Imagine my surprise when Casey asked to go out on another date. Where there were people. I was proud of her though, because she didn’t let a little fear hold her back. I’d called Sully to see how busy the pub was on a Sunday afternoon. If it was too crowded, I was going to have to find another option. He confirmed that it was pretty slow, with only four or five tables filled. He agreed to keep a table toward the back open for us.

I was also surprised by how quickly she’d forgiven me for being MIA over the last four days. Usually, when she had something on her mind, she wouldn’t let it go. I wasn’t going to look a gift horse in the mouth though. While Casey had been getting ready, I settled on the couch. I looked up when I heard her re-enter the room. God, just the sight of her took my breath away. She didn’t even realize how beautiful she was.

Once we were on our way, I explained where we were headed. “I have a former Marine buddy who owns a bar in town. He assured me that while busy, his place is far from packed right now. I thought it would be a good place to start.”

“Oh, I get to meet another one of your friends? I can’t wait. That’s something else I want. To make friends. Any friends I had as a kid are probably long gone from here by now. Even if they weren’t, I don’t really remember most of them and wouldn’t even know where to find them.”

“I wish I would have known you wanted to try and meet friends. I’m happy to introduce to anyone I know. Clarissa is dying to meet you.”

She looked over at me, startled. “Your sister wants to meet me? But, why? She doesn’t even know me.”

I had to laugh a little. “That’s why she wants to meet you, because she doesn’t know you. Other than what I’ve told her, of course.”

“You talk about me to her? Like, what do you say?”

“Casey, we’re friends. Of course, I talk to her about you. I’ve told her how wicked smart and funny you are. About how you don’t let me get away with anything. I think that right there endears you to her more than anything else.” I chuckled.

“Well, that’s what friends are for. To keep each other in line, right?” She smiled. It was the kind of smile I wanted to see on her face all the time.

“Well, anytime you want to meet her, just let me know. Ah, here we are.” I pulled into an open spot in front of Sully’s.

Casey took in the brick exterior and wooden placard mounted over the door proclaiming the name of the establishment.

“What’s your friend’s name?” she asked as I opened the door for her, and she jumped out.

“Richard Sullivan, but he goes by Sully. I should also probably warn you about him. He’s a harmless flirt, but if he makes you uncomfortable in any way, tell me. I’ll make sure he apologizes.”

She swallowed, but straightened her shoulders. “I think I can handle your friend.”

“I’m sure you can, but I still want you to tell me.” I reached for her hand.

The bell above the door jingled when we walked inside, signaling our arrival. As usual, Sully stood behind the bar. He came out from behind it when he spotted us.

“Welcome,” he greeted us, his white teeth shining in the darkened room when he smiled. “You must be Casey. It’s a pleasure to meet you. Philip has told me all about you. Although, he was woefully lacking when describing your beauty.”

Casey reached out to take Sully’s hand, but she stepped just a bit closer to me when she did. She took things in stride. “Philip didn’t tell me how charming you were. It’s nice to meet you as well, Sully.”

I stiffened when Sully didn’t release Casey. Instead, he pulled her slightly toward him and tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow, causing her to release her hold on me in the process. I attempted to intervene, but Casey gave an almost imperceptible shake of her head. I kept a sharp eye on her, but other than her smile faltering a bit, she appeared unscathed. He led her to our table, with me following closely on their heels.

My fists clenched with the urge to snatch her out of his grasp and then punch him in the face. I’d told him she didn’t like strangers. While I knew Sully hadn’t meant any harm, he and I were going to have a little discussion soon.

“I’m not sure what you like, but our Reuben is out of this world. We also have a kick ass buffalo chicken sandwich,” Sully boasted as we reached our table.

He finally released Casey’s hand so she could slide into the booth. I pushed him out of the way and slid in next to her. His eyebrows rose in surprise when I glared at him.

“We’ll let you know when we’re ready,” I snapped at him, my dismissal clear.

“Sure thing,” he replied, unperturbed by my brisk tone.

Casey elbowed me in the side. I winced and rubbed the offending area. “You didn’t have to be so rude to your friend. He was just trying to be helpful.”

“He was a little too helpful. There wasn’t any reason for him to maul you that way.”

“Maul me? You’re kidding, right?”

My silence was telling.

Casey’s nose wrinkled adorably. Then her eyes widened. “Are you—are you…jealous?”

“What? No,” I scoffed.

“You are! You’re jealous.” She laughed and smiled that smile again.

“Fine, maybe I am a little bit.” Or a lot. When Sully had touched Casey, I thought it was just overprotectiveness I felt. Instead, rage filled me that some other man was touching her. No matter how innocent it had been, I’d hated it. I had no idea what I was going to do when this thing between us was over, and she was able to start living the life she wanted.

Casey placed her hand on my thigh under the table in a totally unexpected move. “You have absolutely nothing to be jealous about. Your friend is cute and all, but not really my type.”

I turned slightly toward her and brushed her hair back over her shoulder. “And what is your type?”

She blushed and shifted. “Well…at the moment, my type is the strong, Viking warrior with long hair, big muscles, and a really nice beard.”

Well, then.