“Well, at least I’m not wearing camo,” I retorted and arched a brow.
“At least my outfit serves a purpose,” he said with a brow that rose to challenge my own.
“And what purpose is that? I mean, it’s not like you’re in the woods. Though I do suppose you blend in pretty well here.” I gestured to the line of men sitting at the bar also wearing camo from head to toe. “I’m surprised I can even see you, you stealth thing, you. Jake? Jake? Where are you?” I shielded my eyes and looked all around him.
His mouth opened, but no words came out. Then a chuckle shook his chest before another one of those contagious belly laughs I’d heard in the truck last night started up. Giving me a conceding nod, he lifted his glass. “Well played,” he said between laughs.
While we laughed together, I glanced over to see Jo leaning against the bar, those dark eyes of hers watching us while a smirk played on her lips.
“Can I get a beer?” A man approached the bar, his “I Love Door County” shirt giving away his tourist status.
“Besides, my outfit serves a purpose as well,” I said to Jake with a wink before sauntering away. Leaning against the bar, I gave the tourist a good, long look at my barely concealed breasts while I twirled a piece of my long hair. “What can I get you?”
“Um, a bottle of Spotted Cow.” Drool practically slid down his chin while he swallowed hard.
Giving Jake a glance, I saw him watching me while I strutted across the bar. With a well-thought-out bend into the beer cooler, I arched my back while I pulled out a bottle. Slowly rising, I emphasized every asset while I slid back to standing, every eye in the bar caressed my figure. Jake sat with mouth agape while I delivered the beer and leaned over the bar again, biting my lip at my captivated customer. “That’ll be four dollars.”
After fumbling through his wallet, the man pulled out a twenty-dollar-bill. “Here. Uh, thanks. Yeah. Keep the change. Thanks.”
“Thank you,” I cooed, sliding the money off the bar.
When I walked away, I locked eyes with Jake and waggled my brows. The jealousy I could swear burned behind his eyes simmered down, and soon another laugh ripped out of him.
“See. My outfit serves a purpose. Making money.”
“Indeed, it does.” He shook his head as I strutted by. “Well played, again.”
“Damn girl, you’d better wear that thing every night!” Jo laughed while she walked by. “We’ll be retired in no time!”
“But not tomorrow night,” Jake said, smiling. “You’ll break an ankle fishing in those things.” He pointed to my stilettos.
“I’ll try to rustle up some camo.”
With a deepening laugh, I saw him glance over to Jo. His face dropped and his laughter petered off when they locked eyes. I looked over to see hers still burning with satisfaction and then saw his cheeks turn a dark crimson. Is he blushing?
“Can I get you another?” I asked him, pausing while I watched her stare him down like a mother who knows damn well her son stole the cookies.
Standing abruptly, he shook his head. “No. I’m good. Gotta go.”
“Good night, Jake,” she crooned, as another knowing smile tipped her lips.
“Night,” he mumbled then turned to me. “Thanks for the drink.”
“Thanks for fixing my car.”
“Don’t forget to pick her up at six,” Jo called after him as he headed toward the door. A quick nod of his head acknowledged her then he bolted outside.
I stared at the closed door for a moment after he left, then turned to Jo who stepped up beside me. “What the hell was that about?”
“He likes you.” She smiled.
“He does?” My eyes bulged, and I struggled to suppress my own smile. “You think so?”
“Oh yeah. I know so.”
Elated I’d made progress with my small-town hottie, my smile grew before faltering. “Wait a minute. If he likes me, then what’s the problem? Why did he leave?”
“For Jake, it’s a big problem. You’re threatening to ruin his vow to be miserable and alone for all of eternity.” She snorted and gave an exaggerated eye roll.
“Is that a bad thing?” I asked her, still unsure what had all transpired.
“No, Cassie. It’s a good thing. That was the first time I’ve heard him laugh in months. You’re good for him. It’s a good thing.”
“Oh,” I whispered.
“Just don’t break his heart, got it?” She turned to me and that playful glimmer that was in her eyes while she’d watched us had faded. That dark gaze bore into me while she stared me down. “He’s a good guy. He’s been dicked-around with enough, and he deserves someone who will treat him right. Break his heart, I break your face.”
The power of her words sent me back a step, and I gulped while nodding. “Got it.”
“Good.” The playfulness in her eyes returned, and she exhaled a breath. “And seriously, don’t wear those fishing tomorrow night,” she said, pointing to my shoes.
“Okay,” I said on a sigh, grateful she didn’t look ready to kill me anymore.
I was going fishing with Jake. And I really had no idea what to wear.
CHAPTER TEN
Jake
After slamming my truck door, I pulled out my phone, clicked on Jo’s contact and typed a text.
I am going to kill you.
When I looked back up into the window of the Ox, I saw her smiling out at me before she looked down. A moment later her response popped up.
Get over it. Time to get back in the saddle. You’ll thank me later.
What the hell was everyone’s obsession with getting me “back in the saddle?” My horse had bucked me off. Hard. Sometimes people got bucked off horses, realized it was stupid to do something that could get them killed, and never got back on again. Maybe I wanted to be one of those people. Those smart people. But when I looked back up into the window, I saw Cassie walk past in that dress and my stomach dropped to my feet again, just like it had when I saw her.
Sure, she looked out of place at the Ox in that slinky red getup, but I was certain my heart wasn’t going to restart when I’d clapped eyes on her. Every incredible curve of her body was on full display and all I could think about was what she would look like without it. Even though I’d tried with every damn fiber of my being to ignore those feelings brewing inside me, her persistence and the way those eyes looked straight through me were like an icepick tapping away at my hardened heart. As quickly as I could patch an exposed hole, she made another.
Pick.
Pick.
Pick.
I still hate you. I typed back to Jo then started my car.
The kissy-face emoticon popped up just before I pulled out. Tomorrow I was taking Cassie fishing, and I already regretted my decision. Sitting across from her in a car or at the bar was hard enough. Spending an evening with her alone? Even my solemn vow to avoid women at all costs risked faltering under those emerald eyes.
The next night I tossed my extra rods in the car and whistled for Hank. He galloped up to the truck and launched himself inside when I opened the door.
“This is such a bad idea,” I said to him while I closed him inside. “Can you believe I let a woman talk me into a date with a... woman?”
Hank gave me a slobber of solidarity. After climbing into the driver seat, I looked at the glowing clock on the dash. Five fifty-five. I was less than one minute down the road from her, but I didn’t want to be late. But just before I tossed my truck in drive I paused. Being early wasn’t a good idea either. Not only did I not want her to think I was eager, but Nikki always bitched me out when I was early. She always needed more time to get ready.
Nikki. Just having a flash of her face invade my mind had me ready to storm back in the house and forget this whole damn thing. It wasn’t even that I was still in love with her. Hell, I didn’t know if I’d ever really been in love with her. We’d just been together so long. Pretty much my whole adult life was spent in a relationship with
Nikki, except for the half a dozen women I’d dated between Nikki’s disappearances and abrupt returns to my life. I knew I was her fallback, the security blanket that covered her up anytime things went bad. When she’d flunked out of college, when her boyfriend had cheated on her, that time she’d gotten fired from her first job. Each failure sent her flying back into my arms.
And I’d been too stupid to keep them closed.
Each time she came back crying, my resolve to avoid her for eternity would weaken and I’d forgive her, unable to be the cause of her tears. And this last time, I thought maybe, just maybe, if I married her, we could stop the Ferris wheel of hell that had been our relationship. Up, down, on, off. I’d hoped that diamond ring would strap her in, and we could settle down and start the family I’d always wanted.
I knew better. I did. But when I got the call she’d been spotted going home with Matt my entire world shattered. It wasn’t just the cheating from Nikki, again. This time she’d stolen something irreplaceable from me. My best friend. My brother. But knowing what she’d done to me... how she’d humiliated me, there was no way I could go through that again. Yet here I was about to take Cassie fishing and unintentionally throwing myself back out there again.
Putting my heart on the line right along with my bait on the hook.
The clock struck five fifty-eight, and I knew it was now or never. Even though she looked good... damn good... I hoped maybe we could be just friends. Jo was an attractive woman, and I’d never had feelings for her, so maybe, just maybe, I could think of Cassie like I did Jo.
“This is it, Hank. If I start looking interested in her, bite me. In the balls.”
Hank clamped his mouth shut and tipped his head, his big ears lifting while he tried to interpret my words.
Tossing the truck in gear, I pulled down my winding driveway, turned left, then drove the twenty seconds to her gravel drive. When I made it to the end, I saw her big beast of a car parked in front of the house. It still made me chuckle every time I thought of her driving around in it. She must have been quite a sight last night in her fancy dress rumbling through Baileys Harbor in that car.
The front door popped open while I put it in park and Cassie stepped out. A relieved sigh slipped past my lips she wasn’t wearing that dress that could unravel every strand of my resistance. But those tight jeans and t-shirt still had her looking so good I almost backed straight down the drive.
Go to the door and get her. I heard my father’s voice scolding me and even though this wasn’t a date, manners dictated I go up to the door.
A little wave greeted me while I climbed out of my truck. Hank hopped out behind me and his big, awkward strides sent him galumphing toward her.
“Oh my! He’s huge! Is this your dog?” Cassie said while he bounced circles around her.
“Yeah, that’s Hank.” I stepped onto the porch.
The little creature she called a dog raced out of the house between her legs and yapped at Hank.
“Poppy! Oh, my God! Poppy!” Her panic was palpable as she tried to snatch her up. “Don’t hurt her, Hank! Poppy!”
“He won’t hurt her,” I calmly stated, furrowing my brow at the panic sending her in circles after the little dog.
“She’s not on a leash! And she’s never even been to a dog park! Don’t eat her, Hank! Poppy!”
“He’s fine, Cassie. Just let them meet. Hank. Sit.” Hank sat down and cocked his head while Poppy pounced around him. Mimicking his calm demeanor, I stood at his side while her dog settled down. The only one still frantic was Cassie.
“No, Poppy! No!” she screeched when Poppy leaned forward, a tentative touch bringing her nose to nose with Hank.
“Cassie.” I laughed. “He’s not going to eat her. Calm down.”
Poppy dodged Cassie’s next attempt at picking her up and her nervous barks transformed into playful yips. Hank looked at me for permission and I released him with a nod. Leaping up from his stay, he dropped onto his front legs and pushed his butt in the air. Startled by the sudden movement, Poppy skirted away, but then turned and faced him. His big tail wagged back and forth, and soon Poppy dropped down in front, mimicking his play bow.
“See, they’re fine. Just let them be.” I stepped to her side. Biting her fingers, she watched the two dogs frozen in a state of anticipation, each waiting for the other to make the first move.
“Are you sure he won’t hurt her?”
“Positive. He’s got lots of dog friends. Although, none of them are bat-squirrel crossbreeds.”
A sideways glare met my eyes and even though it was only a second, and without the full weight of her gaze, I almost toppled off the porch. Damn. This was going to be a long night trying to resist the feelings those eyes induced.
Hank popped up and took off racing through the yard. Poppy shot after him and soon a game of tag ensued, each dog taking their turn tearing across the yard after the other. Little barks of happiness came out of Poppy’s smooshed face, and Hank returned them with a big, loud ruff. The sound made Poppy turn and flee in fear, racing between Cassie’s legs.
“Are you hurt? Is she hurt?” Cassie picked her up and turned her in all directions, looking for injuries that didn’t exist.
“She’s fine. Aren’t you, Muskybait?” I scratched the little dog on the head.
“Her name is Poppy,” she corrected with a playful glare.
“Hasn’t Poppy ever played with another dog before?” Cassie shook her head, and I reared back in surprise. “Never?”
“No. I was too worried she’d get hurt.”
“Wow. Hank loves playing with other dogs. I’ve even thought about getting a second one just so he could have a buddy.”
Poppy wiggled in her arms, the shock from the big sound Hank made long forgotten.
“Poppy, hold still!” Cassie said, trying to restrain her.
“Just let them play for a minute. They were having fun.”
Worry furrowed her brow, then she gave in and set Poppy down. The little dog took off after Hank and the game of tag resumed.
“You’ve really never let her play with other dogs?”
“No. I was too scared. I’ve never even had her off leash outside. I’m trying not to freak out.”
“You gotta let her be a dog and have some fun, you know.”
“She’s not a dog. She’s a princess.” Her soft smile lifted those lips and when she looked at me, I felt her ice pick tapping away at my shell again.
Tappity – tap – tap. I wanted to take that damn pick and drive it so far into the ground the earth’s molten core would incinerate it.
“You ready to go fishing?” I asked, dropping my gaze to my feet.
“I think so. Am I dressed all right?”
“You’re not in stilettos like I was expecting, so I think we’re good.”
“Dick,” she teased, and I chuckled.
“You want to bring Poppy? Hank loves coming along. He eats the guts.”
Pulling a face, she shook her head. “God, no! I’ll be worried enough about myself. I don’t need to be worrying about Poppy falling in, too.”
“That would be bad. You know, with the Muskies and all. Since she’s—”
“Don’t say it,” she warned, fighting a smile.
“I’m just saying.”
“Well, don’t. Come on, Poppy!”
Her little dog ignored her and continued chasing Hank in circles. When she called again and got ignored, I snickered. “Hank, come.” After skidding to a stop, he spun around the returned to my side. Expectant eyes stared up into mine waiting for the next command. Poppy followed him onto the porch and Cassie was able to snatch her up.
“We’ve never really worked on the whole commands thing.” Cassie shrugged. “I like her to feel like she has freedom of choice.”
Pinching my brow, I shook my head. “I like him to stay alive and having solid commands he listens to does just that.”
“I suppose.” She sighed. “Let me just lock her up.”
<
br /> “Lock her up? Does she destroy stuff?” I asked, wondering how much damage a dog that size could do. When Hank was a year old, he’d eaten a hole through my wall and most of a couch. What could Poppy really do? Nick a shoe?
“I lock her in the bathroom with a big fluffy bed since it doesn’t have any windows. That way if a bear or a wolf or something breaks in, they can’t get to her.”
A lone eyebrow rose while I choked on my laughter. “What?”
She nodded, but I could see her losing her confidence in the decision under my stunned stare.
“You do know that’s insane, right? And we don’t have any bears or wolves for that matter. The only thing around here, besides Musky, that might take her are coyotes or maybe a hawk.”
“See! That’s why I lock her up!”
“In the history of Door County, no coyote or hawk has ever broken into a house and stolen a tiny dog.” I snorted.
“Really? You’re sure?” Those eyes searched mine and the child-like innocence inside them hammered away a little harder at my walls.
“I’m positive. She’s safe loose in your house. Where the hell are you from, anyway?”
Silence settled between us for a moment.
“Um, Chicago,” she answered then turned on her heel and went into the house. “Here you go, Poppy. You can be free in the house. Don’t get eaten. I love you.”
Peeking around the corner into her cabin, I watched her shower her dog with kisses. The state of the cabin surprised me as I looked around. Pink accents clashed with the brown and orange I imagined were there long before she moved in. The mismatched fabrics and colors made it look like she’d attempted to redecorate as best she could, and it only made her more endearing. Glancing to my right, I saw the open door to her bedroom and got a glimpse of the bed covered in soft pink blankets. While I wondered what she slept in, naked or maybe those cute pajamas I’d seen her in, the creepy owl lamp beside the bed made my eyes bulge.
“Ready!” she said, and I shook my head.
The Other Half (Door Peninsula Passions Book 1) Page 10
