” he taunts me.

  “I can grill a mean steak,” I chuckle.

  “True that.”

  Slowly, more folks trickle into the bar until the regular crowd is well on their way to getting drunk.

  Katie comes over to the counter, and leaning her forearms on the worn wood, she grins at me. “Enjoying the beer?”

  I answer her smile with one of my own. “Yeah.” I gesture to the pool tables. “Kicking ass?”

  Katie shakes her head. “Quinn’s too good.”

  “Yeah?” I ask.

  Katie nods to the back of the bar. “Ten dollars says you can’t beat her.”

  “Careful, they’re hustlers,” Jason jokes as he joins us, his eyes locked on Katie with a playful smile on his face. “Another round?”

  “Please,” Katie answers, a blush creeping up her neck.

  Christ, these two should just get together already.

  “Sit and keep Jason company while I see if I can beat Quinn,” I tell her, doing Jason a favor.

  Rising to my feet, I head to the back where Quinn’s looking at her phone. I come up next to her, and not taking her eyes off the device, she says, “Finlay says Uncle David will think about it. Also, I’m alone for another week. Dad’s not – Oh my God!” She takes a startled step back, her eyes wide as saucers on me.

  “Didn’t mean to scare you.”

  She quickly shakes her head. “I thought you were Katie. Sorry.”

  “Never been mistaken for a girl before,” I joke, trying to set her at ease.

  Quinn looks downright uncomfortable as she says, “Crap, no, that’s not what I meant.”

  “I’m just pulling your leg.” I grab a cue from the rack. “Katie says you’re good. How about a game?”

  Quinn glances nervously at the table then nods. “Ah… sure.” Shrugging, she adds, “I’m probably not as good as you, though.”

  “Only one way to find out.” I smile at Quinn while gesturing at the table. “You can break.”

  She steps closer to the table and then leans over the side. The soft curls of her long hair fall forward, touching the green felt. Just as she takes the shot, her eyes dart to me, and she looks so fucking sexy, I instantly begin to harden.

  Lawnmowers. Dad. Screws… fuck, no, ah… Mom.

  That does the trick to keep me from going rock hard in front of everyone.

  Quinn sinks three stripes before it’s my turn.

  “Katie wasn’t lying,” I say as I step closer to the table.

  Her tongue darts out, wetting her bottom lip, and then she smiles shyly.

  Christ, this woman is trouble. Before you know it, she’ll have you right in front of the altar saying your vows.

  “Did your dad teach you?” I ask as I line up a shot.

  “Yeah, but I’ve never been able to beat him.”

  I let out a chuckle and sink a solid. Remembering what she said about being alone for another week, I ask, “Your dad’s out of town?”

  I glance at her as she replies, “He’s hauling a shipment to Portland.”

  I sink another ball. “You okay on your own?”

  Quinn nods quickly. “I’m used to it, but hopefully soon, my cousin, Finlay, will move in with me.”

  On purpose, I miss the shot and then smile at her. “Your turn.”

  Chapter 2

  QUINN

  Holy crap.

  If it wouldn’t look stupid, I’d pinch myself to make sure I’m not dreaming. This is the longest I’ve ever been in Eli’s company and the most we’ve spoken to each other.

  And he approached me. Gah, could this day get any better?

  He smiles at me again, and just like all the times before, my heart skips a beat.

  I’m so conscious of him, it’s a freaking miracle I manage to focus on the game. I sink another ball but wanting more time with Eli, I miss the next one on purpose.

  “Your turn,” I say, my eyes feasting on him as he steps closer, and then I get a whiff of his cologne. The earthy spice makes me inhale as deeply as I can. My stomach flutters, and everything around us fades until there’s just him.

  I’m so head over heels for this man, it feels as if every inch of me is gravitating toward him.

  Three guys take the other table, distracting me for a moment before I drink in the sight of Eli’s arms, the veins snaking beneath his tanned skin as he lines up the cue. Then my eyes drift to his hair that’s cut short before I take in his broad back. When he takes the shot, his muscles ripple beneath the fabric of his shirt, and I let out a soft sigh.

  Perfect.

  When he doesn’t sink a ball, my eyebrows dart up. I’ve seen him play before, and that was an easy shot. Then Eli grins at me, and all I can do is drool.

  “Your turn,” he has to remind me, and I quickly shake my head as my cheeks flame up from blatantly staring at him.

  Smooth, Quinn. Real freaking smooth.

  “Do you like working at The Green Leaf?” Eli asks.

  I nod as I sink a ball. “I get to spend time with Katie.”

  While I check which shot to take next, Eli glances to the bar. “Has Katie said anything about Jason?”

  I turn my gaze to where my friend’s laughing at something Jason said. Not wanting to spill her secrets, I shrug. “Why? Has Jason said anything?”

  Eli chuckles, and the sound is deep and rich. “Let’s leave them to figure it out on their own.”

  Nodding, there’s a sinking feeling in my stomach when I realize the game’s almost over.

  Again I miss the shot on purpose, and as Eli sinks the next ball, I wave at Katie, who gives me a happy grin.

  Turning my attention back to the game, I grimace when I see I only have two balls left. But, at least, they’re not easy shots.

  Eli rubs his palm over the scruff on his jaw, then says, “Let’s see how good you are, Quinn.”

  Hearing my name from his mouth makes my stomach flutter as if a kaleidoscope of butterflies has taken flight.

  Not wanting Eli to catch onto my feelings for him, I force myself to focus as I check which ball to sink. Just as I bend over the table, someone bumps into me from behind. I dart up, and swinging around, I say, “Sorry.”

  One of the guys tha
t’s playing at the other table smirks at me. “It’s okay. If you want to touch my ass, all you have to do is ask.”

  Not liking the way he’s looking at me, I take another step away from him. Eli’s hand settles on my lower back, and then he asks the guy, “Mind moving? Kinda hard to play with you standing here.”

  He’s touching me. Eli’s freaking touching me.

  My senses rush to absorb how amazing and protected it makes me feel.

  “My bad,” the other guy chuckles, moving a couple of steps to the side.

  Eli nudges me softly. “Take your shot, Quinn.” He moves two steps back, which places him behind me as I bend over the table again. This time I miss, because there’s no way I can focus, and the white ball stops just shy of falling into a pocket.

  “Dang,” I mutter. “I just lined up a perfect shot for you.”

  I move out of the way so Eli can play, but then an arm falls around my shoulders. Startled, my eyes dart to the guy I bumped into.

  “Are you from around these parts?” he asks, giving me another once over that makes me feel like he just freaking licked me from head to toe. “We’re passing through. What’s there to do in this small town?”

  I try to move out from under his arm, but then his fingers wrap around the back of my neck, causing my stomach to nervously tighten.

  “I wouldn’t,” Eli says. Warning laces the words as he steps up to us, and he looks hot as hell with the dark expression making his eyes seem icy.

  The guy smirks at Eli. “Wouldn’t what? I’m just talking to the pretty lady.”

  “Then use your words and let go of her.” Eli takes hold of my arm and tugs me to his side.

  The guy holds up his hands, laughing. “I wasn’t aware she’s yours.”

  My eyes dart between Eli and the guy. Luckily the guy backs off, walking back to his friends, who start to laugh at him.

  Then Eli’s hand settles on my shoulder, and he leans down a little to catch my eyes. “You okay?”

  I nod. “Yeah.” I let out a relieved breath. “Thank you for helping.”

  “Of course.” He nudges me closer to our table. “Let’s finish the game and join Katie and Jason.”

  “Okay.” Wanting to get away from the handsy guy, I line up my cue, and within seconds I sink my two balls and the black one. “All done. Let’s go.”

  Eli begins to laugh, the sound washing over me, then he shakes his head as he pins me with a playful gaze. “I knew you were holding back.”

  I shrug as we set the cues back on the rack. “I wasn’t.”

  “Right.” Eli glances at the three guys just as they’re joined by two girls and another guy. He places his hand on my lower back again, and my insides tremble from how good his touch feels. “Come on.”

  I walk with him to the bar and sit next to Katie, who grins at me. “Having fun?”

  Eli takes a seat on my left, and as I nod, he holds ten dollars out to Katie. “Quinn kicked my ass.”

  “I didn’t,” I mutter, then I give Katie a playful scowl. “Did you make a bet?”

  “Of course,” she chuckles.

  I lean a little closer and whisper, “And? Any luck?”

  Katie nods, her smile growing quickly. “And you?”

  I shrug. “We’ll see.”

  Truth be told, I’m just happy to spend some time with Eli.

  Today’s already a dream come true for me.

  ELI

  “How’s your place coming along?” Katie asks me.

  Jason hands me a beer and a cider for Quinn. Glancing at Katie, I reply, “Good. I’m moving in this weekend.”

  “Oh.” Katie glances from Quinn to me. “Need any help?”

  “There’s not much to move,” I chuckle.

  “But the man grills a mean steak,” Jason says. “How about a BBQ to celebrate?”

  “Sure.” I take a sip of the beer then turn my gaze to Quinn, who’s been quiet next to me. “That’s if you don’t have other plans.”

  Quinn shakes her head, but Katie answers for her, “No plans. We can bring a salad.”

  “Sounds like a plan,” Jason says, happy that he’ll get to spend time with Katie this weekend.

  I glance at my watch, and noticing it’s already past seven, I say, “Damn, I need to get home and start with the kitchen cupboards.”

  I don’t think, and placing my hand on Quinn’s back, my palm brushes up to beneath her hair until my fingers wrap around her neck. I lean in and ask, “Will you be okay getting home?”

  She gives me a nervous smile, her cheeks turning a soft pink. “Yeah, I’ll be with Katie.”

  My thumb brushes over her soft skin, and resisting the urge to hug her, I pull back and rise to my feet. Knowing Jason will keep an eye on the girls, I say, “Later, guys.”

  “Bye,” Quinn murmurs.

  When I walk to the exit, I glance over my shoulder and catch Quinn staring after me. I almost stop, but needing to get the kitchen at least partially done before the weekend, I head out of the bar.

  On the drive to my place, my thoughts run circles around Quinn. Taking a deep breath, I wonder if I shouldn’t ask her out to dinner.

  That’s if she even agrees to a date.

  Letting out a chuckle, I shake my head at myself.

  I park the truck in the usual spot beneath an oak tree, and getting out, I walk to where the generator is. Turning it on, it takes a second, then the floodlights flick on, spotlighting the house.

  I stare at the place I’ve built from the ground up. The outside still needs to be painted, but I’ll only get to that after I’ve added the porch. I head inside, tucking my car keys in my back pocket.

  Getting to work on the cupboards, time begins to slip away, and it’s well after eleven when my phone rings.

  Seeing Jason’s name flashing on the screen, I answer, “What’s up?”

  “Need your help at the bar. There’s a group of rowdy guys, and it looks like things are about to get ugly.”

  “On my way.” I jog out of the house, asking, “Did you call the sheriff?”

  “Yeah, but he’s dealing with a fender bender. He said he’ll send Cade over.”

  “I’ll be there in five minutes.”

  We end the call, and I quickly drive back to the bar. Stopping right in front of the entrance, I jump out and walk inside. I’m just in time to see the idiot from earlier forcefully pulling Quinn against him.

  Jason comes around the bar. “Hey now, let go of her.”

  Katie slaps the guy's shoulder, and it has one of his friends grabbing her from behind.

  I come up behind the idiot holding Quinn, who’s trying to push away from him, and grabbing hold of his shoulder, I yank him backward. He staggers, and Quinn pulls free, stumbling into the counter.

  The guy who had a hold of Katie takes a swing at Jason, and then I have to lean backward to avoid a blow from the idiot. Bringing my arm back, I deliver a right hook to his jaw, and he instantly drops unconscious to the floor.

  When I move in behind Jason, the friend of the idiot backs up.

  “The deputy’s on his way. Leave, unless you want to spend the night behind bars.” I gesture at the idiot, then pin the other guy with a glare. “Take him with you.”

  He rushes to pull the idiot up off the floor, and as he drags him out, the idiot begins to regain consciousness. His eyes lock on us, and then he yanks loose and storms me. Tired of this shit, I deliver a kick to his chest, sending his ass sprawling across the floor.

  I stalk toward him, and grabbing hold of his neck, I yank him up into the air before shoving him right out of the bar. He stumbles into the front of my truck just as the lights from the patrol car flash over the parking area.

  I instantly step back, assuming a non-threatening pose.

  “Eli,” Cade says as he glances at the two guys. “Wanna tell me what’s going on here?”

  “Just some outsiders messing with our girls,” I explain.

  Cade nods as he steps closer to them, his hand
resting on his weapon. “Hey guys, having too much fun?”

  “No, sir,” the one answers. “Just a misunderstanding.”

  Jason comes out. “They’re over the limit.”

  Cade’s eyebrows lift. “Where are you staying?”

  “Riverside,” the one answers while the idiot glares my way.

  “Best you start walking then,” Cade says. “Your vehicle should be safe staying here overnight.”

  Cade’s suggestion is met with grumbles, and then the guys wisely walk away. Cade watches them for a moment, then he turns to Jason and me. “Just give me a call if they come back.”

  “Thanks, Cade,” Jason says, stepping forward to shake his hand.

  I give Cade a chin lift, and when he heads back to his patrol car, I turn around, coming face to face with Quinn and Katie.

  Lifting my hand, I wrap my fingers around Quinn’s slender arm. “You okay?”

  She nods quickly as her eyes dart over me. “And you?”

  I flex my right hand, but it feels okay. “I’m fine.” Glancing at my truck, then to the girls, I say, “Let me take you home.”

  “We’ll just grab our bags,” Katie says, darting back into the bar. Jason follows her while Quinn stays with me.

  “Come on,” I murmur as I tug her toward the passenger side of my truck. I open the door and help her climb inside. I shut the door then walk around the front of the vehicle. Sliding in behind the steering wheel, I glance at Quinn. “Did he hurt you?”

  She shakes her head, looking a little pale. Thinking she’s probably shaken up by what happened, I wrap my arm around her shoulders and give her a sideways hug.

  “Thank you,” Quinn whispers.

  Instinctively I press a kiss to the side of her head, and the soft scent of flowers drifts up to me.

  Katie comes out with Jason by her side. “Jason will drop me off at home after he closes up,” she says as she hands Quinn her bag through the open window.

  I pull my arm back when Quinn shifts closer to the door as she says, “Call me when you get home.”

  “I will.” Katie gives her friend a grin.

  Jason comes around to my side and reaches through the open window to pat my shoulder. “Thanks for coming to help.”