My headache was forgotten as he stumbled in, looking as lost as I felt. I don’t know what had come over me that night, but I’d let him touch me, kiss me. I’d let his tongue curl around mine and his hands touch my heated flesh. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was that dangerous side of him that had my head spinning. Fact of the matter was, Troy Maverick, or Saddle, as he was known around town, was all man. All sinewy muscles, powerful arms, and deep dark eyes that were hidden beneath the brim of his black cowboy hat that talked to me in such sinful ways.
After that night, I told myself to run. That type of man would never be accepted by my family, let alone my father. As Mayor of Port Townsend, he had an image to withhold and God help any of us who would blemish that image. So I kept away from my cowboy, and I kept my feeling a secret, hiding away in the shadows.
He’d promised to look for me that night, but I knew he’d forget me as soon as he walked out that door. Throughout the year I’d gotten a few hat tilts from him and maybe a smile or two, but I’d never actually had the courage to go up to him. Why would I? Compared to the women who practically threw themselves at him, I was insignificant. Pretty in my own right, but my curves always hindered me in some way or another. And a man like him, well, he could always get whatever he wanted. And I was not one of those things.
I’d seen him at Rachel’s Diner one night and casually asked her about him. She’d spilled the beans, telling me that he was one to watch out for. He was a Royal Bastard, and it was best I steer clear of him, but I was never good at listening to reason. Instead, every Wednesday night I would sit at the back of the booth, a book in my hand, as Rachel brought over my favorite dish with a wink in her eye. Saddle would saunter in and get the same plate followed by a big slice of chocolate peanut butter pie.
I’d watch him quietly, peaking at him from the top of the book, just enjoying being in the same vicinity as him. I was a stalker, yes. But I didn’t do any harm, nor did I expect him to even notice me.
Of course, that was all about to change.
I grabbed my check and scooted out of the booth, thanking Rachel behind the counter. I shook the doggy bag she’d handed me, filled with bacon for my little guy back home.
Carefully I made my way past him, not wanting to disturb him. And just as I was rounding the corner, the man in the booth next to him collided with me, sending me right onto the lap of the man I was so desperately trying to avoid. Time stood still as I felt his hands wrap wound my waist, his head slowly turned up, and striking blue-green eyes stared back at me. I wanted this moment to last forever, but of course, it all came to a screeching halt as the big buffoon who had slammed into me, opened his mouth.
“Hey! Watch where you’re going?”
I tried shifting in my seat, but my cowboy tightened his hold on me, keeping me in place. He spoke to the man without taking his eyes off me.
“I suggest you watch your tongue and apologize to the lady.” He looked up at the man and instantly the man’s features paled.
“Or what?” The man challenged him, and I already sensed the shift in the air from the man beside me.
“Or you’ll suffer even worse consequences.”
I figured the man was stupid because he kept instigating him. “Hey, she bumped into me!” He pointed down at his clothes which were drenched in soda.
“Oh, I’m so-”
“She still merits an apology, don’t you think?”
He stared up at the man and the man sneered. “All you fucks think you own this town. You ain’t worth shit, ya know.”
My cowboy looked at me and rolled his eyes. His gesture nearly made me laugh. “If you’ll excuse me, pretty lady.” Standing up, he shifted me onto the seat, and I watched as he loomed over the other much more fragile looking man. He took his cowboy hat off and his dark brown hair glimmered in the light. Or maybe he glimmered just for me, but I didn’t care because he was beautiful.
“Now I don’t like repeating myself, and I ain’t gonna do Rachel the discourtesy of ruining her business. So, you either apologize, or we can meet outside, and I’ll make you apologize.”
I caught movement and realized his hands were closing up into fists. Instinct told me I needed to reach out and touch his hand. His eyes were suddenly on me and my insides flipped. The look in his eyes told me he meant to harm this man, and I slowly wrapped my hands around his forearm and shook my head telling him silently to let it go.
He looked back over at the man, his tone deep and menacing. “Get the fuck out.”
The man hesitated and we both jumped at his booming command. “Now!”
He pointed over at Rachel, throwing money on the counter. “Since you let shit like that in, you just lost yourself a customer.”
Rachel threw his money back at him, feisty as she was. “I don’t take money from garbage.”
He spewed curses as he walked out, and beneath my fingertips, I felt him flex. It took a moment for him to say a word, and then he turned to Rachel.
“I got you.”
“You don’t have to.”
“Yes. I do.”
She smiled and shook her head. “Why is it that trouble always tends to follow you boys around?”
Saddle shrugged and looked down at me. “Sometimes trouble is just what we're looking for,” he murmured.
Rachel went about her business, tending to another patron who’d just come in, as his focus landed back on me. I suddenly realized I was still holding onto him and slowly, I removed my grasp on him. He turned to me, those dark eyes now bright and filled with what seemed to be curiosity. He gave me his full attention and leaned in, propping his hand along the back of my chair, the other on the table as he bent down to my level. His hot breath fluttered across my lips, and by God, I nearly moaned. He smelled so damn good, like the peanut butter pie he’d just eaten. I wanted to taste it off his tongue. I was glad I was already seated because the man made me weak in the knees.
“What’s your name, love?”
I had to force myself to focus, his words bringing back memories from that moment so long ago.
I swallowed and then took a moment to recall my name.
“I’m...ummm.”
“You’re ummm?” He cracked a sly smile and I swear to you, I melted.
“M-my name is Crystal.”
“Well. It’s very nice to make your acquaintance, Crystal. But you’re in my seat,” I gasped as he yanked me up, sat down, and then pulled me forward down onto his lap.
“Now, where were we?”
One hand drifted around my waist and the other planted itself on my thigh. I seriously thought I would die. “Now, are you gonna tell me why you keep staring at me, Sugar?”
My eyes went wide, and my lips parted as I once again stared back at him in shock. He chuckled and then gently pressed his cheek to mine. His hot breath once again fluttered along the base of my neck. He inhaled and I closed my eyes, loving the warmth of him.
“I see everything, Sugar. And you, you’ve been tracking me for weeks.”
“A lot longer than that,” I held my breath as his eyes met mine, and it took me a second to realize the truth that had slipped from my tongue. I could feel myself turning beet red as I covered my mouth with both hands. I went to stand up and his hand trailed up along my leg, squeezing my thigh, and forcing me to stay put.