Page 16 of Her Possessive Daddies

"Analyzing the clientele already?"

"Maybe." Her smile reaches her eyes this time. "Awfully young for a psychologist.”

"Twenty-four?"

"What about you? Lemme guess. Early 40s?"

"Now who's the analyst?" I take another forced sip of the drink. "Way too accurate, in my opinion—ouch. What gave it away?"

"The watch. Vintage Rolex. My- someone I knew had one similar."

The way she catches herself, the slight shadow crossing her face - there's a story there. But her shoulders are already tensing, so I shift topics.

"Smart and observant. Dangerous combination."

"Only to some." She shifts slightly, and the scent of sweet cherry reaches me. "Should you be worried?"

"Depends what you're looking for in my psyche." I tap the rim of my glass. "Though I'd rather hear your professional opinion on why anyone orders a Bloody Mary after sunset."

"Bold of you to assume there's logic involved." She turns to serve another patron, her curls bouncing as she moves. "Beer?"

"Make it two." The man points to his friend.

Her hands shake less now as she pulls the taps. The confidence suits her - brings out a spark in those hazel eyes. She slides the beers over, collects payment, then drifts back my way.

"So what brings a man in a three-piece suit to a speakeasy on a Tuesday?"

"Would you believe me if I said the ambiance?"

"Not with that drink in front of you."

"Caught me there." I push the glass aside. "Bourbon, neat. Let's see what you can do with the simple stuff."

She smiles as she pours with more assurance this time, her movements fluid. The glass slides across the polished wood with practiced precision.

"Better?" Those full lips curve into a sexy grin, and I'm surprised at how my body responds.

"Much." The bourbon burns sweet and smooth. "Though I suspect you already knew that."

A couple waves from the other end. She excuses herself, and I find my eyes following the sway of her hips as she walks away. The attraction hits unexpected and hard - something about her combination of nervousness and wit draws me in.

When she returns, there's a new bounce in her step. "Still analyzing me?"

"Just appreciating the view."

Pink tinges her cheeks but she holds my gaze. "Careful. A girl might get some ideas."

"Maybe that's the point." I lean forward, lowering my voice. "Though I should warn you - I'm terrible at subtle hints."

Her laugh, rich and genuine, sends warmth through my chest that has nothing to do with the bourbon.

Her presence pulls at something deep inside me, a feeling I'd forgotten existed. That sexy smile, that laugh, sparks a warmth I haven't felt since... hell, I can't remember when.

The bourbon glassempties too quickly. Other patrons filter out as closing time approaches, but I linger, savoring each moment of our easy banter.

"Last call." She starts wiping down the bar, but her eyes keep finding mine.

"Shame." I check my watch - one. Bar closes at 2. "Time flies."

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