by Gina Kincade
Grabbing her laptop, she fired it up. The screen lit her face in a low purple glow. Stretching her legs out across the couch, she rubbed Jabba’s belly with her toes and laughed as he swatted her foot. Bastien squawked, drawing her attention to him as he bobbed his head to the music, and danced around his large perch.
“Look at you, Stien, such a handsome boy.”
Focusing back on her laptop, Malea dove into the world she’d built around her characters and searched for what was missing. She loved them, and their story, which made it hard to pinpoint what she felt was lacking.
THREE HOURS LATER, Malea saved her file and closed her laptop. Setting it on the coffee table, she stood and stretched, grimacing as her shoulders cracked. She leaned over and kissed Jabba’s head, then patted Bastien gently before grabbing her cell and heading to bed. The phone rang as she moved up the stairs. Smiling at the name on the screen, she answered the call.
“Hey, Jenna. What’s up?”
“Was he a total douche?” Jenna’s lightly accented voice asked. She was a New Orleans’ native and had a smooth Creole drawl. It fit with her flawless, caramel-colored skin and jade eyes. She was a natural beauty. Malea tried like hell not to compare her pale skin, dark hair, and sapphire eyes to Jenna’s more exotic coloring, but it wasn’t easy to do.
“A rich d-bag,” Malea confirmed.
An irritated sigh reverberated over the line. “I knew it. He looked like a slimy, rich dick... I told you he was a waste of time.”
Malea laughed. “You tend to think most of the men I date are a waste of good air... but damn, Jenna, I need a man.”
“Well, Trent and I have tried to set you up a few times, but you always tell us no.”
“I know, but Jackson and Ollie aren’t good options. They’re Trent’s band mates, and I don’t want it to get awkward if it doesn’t work out.”
Jenna grunted. “Fine, super hot drummer and super hot guitarist aren’t good enough, but really, Malea, no one will ever work out... not as long as your heart still holds hope for what you left behind.”
“Don’t start, Jenna.” Malea did not want to have this conversation again. “I haven’t heard from him in years. Besides, we were never more than roommates. Well, we were friends, but that was it.”
“You wanted more,” Jenna pointed out.
Yes, she had. She was a stupid girl, smitten with a man who didn’t want her. It really wasn’t all that surprising. They had lived like they were a couple. Only, he had brought a different girl home nearly every week to warm his bed. They were who he shared his body with, and she was who he shared everything else with. And her heart had suffered for it.
“Do you know where he is?”
“Would it matter if I did?”
Jenna snorted. “Maybe you could get some closure.”
Sighing, Malea shook her head. “He doesn’t owe me closure. We were friends, that’s it.”
“I won’t push, but you should think about looking him up... He’s out now, right?”
Malea’s eyes squeezed shut. She hated to think of him behind bars, living a year of his life in a cold, concrete cell. “Yeah, he’s been out for three years, but you already knew that.”
“Well yeah, but are you sure he isn’t back in? It happens a lot... like sixty-seven percent of the time or something like that.”
“You totally pulled that number out of your ass.” Malea rolled her eyes.
“Maybe,” Jenna admitted. “But, if he were back inside, you could write to him again.”
“I could write to him if he’s out too... I just don’t know where he is.”
“Exactly, it’s easier to search the prison system than it is to search for someone on the outside,” Jenna said matter-of-factly.
“Can we just be done with this convo?”
Jenna laughed. “Yep, we can. What are you doing now?”
“Heading to bed.”
“Uhhhh... no, you’re not. It’s Friday night. Come to the bar, Trent and his boys are playing tonight. And they got a new guy on vocals. He’s amazing and super fucking hot too.”
Malea bit her lip... That was tempting. “I’m already in my PJs.”
“So throw some jeans on and get your perky little ass over here.”
Malea considered it, ten o’clock was still early, and most places were just waking up to the night life. “Alright, give me like twenty, promise not to try and set me up, and have a shot of Patrón waiting for me.”
“Ooh, it’s gonna be one of those nights, huh?”
“Yeah, now promise me.”
Jenna sighed. “Fine, I promise. It’s getting a little wild down here though, so fingers crossed something good happens to you tonight.”
Malea smiled and shook her head. She had no doubts that at least one of the parading krewes was partying at Jenna’s bar. That was a perk of a Bourbon Street location. Mardi Gras was the highest paying two weeks of the year for Jenna’s establishment.
Ending the call, Malea let her hair loose from the tie atop her head, traded her shorts for a pair of skinny jeans, her rhinestone-embellished tank for a plain black one, and a cropped leather jacket. Slipping her feet back into her black leather pumps, she called good night to her boys and headed out the door.
Chapter Two
Malea pushed her hair from her face as she hurried down the street, smiling and dodging the partying vacationers enjoying the Mardi Gras festivities, Fat Tuesday was just a week and a half away. Pushing through the glass door of Night Sinners, Malea instantly shrugged out of her jacket and headed towards a tall table where Jenna sat watching Trent and his boys do what they did best. Trent grinned as he caught her approach and flicked his gaze to the man standing front and center of the stage, filling the room with an impressive rendition of The Calling’s Wherever You Will Go. Folding her jacket and placing it on one of the empty stools, Malea sat next to Jenna and grinned at her friend.
“Okay, where did they find the hottie?”
Jenna smirked with an arched brow. “Thought you weren’t interested,” she said, sliding a shot of Patrón Silver in front of her.
Malea shot back the smooth liquid, not pulling her gaze from the lead vocalist on stage. With dark, shaggy hair and equally deep eyes, along with dark fitted denim, a tight black T-shirt, and tattoos covering his arms, he fit in with Trent and the others on stage pretty damn perfectly.
“Just curious where he came from.” It was kind of true.
Jenna snorted. “Well, Trent has been thinking of adding another singer to the band—he wants a little variety, and this guy sounds completely different from him—so he’s been haunting karaoke bars, of all places. Anyhow, he, Ollie, and Jackson found this guy last week and invited him to join the band tonight as a trial run. He’s pretty fucking delish, right? And, super sexy, belting out those lyrics.”
Malea nodded, but she stayed silent as Jenna slid another shot in front of her.
The song ended, and the band took a break. Trent descended on the two women, all the while grinning like a mad man. “Malea... do I want to know what she did to draw you out of your house on this crazy evening?” His chocolate gaze flicked to the newcomer.
Malea shook her head, holding her smile firmly in place. “She didn’t give me much of a choice.”
“Not our Jenna—she isn’t pushy,” Jackson joked, taking a seat across from her.
Jenna glared at him as everyone chuckled.
“So,” Malea said, drawing the attention from Jenna. “Who’s your new friend?”
Trent slapped the man’s back and grinned. “This is Josh. Josh, Malea.”
She stuck her hand out. His long fingers wrapped around her palm, and he smiled. “That’s a unique name. Not one you hear often.”
Malea nodded, forcing herself to pull her hand from his firm grip. “I suppose not.”
Jenna joined in the conversation. “So, Josh, what do you think of this ragtag crew?
Josh tilted his head and narrowed his eyes as if consideri
ng Trent, Ollie, and Jackson. “I think I could fit in pretty easily.”
“Agreed.” Jenna grinned, mischief playing over her smooth features. “He’d be a good addition to the group. Don’t you think so, Malea?”
Malea suppressed an eye roll. “Just what this band needs,” she muttered, her gaze sliding over the gorgeous group of musicians. “You boys are sure to draw the ladies in.”
She slid from her seat and headed towards the back of the building. Pushing through the crowded room, she stepped up to the long, polished bar, and flagged down one of Jenna’s bartenders. “Hey, Jimmy.”
“Hey, gorgeous. What can I get’cha?”
“I think it’s a bottle service kind of night.”
Jimmy’s gaze lifted to her table. He shook his head and pulled out a new bottle of Patrón and a bottle of Trent’s preferred whiskey.
Malea grinned at him. “Thanks, just add it to my tab... and I need shot glasses. Oh, and can you have one of the servers bring over some club soda too, please?”
Jimmy nodded, handing over a stack of shot glasses as Malea leaned in and kissed his cheek. The older man smiled at her. “You tease me, gorgeous.”
“I adore you,” she countered, and winked before heading back to the table with the bottles and glasses in hand.
Arching a brow, Jenna reached for the glasses, sliding one in front of each of them.
Malea smiled. “It’s on my tab tonight.”
“I wasn’t worried.” Jenna laughed and began pouring drinks for everyone.
Malea turned her attention back to Josh, who took up the stool next to her.
“So, aside from nights spent singing karaoke, and joining this lot of trouble, what is it that you do?”
Josh took his shot and smiled. “Construction... a buddy of mine and I own a construction company. We started out in California. I moved this way about a year ago, and I have been working to get us established here.”
Malea nodded. Construction workers were among some of the hardest working people she’d known. They often started early and worked late.
“What part of California?” she asked, reaching for the club soda that had just been set in front of her.
“Southern, Diego area.”
“I’m originally from northern Cali, near Frisco.”
Josh nodded and smiled. “It’s pretty different here. You like it?”
Taking another shot, Malea nodded. “I do. I miss my friends and family... but I needed a change.” She shrugged, looking off towards the empty stage.
“I know that look.”
Settling her gaze back on him, she shrugged again. “Been there, have you?”
He chuckled. “Haven’t most of us?”
“I guess. Mine was self-inflicted, though. So I eventually packed up and made the move. Thankfully, I work from home, so wherever I go, my job comes with me.”
“Mine was complicated, but the move was good for me too.”
Trent knocked his knuckles against the table, drawing everyone’s attention. “Break’s over, boys. The owner of this place is a real harpy when it comes to breaks.”
Jenna flipped him off, causing the others to chuckle. Josh smiled, took his shot, and followed the group back to the stage.
Chapter Three
“Jenna, don’t start.” Malea sighed as she layered more mascara on her long lashes.
“You can’t really blame me... You two seemed to hit it off last night.”
Shoving the wand back into the mascara tube, Malea tossed it back into her makeup bag and gave herself one last once over. Her hair was straight tonight, framing her face and highlighting her smoky makeup. Both went well with the pair of skinny jeans, black high-heeled boots, and black corset tank she’d chosen
“I’m coming by the bar tonight. That should be enough for now... That’s two nights in a row.”
Jenna laughed. “Whatever... Josh is bringing his business partner by tonight too.”
Malea arched a brow and couldn’t help but smile. For the first time in months, she’d had a good night and a worthwhile conversation with a man.
“Really?” She feigned surprise. He had mentioned the night before that his friend was coming into town and that he planned to make a stop in at Night Sinners.
Jenna laughed. “Like ya didn’t know. Now get your hot ass down here and charm the pants off that man, and I do mean get his pants off. You need to get ya some.”
Yes, she did.
MALEA BIT THE TIP OF the straw in her mojito. The table was lively with conversation, but she was focusing all her energy on not watching the door. She’d arrived at the bar nearly an hour ago and there was still no sign of Josh. She hated the disappointment she felt. She was being ridiculous, and she knew it. Sucking back what was left of her drink, Malea hopped down from her stool and reached for her jacket. Jenna eyed her as she slid her arms into the soft leather.
“Ahh, what’cha doin’?” Jenna asked.
“I gotta head out. I still have to finish up the manuscript I’ve been working on.”
“It’s early... He could still show.”
Malea smiled. “And you can enjoy having drinks with him if he does. I really gotta get this novel wrapped up. But I’ll try to come by next week, and if not, I will see you at the De La Fontaine Krewe Ball.”
Jenna grinned. “Did you get your costume yet?”
Smiling back at her friend, Malea nodded. “Lola finished my mask the other day... I just need to go pick up my dress and a few accessories.”
“Alright, go get your work done.”
Malea grabbed her purse and spun to head towards the door. Weaving through the crowd, she stopped as long fingers wrapped around her upper arm and gently pulled her to the side. Her heart skipped a beat as a familiar scent infused her. She’d remember the intoxicating aroma of Josh’s cologne anywhere.
“You’re not leaving already, are you?” His smooth voice wrapped around her as she turned to look up at him.
“In fact, I was just heading home.”
Josh pasted a rather adorable pout on his full lips, causing Malea to smile.
“Come on, stay for one drink, and I can introduce you to Ty. You can help me prove to him that there are at least a few normal people milling about the Quarter.”
Laughing, she shook her head. “You picked the wrong time of year to try and prove that.”
“Touché, will you help me anyway? Drinks are on me tonight.”
Narrowing her gaze, she considered the offer, far longer than it had actually taken her to decide to stay.
“Please?” he pleaded softly.
She smiled and tilted her head. “All right.”
Grinning, he gestured to the bar. She followed as he ordered a couple of drinks, and then led her over to the table. Trent, Jenna, Jackson, and Ollie still sat there, laughing and drinking.
“Changed your mind, did ya?” Jenna quipped as they took seats.
Malea caught Jenna’s green gaze. “I couldn’t say no to the pout he pasted on his lips.”
Trent laughed. “She’s reduced you to begging and pouting already?”
“Hey...” Malea feigned outrage at the accusations.
Josh smiled, leaned across the table, and pushed a drink in front of Malea. “Drink up, sweetheart. I said they were on me. And,” he said, swinging his gaze to Trent, “I pouted, because I need her help with Ty. I think she might be the perfect person to help convince him this is where he wants to stay and that there are plenty of normal people in the city.”
“I told him this was a bad time of year for that,” Malea noted dryly.
“No shit,” Jenna agreed.
“Well, it’s time to give it a try. Here he comes.”
Malea smiled and turned on her stool. The room faded around her. The music and voices were drowned out by the beating of her heart. The thump resounded in her ears and reverberated to her very soul. Piercing blue eyes captured her, held her, in the icy pools that created the intense gaze that bore down o
n her. Full lips curled into a smile, and the blond-haired god didn’t falter as his long strides ate up the distance that stood between them.
Malea slid from her stool, while placing a palm on the seat to steady her legs, as the past flooded her vision and captured her mind.
Nights spent curled up on the couch with her best friend. A man her heart loved of its own accord. She’d fought her draw to Tyler Wells for as long as she could, but the heart was a fickle muscle that was less than reasonable.
Malea remembered the night Tyler had been arrested, remembered asking him not to go. To stay and hang out with her like they always did on Sundays. However, that night, he looked at her like she had lost her mind and walked out of the door to meet with one of the many girls that often warmed his bed. Only this night, the girl was coming to pick him up with one of her friends. Malea got the call later that evening that he had been arrested and was in serious trouble for what was in the vehicle. She couldn’t bail him out, but she showed up for every court date and felt her heart break when he was sentenced to twelve months—a full year for something he had nothing to do with.
Tyler Wells had haunted her for years now. The letters had stopped when she packed up and decided it was time to move on.
Malea bit her lip as she watched him move closer with each swaggered step.
“Holy shit, Lea.” Tyler shook his head as he stopped only inches away from her.
“Tyler... Ty.” She laughed softly. “What the hell?”
“What the fuck is more like it,” he said, grinning as he wrapped his arms around her and lifted her against his chest, embracing her tightly.
