Chapter 2

Embry

I pulled my thick curls back into a low ponytail before I wiped down the bar. I looked over the worn and polished wood with a smile. This place had been in my family for years, and it seemed only natural for me to work here and help Gramps with it.

I’d turned twenty-one a year ago, and my siblings couldn’t be bothered to give him a hand. They were all over California now, living their separate lives, and Gramps told me that I was his favorite. I loved him just as much, even if he could be stubborn sometimes. His heart was in the right place.

I saw the two waitresses that were working the night shift making their way around the room, cleaning tables and helping customers. It was dollar beer night, though that only applied to the cheap stuff, per my boss, and we’d have a crowd here soon. In addition to that, the SEALs were back in town for a long weekend, and I was looking forward to seeing them, particularly Trace.

“Let’s get those glasses stocked, Brandon. The boys are back tonight.” Gramps was behind the bar, barking orders to the main bartender.

I smiled and shook my head. Gramps loved when they came in and told their stories, since I knew that Gramps missed his life back then. We lost Grams ten years ago, and it seemed like he went back to the past more by the day.

“Can I get a beer, beautiful?” I looked at the guy who was giving me bedroom eyes, and I rolled mine back at him. Like I hadn’t heard that before.

“Sure thing,” I said as I turned and grabbed a clean glass, filling it as I listened to him settle behind me.

These guys were all the same. They all wanted in my pants, and I told all of them same thing. Hell, no. I didn’t want my first time to be with some guy that was turning around and leaving. I wanted forever, and I was going to wait for that, no matter how old I got to be. Twenty-two wasn’t an awful age to still be a virgin, was it? I turned to slide the beer to him, frowning as he pulled out a dollar and handed it to me with a crooked smile that probably worked on other girls.

“What time are you off tonight? I need some company, or else I might be lonely.” He pretended to pout.

I raised a dark frown at him as I heard footsteps behind me. “It won’t be me,” I snapped. “I have to wash my hair later.”

The guy held his hands up and dropped the bill. He grabbed the beer and turned to leave. I heard Gramps snickering behind me. I grinned at him as he shook his head at the money.

“You’d think that he’d tip you to get a little further.” His voice was low as he glanced at the table that the man now occupied. I shrugged and dropped the dollar into the cash drawer. “If it was your sister, she’d abandon the bar and go running right over to him.”

I cracked a smile at that. “Jenny doesn’t know how to pass up a man in uniform,” I agreed dryly.

A few other customers approached the bar. The televisions were all broadcasting various games on different channels, and guys talked teams as they ordered, all with an appreciative look at me.

I knew I wasn’t ugly, but I wasn’t a supermodel either. My sister was the one with all the charm and skills at flirting, while I was just friendly enough to work the bar. There were guys that I got to know a little more than the rest, men that I showed my compassionate side to. They were just few and far between. I waited on the new customers as Brandon joined me to help, since it was getting dark and the bar was filling up.

The door swung open again, and I smiled when I saw Trace walk in with his best friend, Bryan. I finished collecting the money from the current customers and watched as he looked around, before meeting my eyes.

Holy hell. Trace was gorgeous, and I’d swear that he was bigger now than before. His muscled torso was on full display underneath the fitted green t-shirt that he’d paired with some khaki shorts. I fought the urge to drool at him as I turned to get myself a glass of ice water.

Was it getting hot in here?

I turned back just in time to see him lean against the bar, his cocky smile lighting up his handsome face. I shuddered as I met his dark, bottomless eyes and forced myself to remain calm as I stepped forward.

“There she is,” he said. “My port in a storm. Have you been saving yourself for me the past year, darlin’?” Trace spoke loudly, and I blushed for a moment as I looked around to see where Gramps was.

He was sixteen years older than me, if I wasn’t mistaken. Trace could be my father, but he wasn’t. He was just fine as hell.

“I might be saving it, but not for you. Stand in line, Trace.” I shot back as he raised an eyebrow at me, his smile lighting up even brighter.

Damn him for getting to me the way that he still did, making me remember how his mouth felt against mine just over a year ago. That was the first and only time in my life that I considered giving it all up, but he’d been leaving a few days later, and it wouldn’t be a great idea.

“I am a hot commodity in these parts,” I said.

“That you are,” he agreed as he let his eyes roam over my body, clad only in some skinny jeans and a red shirt that boasted the name of the bar.

Brandon got a couple of beers for them, and Trace winked at me before he turned and ambled to a table in the center of the room, showing every bit of his swagger.

It was official. Trace was the only man that I’d consider losing myself for, especially after that drunken kiss from so long ago. The way he looked at me throughout the night, I knew he wanted me too. I had to be strong these next few days.