He kept himself busy all day, stopping only at the last minute to shower and change. When he pulled into the parking lot, he almost decided to turn around. Sheer stubbornness pushed him forward on legs that seemed a bit shaky.
He opened the saloon doors and stepped inside. The crowd had been steadily growing since the refurbishment of the bar and the initiation of poker night, so it was packed. The article in Good Food & Fine Spirits would hit next month, and he anticipated even more growth. His gaze went immediately to the bar, but Raven wasn’t there. Swallowing back the lump in his throat, he caught sight of Charlie in one of the booths. She waved him over.
He slid in opposite her and forced a smile. “Hey. Good to see you.”
“You too. I figured I wouldn’t bug you till the deck was finished. It looks amazing, by the way. My aunt and uncle are really happy.”
Pleasure cut through him. Knowing his work was enjoyed and appreciated always reminded him he was lucky to have found his calling. Glancing again at the bar, he admired the gorgeous lines and polished bronze. Remembered how she’d brought him lunch and they’d talked while he worked. He couldn’t look at the poker tables, because all he thought about was their first kiss by the shed, under the stars.
“Dalton? You okay?”
“Sorry. Had a long day. You look great.”
“Thanks.”
She did look great. Her looks were all natural, from the streaky straight strands of hair that fell to her shoulders to her wide hazel eyes. Her lips were pale pink and perfectly formed. She wore a cropped purple top with ANGEL scrolled across her breasts, and ragged denim shorts that seemed extra short. On another woman, he’d say she was trying too hard, but there was something down-to-earth about Charlie he immediately liked. As she chattered animatedly, he began to relax and enjoy her conversation, realizing she seemed to know a lot about architecture and photography, along with renovating houses.
Amanda stopped by their table. “Hey, Dalton. How are you?”
Her gaze was full of curiosity but not hate. Had Raven told her what happened? Or did he not mean as much as he’d originally thought, so she hadn’t even mentioned him to her staff? “Good. How about you? Al?”
“Same. We’re getting busier, though. Must be your work on the bar.”
Charlie swung her head around to study the bar. “I didn’t know you renovated the bar! My God, it’s an antique. I’m drooling.”
Amanda looked at Charlie with a reserved expression. Her voice was clipped and not her usual friendly tone. “What can I get you?”
“Sweet potato fries and a veggie wrap, please,” Charlie said. “Is Raven making those key lime martinis?”
“Yep.”
“One of those, please.”
Amanda turned to him. His stomach flipped, and he forced the words out. “Umm, just a beer with some chips and salsa.”
“Raging Bitch, right?”
He winced. “Yeah.”
“Got it.”
She turned and walked away.
“So you know Raven? You did the matching stools for the bar, also?”
“Yeah.”
“Nice. Her cocktails are a work of art.”
He cleared his throat. “Yeah. So have you found a place yet?”
“I have. Renting a studio close to the harbor. It’s a bit pricey but worth it. I can walk everywhere and get to know the residents. I think it’s key to building a reputation in a community. Word of mouth is the best way to gain referrals.”
“I agree.”
“I also have an interview set up with Pierce Brothers next week, along with one for Stanton Builders.”
“Stanton doesn’t like their employees working on the side. If you like rehab, you’ll want to be able to pick up jobs you’re passionate about. Just a heads-up.”
“Good to know.”
Amanda came back with their drinks and food. A loud shout echoed from the bar, then a round of enthusiastic clapping. He froze, then slowly turned.
She was there.
Leaning over the bar, elbows propped up, she delivered a stinging rejection to the guy trying to hit on her. The men surrounding her went wild, and in her usual move, she offered him a shot of whiskey for having the guts to try to pick her up.
Dalton stared greedily, devouring her whole with his eyes. Her hair was clipped back—she must be serving tonight. The black tank emphasized the small curves of her breasts, and her jeans fell under her hips an inch lower than usual. Had she lost weight? She was smiling, but there were lines etched around her eyes, as if she hadn’t slept in a while. The diamond nose ring caught the light as she turned her head. Her tat flashed past his vision—the droplets of blood from the sword reminding him of how his tongue would trace each individual dot, as if his kisses could ease the pain it symbolized. Her fingers flew in an elegant dance he knew so well as she poured and mixed and joked with her customers. The earthy sensuality was so much a part of her, she didn’t notice the lustful, longing glances from every man seated at her bar.
But he did.