Page 89 of Score on You

“Absolutely. I’ll mind my business.”

“That’s what I thought.” He tightens his hold for several seconds before releasing the latest victim to his wrath.

“This is even better than I thought!” Bliss drips from Harper’s tone.

“It’s not nice to take enjoyment from another’s torment,” I scold.

“Oh, puh-lease. Ridge is a big boy. If he can dish out the roast, he better be prepared to have a serving. Besides, I didn’t encourage anything other than flaunting your newfound confidence. You’re radiant, babes. Comfortable in your beautiful skin. Own that shit.”

“She’s right. Sorry, sweetness.” Ridge rips off his hat, dragging a hand through his hair. “I’m a tad disturbed from these assholes objectifying you.”

Harper snorts. “A tad?”

“What do you expect? They’re acting like they haven’t seen a woman before.” He adjusts our position so my legs are framedwith his. “I’m crazy about you, love. Clearly. My emotions can run aggressive and get the best of me.”

Warmth bathes my entire face but I don’t hide from him. “I think you’re doing just fine.”

His thumb traces the flush staining my cheek. “My reaction probably isn’t attractive. Definitely not rational.”

On the contrary, and the tingles spreading through my lower belly confirm as much. But I can’t admit that in such a public space. “You’re defending my honor.”

Ridge smirks. “That’s giving me far too much credit for acting unhinged and possessive.”

“I don’t see it that way. You haven’t shamed me or made me feel bad for wearing a dress that’s revealing.”

“It’s your choice. I’ll never take that away from you. But these fuckers”—he blindly swats at the crowd—“can kick rocks.”

“Always protecting me, right?”

“And I don’t plan to fail.” Which has him boldly pointing at a man sitting across from us. “Are you attached to your eyes?”

The guy nods but doesn’t dare to speak.

“Then I’d recommend you take them off my future wife or I’ll remove them from their sockets for you.”

The man immediately averts his gaze like a chastised kid.

“Blatant pricks,” Ridge grumbles.

I squirm in my seat, slightly ashamed to be turned on in this situation. “Maybe I should go.”

He tightens his hold on me. “You’re right where you’re meant to be, sweetness.”

“Not sure your customers would agree.”

“They’ll get over it.” In the next instant, his thunderous expression strikes a guy sitting several spots down the rail. “Need an actual excuse to drool like a teething infant ogling a tit? How does my fist breaking your jaw sound?”

The man dashes out of sight before I can blink. Ridge is practically vibrating in place, scanning the room for anyone ballsy enough to test his nonexistent patience. One peeks over in our direction and an animalistic growl rips from my boyfriend. It seems the last straw has just been tossed down.

“Oh, shit.” Harper whips a white towel in the air while backing away. “Crusher is about to unleash the beast.”

As if scripted, Ridge leaps off his stool. The abrupt motion sends the seat crashing to the floor. But that doesn’t properly announce his upset.

“Everyone get the fuck out of my bar!” His bellow is loud enough to tremble the walls. “Roosters is closed.”

The place is empty in less than six minutes. I counted the seconds while herding disgruntled customers to the exit. Receiving a free drink ticket on the way out diluted their intoxicated attitudes. Garrett and Drake will regret leaving me in charge for the night. But that’s trouble for another day.

“Bold move, boss.” Harper backs toward the door. “I’m impressed.”

---