Page 12 of Bullseye
Murmuring makes me pull my head up as I see Texas, front and center. He toys with his hat and clears his throat. “I’d like to nominate Seneca Villetrio.”
The relief rushes through me as the guys start cheering, and I make my way through the sea of men who step back to let me pass. More damned imaginary crickets decide to taunt my brain as I wait for someone, anyone, to second the nomination. Well, I know it won’t be Bullet over there with Bullseye, but maybe one of the guys…?
“I second!” It’s Seth.
Whew.
There’s a third, fourth, and fifth to my nomination, and as I walk closer to the members, I can’t help the giant smile I’m wearing. It feels good to have something go right. Stepping up to the bar, I make eye contact with Avery. His eyebrows are raised, and his mouth hangs open. He’s shocked. Hopefully, he’s shocked because I’m here, and not because I was nominated. Well, no matter the reason, I am here. And I got my nomination.
Grinning, I take my place alongside the other prospects.
***
“Wildfire, huh?”
I fight my smile as Avery comes up and stands next to me while I’m throwing darts. Glancing at him, I now get the answer to my question from last night. Blue. His eyes are blue. In fact, they match the T-shirt he’s wearing. And now that his jacket is off, I can see not only his T-shirt but his muscles bulging out from the armbands. Oh hell, he’s even better looking than I thought.
“If I were you, I would give me some space. I’ve got a lethal weapon in my hand,” I warn playfully. No, I can’t have a relationship, but a little innocent flirting never hurt anyone. I’m riding high on my nomination and the possibility of Matt’s parole tomorrow.
Throwing the next dart, it sticks just outside the bullseye.
“Not bad. May I?” He nods to the last dart in my hand.
Handing it to him, I hope he doesn’t notice that it’s sweaty from my palms. With his cropped hair, light eyes, and wide shoulders, this guy is way too good-looking to be real.
He throws and… bullseye. Of course. Thing is, he makes it so I don’t mind losing to him. But if I lose, I’ll only do it as a worthy competitor. There’s no vapid little damsel in distress here, and the sooner he knows it, the better.
“So…” He smiles after he comes back from retrieving the darts. “You didn’t tell me. Why do they call you Wildfire?”
“Why do you think?” Taking a dart from him, I throw, and this time, I hit the bullseye.
“Nice shot.” He’s genuinely happy for me. Crap. Heisa nice guy like everyone says he is. “Tell you what. Why don’t we make this game interesting?”
“How’s that?” Throwing again, this shot’s almost as good as the first. “Money? I don’t have any extra to spare.”
He crosses his strong arms. “Nope. More like secrets.”
No.That’s the last thing I’m going to give up.
Walking toward me like a freaking wild animal marking his territory, he steps around and stands just behind me. We’re not touching, but he’s so tall, strong, and wide, it’s like he’s created a masculine, protective bubble around me. And it feels way too good.
Leaning in close, he whispers in my ear. “Ever since I saw you shoot last night, I’ve wanted to know everything there is to know about you.”
My heart is racing and a trickle of sweat drips down my spine. Not moving from my position and staring at the dartboard, I mumble, “You knew that was me?”
Chuckling, he adds, “Not a lot of women in Hoppa who look like you.”
He’s so close and the moment’s so intimate, I don’t want to move a muscle. Chills of excitement that outdo the anticipation of the coldest Christmas morning rush up and down my body. His warm breath caresses my neck, and my nipples harden from excitement.
“Why do you think I have secrets?”
“I can see them. Buried deep in those beautiful, dark gray eyes.” Damn, if this guy’s a player, he’s a pro. “So...” He stands up straight. I miss the warmth of his body so very close to mine… “Every point I win, you tell me something I want to know. And every point you win...” He grins. “I tell you something.”
“All right.”
“Hey.” Whipping around, I see Seth standing there. Talk about lousy timing.
“Hi, Seth.” Trying to pull myself from the intimate moment I just shared with Avery, I focus on Seth. “Um, thank you so much for seconding my nomination.” I’ve already thanked Texas and the rest of the guys, but Seth hasn’t been out here, mingling.
