Page 20 of Reaper & the Lioness
A clean-shaven man wearing black glasses and a prospect cut approached the bar. His handsome, polished appearance felt out of place amongst the gruff crowd.
He flashed a charming smile. “Can I buy you a drink?”
His bright blue eyes raked down my body quickly before he offered a boyish grin. He couldn’t have been older than his mid-twenties.
“From the open bar?” I laughed. “Sure, why not? I’ll take another Woodford Reserve on the rocks.”
As he ordered our drinks from the bartender who’d been introduced to me as Leah, I studied him.
“I’m Tyler Grove. I don’t think we’ve met.”
“Eva,” I replied, shaking his hand. “I’m a consultant. Thane hired me. And I’m old friends with Rhetta.”
“Ah, the PR girl. I’ve heard about you.”
I offered a fake grimace. “Good things, I hope?”
Tyler laughed and stepped closer. He leaned casually against the bar. “Mostly. Some of the guys aren’t sure about you yet, though. You’re not what I expected.”
That piqued my interest. I tilted my head. “What did you expect?”
He took a drink as he considered the question. “Reaper has complained endlessly about having to shadow you. And Hatchet said you were all business, no fun.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’m plenty of fun. What about you? You don’t exactly fit the Maverick mold.”
Tyler chuckled. “I hear that a lot. I moved back to Texas after law school. Never thought I’d join, but here I am. My dad was one of the founding members.”
My eyebrows jumped in surprise. “You went to law school?”
Tyler shot me a self-deprecating grin. “Don’t be too impressed. I failed the bar exam. Twice. Now I’m working construction to pay the bills while I figure out my next move.”
As we continued chatting, I enjoyed Tyler’s harmless flirtation. The alcohol had loosened me up, and his attention was a welcome shift from my tense exchanges with Reaper.
Tyler wasn’t my type, but perhaps the old ladies were right. A no-strings-attached night with a biker could be fun—as long as they weren’t one of the business owners.
Tyler moved closer, his hand brushing a rogue hair out of my face. “Maybe I can take you for a ride. Texas looks better from the back of a bike.”
A flush crept up my neck. “I would love that. I’ve never ridden on a motorcycle before.” The whiskey made me bold, and I swept a hand across his forearm, tracing his nautical tattoo.
Before Tyler could form a response, a shadow fell over us. Reaper scowled as he glanced between me and Tyler. I dropped my hand and stepped backward, my heart thudding in my chest.
“Everything all right here?” Reaper growled, his eyes fixed on Tyler.
Tyler stepped back, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed. His easy confidence faltered under Reaper’s menacing glare. “Yeah, boss. We were just talking.”
Reaper’s jaw clenched. “Go talk somewhere else. Now.”
I watched in confusion as Tyler nodded and retreated with no contest. I turned to Reaper. “What the hell was that about?” My earlier good mood turned to dust. The nerve of this man.
His eyes met mine. “Just looking out for you. Tyler has a bit of a reputation.”
I crossed my arms. “I can take care of myself. I don’t need you to look out for me.”
His eyes roamed over my face, lingering on my lips. For a moment, I thought he might kiss me. Part of me desperately wanted him to. Another part of me wanted to throat-punch him.
Reaper leaned in. “You have no idea what you’re getting into here.” His voice sounded low and rough amongst the happy chatters of the partying crowd.
“Then why don’t you tell me?” I challenged. “Why did you chase Tyler away? I was having a good time talking to him. He was going to take me for a ride.”
