Page 2 of Don't Hurt Us
“Always.”I grin as I grab a beer for him and pop the top.
“Did she really expect you to believe she was twenty-one?She looks sixteen.”He peers over his shoulder at the girl.
“Apparently.She tried to pull the ‘Oh, I must’ve left my wallet at home’ routine,” I do my best impression of a breathy woman’s voice.
“Anyone else I need to keep an eye on?”He surveys the bar, taking in who’s here.
Colt’s an amazing sheriff.He doesn’t try to use his power to get anyone to bend to his will.He simply wants to keep everyone safe.If he can do that without making your night miserable, he’s happy to do so.He isn't going to yell at you for drinking a little too much or anything, but you better not get behind a wheel.If you do, he’ll make you regret it.
Most nights, he’ll stop by for a beer so he can see who he needs to worry about.I don’t think I’ve ever seen him have more than one or two beers.The man is always mentally on duty, even when he isn't in uniform.
“Nah, Bill just took Tim home.I think everyone else is good.I can text you if I notice anyone who might be trouble.”
“I swear I get less and less texts from you.Do you not love me anymore?”
“Well, since Skylar rolled back into town, I haven’t seen much of you or Tucker.He’s too busy making up for lost time and you’re too consumed with trying to get Leslie’s attention.”I smirk.
“Hey, there.There’s no reason to be mean.One day I'll convince her to date me.This is a long road, there’s no need to rush things.”
“You’re just lucky Tucker’s already taken or she might fall in love with him.”I’m totally screwing with him, but it’s too fun not to.
“Why would she fall in love with him?I’m so much better,” he scoffs and lifts his beer to his lips with a scowl.
“Only because you have the uniform.Women love that stuff.But what if another young and attractive man moves here and becomes a deputy?”
Tucker texted me earlier to let me know we’re getting a new deputy.He said Colt’s really upset the guy’s young and cute.I think more than anything, he’s worried this guy will steal Leslie from him.
I can’t imagine that’s going to be an issue.Leslie’s head over heels for Colt.I can see it in her eyes every time she looks at him.It’s the only reason I haven’t flirted with her.I don’t want a woman who’s interested in someone else.I want their sole focus to be on me and only me.
The door opens and closes.I glance up to see who entered my bar and swallow hard.She’s so beautiful and completely out of my reach.
Sydney.
“Hey, Colt.Maverick.”She nods to me as she slips onto the stool and places her small clutch on the bar top.
“Hey, Syd.What can I get for you?”I work hard to keep my tone smooth and even.I don’t know why, but it’s difficult to be my easy-going self around her.
Maybe because you’ve had a crush on her for years.
Chapter 2
Sydney
Suckinginadeepbreath and blowing it out slowly, I tug open the heavy door to the bar and step inside.I love coming to Maverick’s but I don’t get here often.I'm normally being tugged in too many directions to have any time to myself.
I slip onto the stool next to Colt and try to remain calm.Maverick is behind the bar and no matter how many times I try to pretend it’s not true, that man has always stirred up butterflies deep inside of me.
“Hey, Syd.What can I get for you?”He leans on his forearms, bringing him closer to me, just like he always does.
“I think I need a Skylar tonight.”I try to smile, but it doesn’t quite meet my eyes and I know it.
“Jeez, you doing ok?”His concerned gaze meets mine, making me feel like I'm more than a customer to him.I know I'm not, but Maverick has this way of making everyone feel more important.
“I’ll survive,” I sigh.“Just dealing with Rob.He wants half of the bakery and I don’t want to give it to him.”
“Why does he think he deserves that?”Colt turns towards me, giving me his full attention.
“No clue.I'm worried the judge will agree though.”
