Meagan (I Dare You Book 3)

by Jennifer Labelle

  “That’s not all. You don’t ever grab a lady like that in my presence, and especially not in my bar. She also told you that she wasn’t interested, so I suggest you take her advice and sleep it off. She’s my employee, and therefore I look out for what’s mine, you got it? I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt because I haven’t had problems with you before, but this shit better not happen again. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Crystal.” Greg narrowed his eyes when he looked at her again. Brett and Dave stepped forward to escort him to the door, and she hoped that was the end of it.

  “Are you okay?”

  “A little embarrassed again.” She smiled shyly once she faced him and nodded. “But yeah, I’m good. Thank you for stepping in. I mean, I could have handled it, but I’m glad you got here when you did.”

  “I’m glad, too.” He shook his head. “Meagan, Meagan, Meagan, what am I going to do with you? It seems you embarrass easily, yet I kind of like it.” He winked. “But I meant what I said. I don’t tolerate that kind of BS, and I hope it hasn’t scared you off. We get the occasional flirting here and there, but it’s rare that problems occur.”

  “I don’t scare very easily, but thanks.”

  “So you’ve said.” He smiled. “And you’re welcome. I think I’m going to like having you around.”

  “Good, because I kind of like being around,” she said in a teasing tone before she left him standing there so she could finish up.

  * * * *

  “Okay pony up.” Ashley jumped up on the stool next to Meagan, and Coop watched them giggle. It was nice to see the two of them get along so well. He’d watched Meagan almost all night to make sure she was making out okay. Hell, he’d been watching her as much as he could since she had walked into his life on Tuesday night. God only knew how he’d picked her out in the crowded bar, but as he’d stood there performing, he had felt a pull as soon as she’d walked through his door.

  She was exotic, beautiful, sweet as hell, and she had this almost innocent quality that he wanted to corrupt. Okay, maybe that wasn’t the right word, but he definitely wouldn’t mind showing her a thing or two. She was the total package. He was prepared to be good, though, knowing she wasn’t ready for anything he was prepared to give right then, but that didn’t change the fact that he still wanted to get to know her. There was some serious chemistry between the two of them, and he knew if he was patient enough, she might change her mind eventually.

  Meagan reached into her pockets and piled a wad of paper on top of the bar, and suddenly the laughter got louder as Ashley added hers to the pile and sifted through it.

  “A penny for your thoughts?”

  Coop smiled as Cory approached him, “I was just thinking that Meagan’s going to work out around here after all, and I’m glad Ashley seems to like her.”

  “What’s not to like?” Brett teased him again, making Cory chuckle. The three of them turned to look at the two women sitting across from them again.

  “Watch it.” Coop decided to take the focus off himself. “I can’t believe that asshole tonight, thinking that he could come in here and grab at her like that.”

  “You mean Greg? Don’t sweat it. I think he got the message loud and clear. He was a little pissed off when we threw him outta here tonight, though.”

  “Good,” Coop said, with eyes on Meagan again. “Now what do you say we go see what all that giggling is about?”

  “Man, you got it bad.” Brett snickered, and Cory chuckled again.

  “Oh my God, Meagan, look at all of these…”

  “Are there any in there you recognize? Because feel free to take your pick. I’m just going to put them in the recycle bin anyway.” Meagan shrugged.

  “That’s probably what it is. You know, not only are you beautiful, but you’ve got that hard-to-get, I’m not interested thing going on, and everyone wants what’s just out of reach.”

  “If you say so.” Meagan laughed. “Thanks for the compliment, I think.”

  Before Ashley could comment, Coop interrupted. “I think she’s got you there. What’s all this?” He gestured between them.

  “Looks to me like our girls here are popular.” Brett whistled and took a look at the heap in front of them. “They’re phone numbers and little love notes. Damn, Coop, they’re almost as popular as we are.”

  Coop chuckled. “Can you blame them?” he said teasingly, and Meagan blushed again.

  “No, I can’t.” Cory leaned over to wipe the bar clean, including the pile of numbers and notes. Two handfuls went into the recycling bin. Coop smiled wide and enjoyed the temporary show.

  “What the hell was that for?” Ashley jumped off the stool, her hands balled into fists, and then rested on her hips to wait for an answer.

  “From what I understand, Meagan isn’t interested, and you don’t need any man’s number either.” Cory shrugged, and Ashley became angrier. If looks could kill…

  “And how would you know what I need?”

  “How about I show you instead?” Cory jumped over the bar and stood in front of her. “We’ve been dancing around each other for months, and I’m sick of waiting. Fuck that we work together. Let’s take this friendship to a whole other level, honey. But be forewarned I’m not the sharing type of guy.”

  Her fists loosened at her sides, and Coop could pinpoint the exact moment Ashley turned to putty right in Cory’s hands. Everyone was silent as they watched the exchange.

  Cory continued. “Now I’m going to kiss you, and then I want to go home and make you forget about those phone numbers and any other guy who set his sights on you. I’m going to finally make you mine.” The last part was a whisper before their lips finally locked in a passionate kiss.

  Coop looked down to see that Meagan had the same goofy smile on her face as he did on his. It was great to see Cory and Ashley together. He had watched them fight their attraction for quite a while and was glad that Cory finally manned up and did something about it.

  “Oh my God, they are so cute together.” Meagan sighed as she gestured toward them and looked up at him with such a beautiful smile.

  Everyone else seemed to disappear, and it was just the two of them all of a sudden. He reached down to caress the side of her face with his hand. Her skin was so soft and inviting, he pushed his luck some more once his thumb made its way to her chin, not stopping until it touched her plump bottom lip. He nearly groaned.

  But then Mike cleared his throat and he snapped out of it. Dave patted Cory on the shoulder, interrupting Cory and Ashley’s kiss, and Brett grinned bigger than Coop had ever seen him do before. Only Brett was looking at him with Meagan, not Cory and Ashley. Bastard. I’m never going to hear the end of it.

  He stepped away from Meagan before he took up where he left off, knowing he’d take it further and taste those tempting lips next time. He clapped his hands together and approached the couple. “Congratulations, you two. It’s about time Cory wised up and saw the good thing he had right in front of him for so long, but I suggest you two get out of here before your PG display turns into an R-rated flick, yeah?”

  “Good idea.” Ashley smiled and dragged Cory with her to the door. “We’ll see you all tomorrow.” And with a quick wave, they were gone.

  “I should probably get going, too. Same time tomorrow?” Meagan cleared her throat and stood. She reached behind her to put on her jacket and grabbed her purse.

  “Same time tomorrow,” he repeated. “Will you be all right to get home on your own? It’s pretty late.”

  “The house is only five blocks away, but Nathan insisted I take my car anyway. I’m parked just outside the door, so I should be just fine.”

  Coop nodded while he watched her approach the door behind him. She stopped on the way and placed her hand on his shoulder. “Thanks again,” she whispered, and turned one last time to wave good-bye to the rest of the guys before she left.

  He looked forward to the next time he saw her again, period. Meagan Morales was full of surprise
s and very intriguing. She was beautiful inside and out, and she brought out his creative side. He felt a new song coming on and looked forward to writing down the lyrics she’d inspired. Maybe he’d play it for her one day, too, when the timing was right, but for now there was so much to look forward to.

  Chapter Five

  She’d been working at the bar for a few weeks, and it still amazed her how packed Tuesday nights where. Her feet were killing her, people kept bumping into her, and she was due for a break. The drinks were half-price, and Coop’s sexy voiced filled the bar. It was no wonder the place was so busy. Scantily clad women were trying to get attention while men were eager to give it. There were even a few groupies stuck to the front of the stage. Meagan bit her lip. Coop still maintained a respectful distance from her. Oh, there was a little flirting here and there, the occasional touch, and she knew the attraction was still strong between them, but it didn’t matter how much they had in common, or how much chemistry sparked between them, she knew he was waiting for her to make the first move.

  Not only had Meagan been burned by a past love, and he knew it, but he was also her boss, so he had to stay professional until he was sure she really wanted him for something more.

  The ball was in her court, and if she was being perfectly honest, she was finally woman enough to admit that she wanted him. She wanted him for so much more than her friend and boss; she wanted him for the man he was—hardworking, caring, talented, and completely gorgeous in every way. Over the last few weeks, she was well on her way to falling in love with him. How did that happen?

  She shook her head to clear her thoughts and deposited her next drink order for Cory to fill. Nathan, Heidi, Rafe, and Zoey were there tonight, and as soon as she could, she’d stop by their booth and say hi.

  “Here you go, Meagan,” Cory said, and he placed the drinks she’d ordered on her tray, plus a few extra bottles of water. “Lyric is about to go on break in a minute. Would you mind giving the guys these waters after your next table?”

  “Sure thing.” Meagan winked and gave him a smile as she walked away.

  “Here you go, gentlemen.” Meagan reached over to place a pitcher of beer in front of the guys at her next table, and she almost dropped their frosty mugs when one of them spoke.

  “Well, well, well, if it isn’t Coop’s little Meagan.” Greg sneered. “Careful, boys. This one’s a fucking tease.”

  “Whatever, dude. First of all, I’m not Coop’s anything. I just wasn’t interested in anything with you plain and simple. Now I’ve got a job to do, so what can I get for you?” Chuckles erupted all around the table, and Greg’s eyes narrowed. She’d seen him a couple of times since their first encounter, if you could call it that, and every time he looked at her, she could feel the hate rolling off of him. It was a little creepy, and she was seriously getting fed up with the unwarranted hostility.

  “I like the feisty ones.” Another one of his buddies moved closer, but she managed to step around him safely. Fortunately, unlike Greg, he hadn’t pushed his luck. She didn’t bother to reply.

  Instead, she decided to wave and take a few steps away from them. “Well, you guys think about those drink orders some more, and I’ll have someone here to check on you in a minute.” She hurriedly made her way to the stage.

  She hadn’t realized she’d been holding her breath until she met Coop’s gaze. He must have seen Greg talking to her, because he looked concerned. He maintained eye contact with her as the song ended, but as soon as he stepped off the stage, he was surrounded by a bunch of women, distracting him.

  Meagan smiled shyly as she walked past him and then hopped onto the stage to give the rest of the band their water bottles. “Thanks, babe. You’re a lifesaver.” Brett smiled before chugging half the bottle, and then pulled her into a hug after she tossed the remaining waters to the others, minus one—Coop’s, because he was still busy fending off his busty entourage.

  “Any time.”

  Brett chuckled and looked over at Coop. “Think we should help him out? I don’t know about you, but I could sure use some company later on.” He wiggled his eyebrows. “What do you say we let Coop off the hook? You bring him that water and lure him away while I reap the benefits of having a bunch of lovely ladies to choose from. He looks a little uncomfortable.”

  “Oh, you are bad.”

  “I am. You just let me know if you’d ever like a taste of a bad boy, and I’d be happy to oblige, my lovely Meagan. Hell, if I didn’t have so much respect for Coop, I would have already tried to win you over, but any fool could see that would be a lost cause. You two are perfect for each other. I just wish you’d both wise up to it.”

  “Thanks—I think.” Meagan looked over to the man in question and smiled as he mouthed the word ‘help’. “I believe Coop just gave us the cue to go ahead. Shall we?”

  “After you, beautiful.” Brett reached for her hand to pull her forward with him, hopped off the stage, and then cut in between the small crowd to deposit her right at Coop’s side.

  He immediately took advantage and wrapped his arms around her. Coop placed her in front of him and moved his face to the side of hers to whisper, “You’re a lifesaver. Have I ever told you that?”

  “Really?” Meagan shivered and decided to turn around and face him so that they were breast to chest. “Then hang on to your life raft and follow my lead.” He felt really good against her, and it was fun to play along.

  “I think I like were this is heading.” Coop smiled wide and winked at her. “I think I’d follow you anywhere, Meagan. Anywhere, any time.”

  Meagan smiled back, and a whiny voice interrupted them. “Hey, Coop, when you going to let go of her and come give me some of your attention?”

  Coop and Meagan both looked over at her. A busty, bleach-blonde woman stood in front of them feigning a pout. She had piles of makeup on and wore a shirt that was so tight it barely covered her doctor-enhanced double-D chest. Is this the woman he usually goes for? She’s definitely the rock star type. I am so out of my league here. She sighed.

  “What do you say, Coop?” She nodded toward Blondie. “She says she wants some of your attention.”

  “I’m kind of liking the attention I’ve already got.” His smile at her turned into full-blown laughter the moment Meagan turned her body around so that he was behind her again, as if to protect him.

  “Sorry.” Meagan shrugged. “He’s good where he is, and I’m not in the sharing kind of mood at the moment. So if you’ll excuse us.” Blondie huffed as they walked away.

  “Well, it certainly didn’t take her very long to move on.” Meagan let go of his hand as the other woman quickly settled in beside Brett. Meagan needed a little space between them before she did something stupid, like kiss Coop senseless right then and there. There was a time and a place for that, and she didn’t want to regret anything when it came to Coop. It hadn’t helped that she was skeptical still. Her previous experiences weren’t all that great, and she secretly wondered if it was all her fault. Get a grip, Meagan. Coop is nothing like David. “Water?” She held out the bottle and exhaled to settle her nerves.

  “It usually doesn’t.” Coop shook his head and smiled as they watched Brett work his magic on the women around him. “She’s a regular.” He didn’t elaborate any further where Blondie was concerned. “So what about you?” He looked concerned again. “I saw you talking to Greg. He’s not being an ass again, is he?”

  “He’s a natural ass, Coop, but not in the way you’re referring. He wasn’t bothering me. I was just bringing the table their beer and he happened to be there.” Meagan shrugged. “And now that you’re saved from your entourage, I think I’m going to head back to the bar and get Cory to give me a couple of Coronas. Nathan, Heidi, Rafe, and Zoey are here, and I’d like to see them before they leave.”

  “Why don’t you let me handle the drinks and go ahead to their booth? You’re due for a break anyway, and I don’t have to go back on stage for a few more minutes.” Coop reste
d his hands on each of her shoulders and stepped closer. “You deserve it. Besides, it also gives me an excuse to spend mine with you, too.” He leaned down to brush his lips across her forehead, and then stepped aside before he nudged her in the opposite direction toward the booth her family occupied. “Go on. I’ll see you in a minute.”

  Meagan could still feel his lips on her as she walked away. He had kissed her. Not the way she wanted him, too, but it was a start. His soft lips felt better than she’d dreamed of, and she couldn’t imagine how good they would feel pressed against her in other spots. Okay, she definitely could, but now wasn’t the time to fantasize. One thing was for sure: something needed to happen between the two of them, and soon.

  When she approached the booth, Nathan and Rafe were nowhere to be seen, but the two women were hard to miss. A pretty shade of red hair faced her, and Meagan watched the open display of love between the two women kissing as she slid in the booth unnoticed. Their bodies were pressed together with such a passion it was beautiful. Teeth nipped playfully and tongues entwined in a dance as they tasted each other. She sighed loudly, and the sound broke their spell.

  Heidi and Zoey both smiled as they turned to her. “It’s about time you came to see us. I was beginning to think we were being ignored.”

  “Never.”

  “So what’s with the long sigh?” Zoey asked. “Is everything okay?”

  “Just peachy.” Meagan smiled. “I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I envy what the four of you have, and I guess I finally long to find that kind of passion for myself.”

  “Really?” Heidi squeaked with delight, and it made Zoey and Meagan laugh. “You’re finally ready to ‘spice it up’?”

  “I can take a guess, but I’m going to ask anyway. Who’s the lucky guy?” Zoey teased her.

  “Is it that obvious?” Meagan rolled her eyes but chuckled as she leaned back to get comfortable.

  “Oh yeah, I could tell from the first moment you walked into this place. Coop’s a great guy, though, so what’s not to like? And the two of you seem to get along pretty well.” Heidi playfully elbowed Zoey, who wiggled her eyebrows.