“I’m not sure if I have clearance, but I’m still on his investigation. Let me work a few angles and see what kind of strings I can pull. It’d have to be without his lawyer present because if that bitch is in there, Lawson won’t say anything. Not that he will anyway. The bastard is smug and just sits there saying nothing during questioning.”
“I’ll make him talk.” I shrug when she looks at me. “Especially if no one is watching. I’ll make him fucking beg for his mother, and that bitch of a lawyer, too. He knows about my wife’s disappearance and I want answers.”
Cara nods slowly before a mischievous smile appears. “I think I like you, McCoy. I’ll see what I can do.”
“Thank you.”
“What’s your name, cowboy?”
I look around wondering who the leggy blonde is talking to. I don’t see anyone with a cowboy hat at the bar so she must be blind, which means she’s right up my alley because she won’t see how truly ugly I am.
“No cowboy here, ma’am.” I pick my pint back up and finish it off, signaling for Slick Rick to bring me another one.
“Well what would you like to be called?” She sits down next to me and places her large purse on the bar.
“Ma’am?” I question.
“You want to be called ma’am? Are you into cross dressing or something?”
It’s a good thing I didn’t have a mouthful of beer when she said that or she’d be soaked. Although, she has what looks like a nice rack and she is wearing a white T-shirt so maybe her being wet isn’t such a bad idea.
“What’s your name?”
“Penny,” she says in a sweet voice. One of the things I notice about her is that she’s sitting on the stool and not leaning into me, showing me the goods. Most chicks that come in here wear next to nothing for clothes so you can see everything they have to offer.
I look at her as if I’m inspecting her, but I stay focused on her face. Her eyes are light brown and her blonde hair frames her face. Her lips are definitely kissable.
“What?” she asks as a smile plays on her lips.
“Nothing. I guess I always thought that if I were to meet a Penny, she’d have copper hair, but you don’t, unless you’re not a true blonde.”
“Well there’s only one way to find out!”
I look at her inquisitively and watch as her cheeks turn bright red. I can already tell she’s not this forward, which I have to say I’m thankful for. I’ve had my fair share of women throwing themselves at me and it never lasts long.
“Wow. I … uh … yeah, I don’t usually talk like that, but my friends over there didn’t think I’d be able to get your number if I just asked for it.”
I hold my hand out for her to take and when she does, I bring it to my lips and press them softly against her skin. Her eyes turn dreamy and she sighs. I can’t help but smile before pulling my lips away.
“Let’s start over. I’m Tucker McCoy.”
“I’m Penelope Kolowski.”
“Penelope, what a beautiful name.”
“To go with a beautiful woman?” she asks.
I shake my head, but immediately realize my mistake. No man should ever tell a woman she isn’t beautiful.
“Beauty isn’t only on the outside. Everyone can make themselves pretty with hair and make-up, but it’s their character that counts the most.”
“Wow, what do you do for work? Do you write Hallmark cards or something?”
I shake my head once again and look around the bar. It’s filled with Navy personnel, but mostly SEALs and officers.
“I’m in the Navy.” I leave out the part about me being a SEAL. Most women think it is a glamorous life when they truly don’t understand what it means to be involved with a SEAL. We’re gone at a moment’s notice. It doesn’t matter if it’s at the beginning of family dinner while meeting her parents or about to blow your load. You get the call you go.
Her mouth forms an O and I’m wondering if she knows what that means.
“You know you’re less than a mile from a Navy base and this bar is known to cater to SEALs, right?”
“No, I didn’t know that. I’m in San Diego on vacation and my friends said this bar is the place to be.”
Leaning to the side, I look over at her friends and wave. They giggle and whisper amongst themselves.
“They’re cute, your friends. But yes, you’re in a Navy bar and most women come in here to pick up a sailor.”
“And a SEAL, apparently.”
“Looks that way.” I wink at her and watch as she blushes uncontrollably. I find it cute that she doesn’t know anything about SEALs. I would’ve been turned off immediately if she did. “Why don’t we take a ride down the coastline? It’s a nice night and I’ll have you back before your friends are ready to leave.”
“How much have you had to drink?”
“Just one beer.”
She looks over at her friends once more and back at me. Her lower lip is pulled in between her teeth, causing me to caress her lip away from the hold they have on it.
“Okay,” she says almost breathlessly.
I throw a few bucks down on the bar and yell at Rick, “If I’m not back in two hours with her, tell Archer to hunt me down.” I wink at Penny as I take her hand in mine and lead her out of the bar.
“Have you ever been on a motorcycle before?”
She shakes her head. After climbing on, I help her onto the seat behind me.
“Don’t worry, I’ll go slow.” I pull her arms forward and wrap them around my waist.