Page 12 of Clashing
My dry mouth fell open, but nothing came out, and once again, we were locked in a staring contest neither of us could break. Until Tammy, the waitress, hurried over, her sneakers squeaking on the floor. She gripped his arm, sparking a stupid bout of jealousy. Tammy whispered to him, and he nodded, his gaze never leaving me.
She stepped around me, and everything happened fast. Some guy came up behind Tammy, his hand going for her ass. Ryker intercepted it.
He snatched the man’s wrist, twisted his arm behind him, and slammed the guy’s head onto the bar. “You try to touch her again, you lose your fucking hand. Understand?”
My eyes widened. Gone was the playful Ryker from a moment ago. This was a different one, and he waspissed. Moisture pooled between my legs. Here I was feeling jealous when Tammy went to him for protection. How many times had he stood up for her?
The guy whimpered and nodded.
Ryker let him go and shoved him away from the bar. “Get the fuck out of here.”
The guy stumbled away until he was out the door. Ryker returned to his seat, and Tammy offered a timid smile.
“Thank you.” She rubbed her arms. “Sorry. I thought I could handle him.”
“Don’t apologize for his shitty behavior, Tammy. You can always come to me.”
“Thanks, Ryker.” She beamed, then returned to work.
“Did we get another asshole?” Dan asked, stepping through the kitchen doors. “I heard a ruckus.”
Ryker drank the last of his scotch. “There’re no shortage of drunk assholes, Danny.”
Worry lines creased Dan’s forehead. “Who?” His gaze landed on me.
“She wasn’t the target.” Ryker inclined his head to where Tammy was filling a beer from the tap. “Don’t worry. He’s gone.”
“Oh. I’ll check on Tammy. Sorry, honey.” Dan patted my shoulder. “I’ll chat with you in a minute.”
“Don’t worry about it,” I said. “You’re busy. I’m good.”
While Dan walked away, I processed what happened. Ryker was sexy and annoying but also kind of a sweetie? That wasn’t good. That wasn’t good at all. Soft heart under rough exterior? A deadly combination. I couldn’t think of anything to say, so I did what I did best—avoided it completely.
“You don’t call Tammy sugar.” I pouted.
That playful glint in his blue eyes returned. “No, Scarlett. You’re the only one getting that honor.”
I threw my hands up. “Why?”
“Because, sugar,” his lips quirked into a half-smile that sent tingles straight between my thighs, “you have such a sweet voice. Sweetest I ever heard. I can’t help but wonder, do you taste as sweet as you sound?”
Oh my God.He did not just say that.
He tilted his head. “Should I find out?”
Yes. No. Maybe.
My gaze dropped to his lips, which I wished weren’t kissable. I redirected my attention and found him fixated on my mouth as well. He reached under the bar and grazed my knee with his knuckles. I closed my eyes and focused on breathing. The contact disappeared, and when I opened my eyes, his demeanor changed. He angled away, eyes averted. I frowned until I noticed Dan approaching.
Ah, so he was also aware it would be a problem. Interesting.
“How’s the burger, Scar?” Dan asked, refilling Ryker’s drink without asking and adding more to mine.
“Good.” I picked it up in cheers. “Perfect.”
“So, what have you planned next weekend?” Dan wiped the counter.
I lifted one shoulder. “Nothing.”
