Bare It All

chapter THIRTEEN

THE FOOD SUCKED. Another thing he’d address once he got all the legalities out of the way. Not that he’d expected much from the bar, at least not in the way of food.

Leaving the dry crust of the meager sandwich on his plate, Rowdy finished off a pickle, the last chip and turned on the stool, elbows back on the bar, to peruse the room. Right now, it wasn’t that busy. But he knew, despite the lack of ambience and finer amenities, they’d soon have a crowd that would stay ’til closing.

Hard-core drinkers liked a dive as much as, sometimes more than, an upscale joint.

Once he took over, he’d keep it casual, Rowdy thought. At fifteen-hundred square feet, the building had enough room to add a few things, like billiards and a jukebox, especially once he got rid of the pole dancing. He’d offer the ladies, all three of them part-time, full-time positions instead. Once fixed up, the parking area would be big enough for eighteen cars. The adjoining parking lot, with another twenty spots, had proposed a reasonable agreement for usage.

He planned to offer affordable drinks with a limited but fresh menu. A variety of sandwiches, maybe chili, a soup of the day, fries.

Few came for the food.

But if he opened earlier in the day, that could change. And why not? He’d already looked into the liquor license. Might as well ensure he had a food permit, as well.

First he’d have to pass the background check that came with the liquor license. The idea of someone poking around in his private life, even in a cursory way, sent itchy alarms down his neck. He had nothing to hide—nothing, that is, that should prevent him from keeping the license.

Rather than continue stewing on things he couldn’t change, Rowdy searched the room until he spotted Avery. Far as distractions went, she was perfect. He watched her and knew she made a point of not looking at him.

Too bad.

He didn’t want to go home alone. Not tonight.

Some nights were just like that.

Restlessness gnawed on him, amplified by old memories. He needed to be busy, but right now he had nothing more to do. Unfortunately, doing nothing alone was not the same as doing nothing with someone.

Anyone.

But preferably Avery.

She strode past him on her way to the kitchen. Rowdy stopped her with a hand on her arm. And just that, such an impersonal touch, sparked a fire inside him. He stayed silent, enjoying the feel of her smooth warm skin.

The skin of her...arm. God, he needed to get laid.

Pausing, she looked at his hand, then up to his face. “How was your sandwich?”

“Stale bread.”

“I’m not surprised. Our so-called cook doesn’t know his butt from a biscuit.” She leaned closer. “He’s not all that conscientious about cleaning either.” The whispered words sent her breath warm across his ear.

A shudder ran over him. He couldn’t wait to feel her breath in other, more interesting places. “When I take over, that’ll change.”

She leaned away to scrutinize him. “So you’re serious about that?”

“Already have it in the works.” As long as he passed the background check. “I’m serious about you being the bartender, too.”

She chewed the corner of her mouth, considering him, then surprised him by dragging him away from the bar and toward a corner table.

He went willingly, curious what she’d do, what she had to say.

With privacy assured, she turned to face him. “In most places, the bartender is the most coveted job. So why me?”

Suspicion? He supposed she had reason. “You’re competent.”

“You barely know me.”

But I want you. Rowdy shook his head. “I’m a good judge of character.” And she had character in spades. “Bartending isn’t easy. Other than the financial management, it’s the most important job, so don’t think I’m doing you a huge favor.”

“I’m aware.” She held up a hand and ticked off points on her fingers. “You stand for hours on end. You get hit on in rapid succession, with the pushiest, most determined men also being the most inebriated. Drugs are rampant behind the bar. You have to have a great memory. You—”

He put a finger to her mouth—and somehow felt the touch in his dick.

Thinking of her mouth and his dick at the same time left him muddled. He had it bad.

Shaking his head, Rowdy tried to clear the lust. “Back up to the drugs.”

Somewhat dazed, her plump lips still pressed to his finger, she stared up at him.

Maybe now would be a good time to kiss her again. Keeping her gaze locked with his, he eased closer.

Suddenly she blinked hard, drew two breaths and took a step back so that his hand fell away. “You didn’t know?”

A lost opportunity. He never should have hesitated.

“About the drugs?” Sure, he suspected. Drugs were a problem everywhere, in every bar. But specifically here? He didn’t doubt it. “Enlighten me.”

Instead, she pursed her mouth. “I don’t think so. You aren’t the owner yet, and I don’t want to cause a firestorm and then get stuck in the middle of it.”

“See, this is why you’ll make a great bartender. You’re circumspect.”

“I’m not an idiot,” she corrected.

Rowdy eyed her sedate clothing and approved. “As to getting hit on, I doubt most bartenders have to worry about that.” Avery, with her petite figure and that sweet face, would have her hands full fending off the drunks. “It’s nice that you dress in a way to discourage the hopeful.”

“You included?”

He ignored that. Damn it, he was hopeful. “And I assume you can learn the job?”

“Already know it inside and out.”

Fascinating. “I take it you’ve worked as a bartender before?”

“Last job, yep. And I tried to get the job here, but instead I ended up the barback.”

“Barback?”

“You know, the one who stocks the bar, keeps the ice bin filled, cuts up the fruit and garnishes, cleans the glasses....”

“I know what it is.” But it surprised him that she’d been hired for the position.

“For this place,” she added, “the barback also needed to supply protection for the bartender.” She lifted her shoulders. “I fell short in that category, so within three days I was told I had to waitress, which for the others also includes dancing that stupid pole. I refused that part, but I’m more competent than the others, so it’s allowed.”

Disbelief slammed into Rowdy. Someone had expected her to play bodyguard? Asinine. “What happened?”

“Which part?”

He growled his frustration. “The part where you fell short as protection.” He already knew Avery wouldn’t be caught sliding around on a pole for the delectation of drunks.

She hesitated some more. “How do I know this won’t go any farther?”

“You can have my word, if that counts for anything.”

For what felt like a lifetime, she studied his face. Rowdy resisted the urge to narrow his eyes in irritation. He was many things, most of them shady as shit.

But he wasn’t a liar.

Finally she nodded. “The drugs I mentioned? Well, some big guy—I think probably a supplier—came in on my third night, and he was really furious about something. Looked like he’d already gone up against a Mack truck, and he had his sights set on Dougie.”

“That’s the bartender here now, right?” Rowdy was familiar with the wiry, hyper guy usually serving up drinks. He had dark, thick hair held in a stubby ponytail, and sported a stud in one ear. Despite the foulness of the bar and the sketchy clientele, he smiled a lot.

“None other.”

“Someone came after him?”

“With a switchblade.” Avery shuddered. “And I was supposed to look out for him.”

The constriction of rage and concern had Rowdy straightening to his full height. “Some dumb f*ck actually expected you to go up against a blade?”

The language filled her blue eyes with censure. “Obviously I’m not physically equipped for a conflict like that.”

“You’re not equipped for a conflict with a pillow!” She was small and soft and—

Cutting off his observation, she said, “So I called 911.” Her mouth flattened. “Big mistake.”

The concern continued to throb inside him. “You didn’t get hurt?”

“I almost got fired!”

From this dive? Big frickin’ deal. Might’ve been doing her a favor. Except then he wouldn’t have met her, and now, having met her, he needed to have her. “I take it cops are unwelcome.”

“Very much so—because of the drugs as much as anything else.” She rubbed at her temples. “Dougie didn’t get hurt too much. A cut on his arm that required some stitches. Once I yelled that the cops were coming, the guy took off.”

“Thank God.” If the dude had turned his rage on Avery instead, they might not be here talking now. “Does he still come around?”

“The knife wielder? No. Disappeared.” She gave him another look. “You should really find out more about the inner workings here before you tie yourself to this place. I have a feeling that once you stop the drugs...” She fumbled midsentence, staring at him with those big blue eyes the color of the sky. “That is...you would put a halt to that, wouldn’t you?”

A tendril of her silky red hair drew his fingers. He toyed with it.

He wanted to toy with her. In bed.

“Count on it.” He would run a legit business even if it killed him. He didn’t particularly want to give the cops a reason to hang around either.

Avery slumped in relief. “Then I’m glad you plan to take over. And if you want me to bartend, count me in. I’d be more than happy to quit my second job.”

“Second job?”

“You didn’t think I supported myself working here, did you?”

There was a lot he didn’t know about Avery Mullins—but he wanted to find out.

“I’m better than Dougie, and more honest, so I’ll expect a raise over what he makes. But I don’t need a barback, so you’d still be ahead.”

He’d be protecting her, so he shrugged an agreement.

“You’re going to cause a ruckus, you know. There are a lot of regulars who get their supply from Dougie. They won’t like being cut off.”

Rowdy wondered if the drugs covered more than the recreational variety but didn’t want to entangle Avery further. “I’ll take care of it.”

She smiled, and her happiness stroked over him.

Still fingering that loose curl, Rowdy stepped closer, lowered his voice intimately. “Why don’t you come back to my place after work?” Wasn’t much of a place, but it had a bed, so...

Her eyes widened. As if she only then realized that he had her hair wrapped around his finger, she frantically freed herself. “Sorry, no.”

Rowdy fought back the expanding discontent. “Tomorrow?” Knowing what she’d say, he asked, “Day after?”

“I can’t, Rowdy. I’m sorry.”

Okay, time for straight talk. It was that kind of night, the kind where heading home alone wasn’t an option.

The kind where lousy memories crawled in and refused to quiet—unless he found a way to block them. So far, sex worked the best.

He stepped around Avery, cutting off her escape, and then casually—without threat—corralled her into the corner. “I’m taking someone home with me tonight.”

She made a face at his confidence. “So cocky.”

“I like it when you talk dirty.”

Swatting at him, she said, “You assume it’ll be that easy for you, huh?”

“With you? No. With another woman?” He shrugged. “But I’d prefer it be you.”

Something flashed over her features, something like indignation, disbelief. Maybe sorrow.

She lifted her chin. “And if it’s not me?”

He wouldn’t lie to her. “Then it will be someone else.”

Anger tinged with hurt narrowed her eyes. “Go on, then.”

When she hurriedly ducked away, Rowdy let her leave. He felt the loss even as he tried to deny it.

Screw it.

Eventually he’d win her over. He’d uncover her reasons for refusing, and he’d figure out a way around her objections.

In the meantime, he eyed his other options. A slinky brunette caught his attention. Her slow smile and approving once-over issued a sensual invitation.

Yeah, it was a hell of a thing, but he was male through and through. He wanted Avery, would have been happiest with her company—but he wasn’t immune to a raunchy sexual offer. Not if it’d get him through the night.

He started to move toward the woman when his cell phone rang. He pulled it from his pocket and glanced at the number.

Reese.

Blowing out a breath, Rowdy put his needs on hold and accepted the call. “Hey, Reese.”

“Rowdy. How’d it go today?”

Shit, shit, shit. Obviously Alice hadn’t come clean yet. If she had, Reese wouldn’t sound so congenial. Had Reese been delayed, or had Alice balked at sharing? “You’re with Alice now?”

“At the apartment, yes.”

Feeling his way, Rowdy asked, “What did she tell you?”

Reese let a beat of silence pass. “We didn’t do much talking before she...fell asleep.”

Asleep, huh? He checked his watch and saw that it wasn’t that late yet. Interesting. So the duty of a recap would fall to Rowdy.

Rubbing the back of his neck, he turned away from the brunette and moved to a quiet booth where no one could overhear him. “It’d be good if you were sitting down.”

Grim resolve sounded in Reese’s tone. “I’m outside with Cash.”

Away from Alice. Maybe that would be better. Reese would have a minute to collect himself before he confronted her. Alice personified frustration, but she had tender feelings. Rowdy wouldn’t want to see her hurt by angry words. “I suggest you brace yourself. It’s not good.”

A low curse, and then: “Tell me.”

Doing exactly that, Rowdy related all the details of Alice’s caper, leaving nothing out. With each word, Reese grew increasingly grave.

Rowdy understood. Ms. Alice Appleton had a knack for driving protective men insane.

When he finished the tale, Rowdy asked, “Are you going to wake her up for a chat?”

“As soon as Cash finds a spot suitable for his preferences.”

Picturing that helped Rowdy find a smile. “Your dog does like to smell every blade of grass.”

“Yes.”

The impatience he heard was almost funny. “Good luck, Reese. I have a feeling you’re going to need it.”

“Go f*ck yourself.” But then, being the fair sort, Reese added, “I appreciate this, Rowdy. All of it. If she’d been on her own today and something had happened—”

“She escaped unscathed.” How, Rowdy still didn’t know. Dumb luck, or...skill? “By the way, Alice is from the area. She was living here when she got kidnapped and moved back after she got away. I didn’t find out much, but apparently she was rescued by some mysterious vigilante with inconceivable connections.”

“It just gets better and better,” Reese growled.

“That’s all I have for now, but if I find out anything else, you’ll be the first to know.” After hanging up, Rowdy turned and found the brunette still waiting. She wouldn’t be a challenge.

She wasn’t Avery.

But she was better than sleeping alone on this disturbing night, with only his disquiet for company.

* * *

REESE STEWED IN turbulent silence. An early evening breeze blew over his face and bare chest, but it did little to cool his escalating temper.

What the hell had she been thinking?

Did he even know Alice? Did he know what she was capable of? How far she’d go?

What if she’d shot someone? Rowdy had said she’d been carrying her gun, but supposedly only Tasered the thug.

A f*cking thug. Supposedly a man capable of coercing a woman. A woman Alice had “rescued.”

His eyes burned, and his heart punched against his ribs.

What if the guy had overpowered her? She could be locked in a room right now, at the mercy of a brutal goon, and how would Reese have found her?

He’d stupidly thought she was shopping! His biggest concern had been Pepper’s influence.

Cash finally came loping back, his tongue hanging out, his tail wagging. Anxious to talk to Alice, to say God-knew-what, Reese decided to head in. Somehow he’d get to the truth, all of it, every second of her past and whatever she had planned for the future.

He turned with a long stride—and almost collided with Nikki.

“Hey there, Reese.” Dressed in heels, a tight miniskirt and a halter, Nikki looked dressed to kill. Smiling at him, she flipped back her long blond hair.

“Evening.” He tried to keep walking.

She blocked his way. “I haven’t seen you jog lately.” She stared at his slacks. Or more specifically, the fly of his slacks.

“I’ve been busy.” He was busy now.

Moving closer, she touched his right biceps. Voice throaty, breath tinged with alcohol, she whispered, “It’s a nice night, isn’t it?”

With his current mood? No, it was a piss-poor night. “Pleasant enough.” Locking his jaw, Reese tried to step around her.

Cash came up alongside him, sniffed at the hem of Nikki’s skirt, and she reacted as if a skunk climbed her leg. “Oh, my God, shoo! Get away.” She swatted at the dog’s face. Yelping, Cash cowered away in fear.

Furious, Reese knelt down to the dog. “It’s okay, buddy. She won’t hurt you.” Tail tucked, his body curled tight and his brown eyes sad and watchful, Cash huddled as close as he could get to Reese’s side.

Reese stroked his back, kissed the top of his head. “Shhh. It’s okay now.”

Nikki realized what she’d done. “I wasn’t trying to hurt him,” she explained. “It’s just...I don’t want dog hair on my clothes.”

Reese barely managed a nod.

“What’s wrong with him, anyway?” Nikki gave a nervous laugh. “The way he’s carrying on, you’d think I beat him or something.”

Regaining his feet, keeping one hand on Cash’s head, Reese stared down at Nikki. “He’s a rescue.” Repressed fury had him talking through his teeth. “Someone had left him for dead, so no telling what he suffered before that. Probably abuse.”

Again she chuckled nervously. “I’m sorry. Really.”

“If being near the dog is that big of a problem for you, avoid me when I have him out.” Preferably she could avoid him always. But he wasn’t quite rude enough to say that. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.”

“Reese, wait.” She put one hand on his bare chest, the other at his side right above the waistband of his slacks. “Really, I am sorry. I’ve never been around animals much, and I can’t say I’m a fan. But I would never deliberately hurt an animal. I’m not a monster.”

Reese believed her. Taking his bad mood out on Nikki wouldn’t accomplish anything. “Thanks.”

“Maybe I could...” She looked at Cash with loathing as her fingers stroked through Reese’s chest hair. “I could probably try to get used to him.”

“There’s no point.” Beyond common courtesy and social civility, he had no interest in Nikki.

“But Reese...” Her thumb touched his right nipple. “Let me make it up to you.”

“Yeah,” he said, catching her wrist with his free hand. “Let’s not do that.”

“Please.” She licked her bottom lip—and went after his nipple again.

How she thought that was going to help matters, he couldn’t guess. He looked down at Cash and found the dog watching with a wealth of expression. “I should get Cash inside.”

“But I want us to get along. You know I do.”

She wanted more than that, but it wouldn’t happen. “You’re on your way out, and you’ve been drinking.”

“Only a little.” She leaned into him, her breasts to his chest, his hand holding her wrist caught between them. “And I was just heading to the club. I’m happy to stay in if you’re...free.”

“I’m not,” he said as gently as he could. He suspected she operated under liquid courage. Sometimes two drinks could take away a lot of inhibitions or demolish good judgment. “And you shouldn’t be driving.”

“See.” Now she pressed her pelvis against him, too. “I should stay home with you instead.”

“Reese, there you are.”

Alice’s high voice startled him and Nikki both. They turned as one, and there she stood...barely dressed, her hair a little wild, her face pinched with antagonism.

Cash leaped toward her—and despite her obvious irritation, Alice knelt to receive him with a generous amount of petting.

Knowing how she felt about the dog, Reese was thankful she hadn’t been out during Nikki’s mishap.

Nikki looked at Alice, looked at Reese and turned back to Alice. “Well, well, Alice. You’re all out of sorts tonight.”

Standing with Cash at her side, Alice pushed her hair back. She’d pulled on a T-shirt, no bra, shorts and no shoes. “I’m fine.” She zeroed in on Reese, her gaze telling. “Are you coming in?”

If he went in now, he just might shout. Alice wasn’t a woman he wanted to shout at. At the moment, he wasn’t sure what he wanted to do with her.

Walking away wasn’t an option.

Reporting her antics to the authorities didn’t sit right either.

Making love to her until she moaned again... But, no. He had to deal with her recklessness first. He had to find a way to rein her in, to get to the truth, to uncover her every secret.

To keep her from getting into more trouble.

Nikki still clung to him—peeling her away wouldn’t be easy. Hopefully Alice would understand the circumstances.

He wanted everything from Alice, except jealousy or doubt.

“Why don’t you take Cash in with you?” He held out the leash. “I’ll be right there.”

She stood her ground with her narrow bare feet planted, the breeze ruffling her tangled hair.

She didn’t look at Nikki, and she didn’t take the proffered leash. In a chilly voice laced with steel, she stated, “I’ll wait with you.”

Great. Jealous regardless, and apparently ready for battle. Just what the situation didn’t need.

Nikki bounced her gaze back and forth from Reese’s frustration to Alice’s bold antagonism. Antagonism won.

Alice smiled, but it was not a friendly sight.

“Ooookay.” Twittering a laugh, Nikki eased away. “I think I’ll just excuse myself from this volatile domestic dispute.” She patted Reese on the chest—and Alice’s jaw ticked.

It fascinated him, this new aspect of Alice’s personality. Possessive. Forceful.

But then, sounding like her usual reasonable, kind self, she said, “Why don’t I call you a cab, Nikki? You probably shouldn’t be driving.”

“No need.” A car swung into the parking lot, and a horn beeped. “My ride is here.”

Reese turned to see a young man put the car in Park. He opened his door and poked his head out. “Sorry I’m late,” he called to Nikki. “Traffic.”

Tilting in against Reese, Nikki whispered, “Second best, but tonight, I’ll take it.” And with that, she strutted to the car, much to the delighted anticipation of her date.

“I think she’s drunk,” Alice said on a sigh, “so I suppose I shouldn’t take umbrage.”

Given the stunt she’d pulled today, what she’d gotten involved in, umbrage over a pushy neighbor should have been the last thing on her mind. “I can see your nipples.”

Alice looked down at herself with a distinct lack of concern. “I dressed in a hurry.”

Taking her arm in a gentle but firm hold, Reese started them toward the apartment. Cash trotted along behind, his trauma with Nikki temporarily forgotten.

He’d gotten them halfway up the stairs when Alice said, “I grabbed the first T-shirt and shorts I saw. No time for underwear.”

He tripped over his own feet.

“Besides,” Alice said, peeking up at him. “I was hoping I could talk you back to bed. No reason to get dressed for that.”

“Oh, no, you don’t.” Reese took the key from her and unlocked the door. “You will not distract me again. We have some serious talking to do.”

“About Nikki?”

Anger started boiling to the surface again. “No, not about Nikki.” After relocking the door, he went into the kitchen and fetched a treat for Cash. If this kept up, Cash would end up overweight. He’d have to get back to running—and maybe take Cash with him.

With the dog settled, Reese squared off with Alice.

She scowled up at him. “If I disappointed you, just say so.”

“Disappointed?”

“In how I did—” she gestured “—you know, in bed.”

Reese stared at her, distracted after all.

“You don’t have to drag it out,” she said. “Just tell me what I should do differently.”

Reese shook his head to clear it. Oh, he was definitely disappointed. At her lack of trust, at her irresponsible disregard for safety.

At whatever illegal caper she’d blundered into.

“That was one hell of a turnaround, Alice. One minute we need to wait because you aren’t ready, and then suddenly you’re insisting we go straight to bed.”

Confusion showed in her big dark eyes. “My boldness displeased you?”

“Hell, no. I loved it.” He’d fallen for it hook, line and sinker, not a single suspicion aroused. “The sex was amazing. You are amazing.”

Pleasure flushed her face, and she beamed at him. “Thank you.”

“But you shouldn’t have used it against me.”

Going blank, she asked, “Used it...?”

Reese crossed his arms over his chest. “I talked with Rowdy.” The words fell like a sledgehammer between them.

A silent gasp parted Alice’s lips.

A sick churning of regret and maybe hurt brought Reese within an inch of her, towering above her, crowding her with his size. “And now I know why you suddenly had to have me.”