“LAZARETTO” BLASTS THROUGH THE SURROUND sound system in the shop. As Jack White wails and shreds on his guitar, Nash is to my right at the front desk working the books, the man bun affixed to the top of his head bobbing as his large frame rocks to the harsh beat of the song.
I sit at my station, hand flying over my sketch pad that’s supposed to be open to the latest design I’m working on for a client.
But it’s not.
Because pale green eyes, lush lips, and stacked curves have invaded my mind.
So that’s what’s staring back up at me.
Stilling my hand, I take in the picture of perfection before me drawn out in pencil.
Thick, long hair flowing around a stunning face and flawless skin.
Wide, soulful eyes.
Beautifully plump lips.
Leading down to a delicate neck and large, full breasts peeking out of a snug tank top.
Exactly how she looked the night before at In Ruins. Where she more than ruined me.
The girl is my every dream and fantasy wrapped up into one slim, tight package. Possessing more beauty than any person should.
Despite that though, she’s a tough one. But I don’t think she realizes it. Realizes how strong she actually is.
Nonetheless, she’s a hard one to crack. And trust me, I’ve been trying.
But she isn’t like my usual conquests. Fuck, if she was I’d have stopped already. Not bothering with the cat and mouse games.
But that isn’t what this is. She’s not playing me. Kennedy’s just holding her own, keeping herself safe. Though she doesn’t have to. Not from me.
I wanna be the man at her side. Protecting her, owning her, loving her.
Yeah. Fucking loving her.
With my hands and my body and my heart.
Because like I told Saylor, Kennedy isn’t my usual conquest. From my first look, I knew that and as each day passes that I’m in her company, even just being in the same crowded bar as her, I know that to be fact.
“Don’t look like the piece Jeffry was looking to have added to his calf.” Nash’s deep voice has me nearly coming outta my skin like a damn girl.
I was so lost in everything Kennedy that I never heard him move, let alone step up behind me to peer over my shoulder.
I clear my throat as I slam the book shut. “Finished earlier today,” I grumble.
I didn’t. And he knows it.
Heaving a deep breath, I spin in my stool to ready my station for when we open later this evening to see Nash leaning his huge self against the chair I have set up in the middle of my room.
He’s eyeing me. Arms crossed over his chest. “What are you doing, man?”
Nash’s question has me rattled for a second. I damn near drop my gun.
“Fuck if I know.” My hands stop what they’re doing to run down my face as I shake my head. “This girl’s got me spun fucking tight. Less than a week she’s been in town and she’s already got me twisted. So far gone I can barely think of anything but her.”
Nash just laughs and shakes his head. Damn near bending at the middle he laughs so hard.
“Real fucking helpful, asshole.” My words vibrate on a growl. Frustration evident.
“Dude. Chill, brother. I just never thought I’d see the day when Rhett Shaw finally met his match. The one to have him change his ways.”
“Yeah, well, first time for everything.”
“You’re sure about her?”
I scoff. “Nash, I never—fucking ever—thought I’d let myself fall for a chick. Didn’t want the hassle. Didn’t want the worry. Didn’t want to let myself get hooked and then risk losing her. Wouldn’t be able to take it.” Taking a minute, I inhale a deep breath to help clear the memories this conversation has invading my mind.
Of being thirteen and getting the news at school that my parents had been killed in an accident. Of spending five long years with a woman who couldn’t give two shits about me and Saylor. The memories that have kept me maintaining my distance and not caring about anyone but Saylor, Gus, and most recently Nash.
Nash lets me have a minute, eyeing me with concern. Then I go on. “But Kennedy, she has me wanting to change my ways. One look and I was fucking gone, man. Couldn’t believe it—still can’t. But if she’s willing to give me a shot, I know she’s the one, and you’d have to bury me six feet under to have me let her go.”
Nash nods his head. Serious. Contemplating something before speaking. “Then let’s go get your girl.”
I look at him like he’s lost his mind. “She ain’t my girl.” As much as I want her to be.
“What’s this? You sounding all defeated and wounded and shit. This ain’t the Rhett Shaw I know. The Rhett I know would be dragging his club on his way to claiming his woman.”
“Is this some sort of pep talk, dude?”
“You bet your ass it is. Now get up and let’s go. We have a few hours before we need to open. She may not be your girl yet, but she never will be be if you just sit here and do nothin’.”
I fucking hate to admit when he’s right. So I don’t.
“A little red-haired firecracker may have spilled the beans on their plans this afternoon before their shifts tonight. And we’ve got hours yet until the shop officially opens…”
Goddamn he’s right again. Saylor said something about shopping today at the mall.
That has me hauling ass outta my chair and the shop, ready to see my angel, Nash laughing behind me as he follows.