Page 99 of On The Rocks

He leaned his shoulder against the door jamb, one leg casually crossed in front of the other, his muscles straining against his dark blue tee as he crossed his arms over his chest and gave me a look loaded with pure sex. “Later, wife,” he shouted after me.

My pussy clenched.

Hubba hubba!

I waved enthusiastically, unable to tear my gaze away from my sexy husband.

His body jerked, and then he pointed and opened his mouth to say something else just as I marched smack-bang into something solid and warm.

Reeling backward, my arms began to wheel out at my sides as I tried to find my balance when a hand grabbed my shoulder to steady me.

“Careful there, pretty lady,” a deep voice warned, full of humor.

My eyes lifted to see the same man who’d turned up for us at the Kings of Anarchy clubhouse with Cash.

“Oh,” I cried. “I’m so sorry. I wasn’t looking where I was going,” then for some unknown, idiot reason, I continued talking, even though I should’ve shut my big mouth, “I was perving on my husband. He looked so damned hot I almost passed out.” My eyes rounded, and I murmured, “Oh God.”

The man, Abe, threw his head back and busted out a laugh. “Believe me. I’ve walked into many a wall or lamp post perving on my sexy wife, so I get ya, sweetheart.”

I grinned up at him. “Sorry.” Then I turned to give Callum a wave to show him I was okay.

Laughing softly, my hubby shook his head and grinned before giving me a chin lift and going back inside.

“Cal’s as smitten as you,” Abe murmured, smiling down at me fondly.

“Do you really think so?” I asked hopefully. “I mean, we’re a bit of an unlikely couple, but we get on well.” My gaze slid back to the door of the bar, then to Abe again. “We’re turning out to be a great team.”

“You two are lucky,” he said thoughtfully. “Could’ve gone the other way. Often, when two people are forced to be together, the resentment alone could pile on enough pressure for everything to implode. I’m happy Callum saw what he had in you. Sometimes, what you think will be the worst thing that can happen turns out to be the best. It did in his case, anyway.”

My body tensed, and my forehead creased questioningly.

Forced together?

What was he talking about?

“Ahh, there she is,” Abe declared, just as the bell rang over the door of the coffee shop and a beautiful lady walked out. She had long, stylish grey hair and a lovely smile that she immediately directed at Abe, but what struck me the most were her piercing turquoise eyes.

“Maeve, this is my wife, Iris,” he said proudly, pulling the woman toward him and sliding an arm around her waist. “Rissy, this is Callum’s new wife, Maeve.”

She stuck her hand out while grinning at me broadly. “I’ve been waiting to meet you. The girls,” she leaned forward as if she was about to share a secret, “and Atlas haven’t stopped talking about how amazing you are. You know he’s addicted to that cider you’ve brewed. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was an alcoholic.”

“Straight up,” Abe agreed.

“That’s amazing!” I exclaimed, shaking her hand effusively. “Well, not the alcoholic part, but the girls' part.” I jerked my thumb toward the salon. “I’m just on my way to see Tristan, Layla, and Cara now. My dress for our big opening night tomorrow has arrived.”

“Ahh,” Iris murmured knowingly. “And Tristan’s going to work his magic on all you girls, no doubt, not that you need it. Well, I’m sure I’ll hear all about your big night. It’s already the talk of the town.”

I cocked my head. “Are you not coming?”

“We’re a bit old for opening nights. We leave it to the younger ones, and anyway, I’m looking after all the kids. We’re having a massive sleepover. We’ve got baking and movies planned, and Abe’s helping the boys tinker with their bikes.”

“Sounds awesome.” I smiled.

“I’ll call Maureen to arrange a coffee morning, and we’ll catch up,” she suggested. “You can tell me all about yourself.”

“I’d love that!” I cried, glancing over my shoulder when I heard a familiar voice call out, “Cooooeeeeeee!”from down the street. Tristan stood at the door of the salon, waving at me. “Wine’s poured,” he yelled.

Turning back to Iris and Abe, I smiled apologetically. “Sorry, I better go. The hair genius is waiting for me.”

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