Chapter 27

CHAPTER 27

B ella

“A country bar?” I asked as we walked to the entrance of the bar. We’d had dinner at a quaint and very quiet Italian restaurant close to where Doc Welby’s clinic was. We hadn’t talked about my past or his, just spending time getting to know each other.

For the first time since we’d met, we’d been completely relaxed, bantering like kids and enjoying the food tremendously. He’d even dressed up in a jacket with black jeans and without a doubt, Jagger had been the most handsome man in the entire place.

No, in the entire town.

“Only part of the time,” he answered as he opened the door.

“Then what’s with the music? I don’t do the two-step.”

“Don’t worry, city girl. I don’t either.”

The music was loud, the crowd huge for a weekday. A Monday no less. I was shocked to see so many people dressed in jeans and cowboy boots. This wasn’t the Wild West.

Shackles felt welcoming as soon as I walked in. There was a long bar on one side of a massive room, a raised stage on the other, and in between were dozens of tables. With three bartenders working, I sensed they’d been prepared for a busy night.

“There’s the band,” I said wistfully. They were checking their equipment, getting ready for the show.

Jagger grinned as he pushed his way through the crowd, heading for the bar. “At least four nights a week. You’d be surprised the number of smaller but decent artists who appreciate the venue.”

“No, I don’t think I’d be that surprised.”

“Hey, buddy,” a bartender called from behind the bar. “You’re beginning to be a regular. This must be that famous gal I’ve been hearing about. I’m Mark, this man’s favorite behind the bar dude. What can I get you? On the house. You worked on a buddy of mine the other day. Might have saved his life.” He threw his arm across the bar for a handshake.

“Regular, huh?” I poked Jagger in the stomach with my elbow. “I was just doing what I could to help. Maybe a glass of merlot if you have it?”

“Sure do. From a pretty fine vineyard. I know what you want, Jag.” Mark winked and moved to fill our drink orders. “From a certain famous vineyard in town.”

The Foxhead Winery.

“I guess you’re well liked,” I told Jagger. “And Jag?”

“Smalltown stuff.”

“Uh-huh.” At least I felt freer and more comfortable than I had in a long time. I pressed my hand on his chest and peered out at the crowd. “Don’t look now. I think your brother and that park ranger spotted us. Are they together?”

“Engaged. Shep wants me to be his best man.”

“And?”

“Hell, no.”

I smacked his arm. “You’re a curmudgeon if I ever met one.”

“Hey. I’m in shock,” Shephard said as he approached. “Good to see you both. We got a table. Why don’t you join us?”

“Please. We’d love to have you.”

Jagger acted like he was going to say no. I poked him again and at least he smiled. “Fine. We’ll join you for a little while.”

After answering me, he locked eyes with mine and did something that instantly shocked me. He took my hand.

As he led me through the crowd, I could feel all eyes on us; they weren’t gazes of anger or hatred, but ones of admiration and respect.

“You look amazing,” Denise said as soon as we sat down.

“Doesn’t she?” Jagger piped in.

“The only dress I brought with me. Thank God I had a decent one to wear. Although by the looks of things, jeans and cowboy boots would fit in nicely.” Maybe I was a tad bit overdressed. I laughed and continued studying the bar. “This is interesting.”

“You should see it on a Saturday night. It’s insane in here. Never come unless you want to be hassled by tourists. Summer is worse. Hopefully, you’ll find out.” Denise shook her head. “But a place that frees the soul. After today, I need that.”

“Meaning what?” I asked her.

“I had to tackle a tourist trying to take up close and personal pictures with a bear.”

My laugh continued, but I could tell she was serious. “Really? Who would be that stupid?”

“Tourists,” all three of them said together.

“Hey, we aren’t all bad,” I told them.

“Except what I hear is that you’re no longer a tourist,” Shephard suggested.

Shephard glanced at Jagger, a grin crossing his face.

“We’ll see.” I could feel Jagger’s eyes on me.

Jagger’s brother leaned forward in his chair. “I guess I’ll have to work my magic on this little lady since my brother is having a difficult time convincing her to stay.”

“No pressure, honey bunny,” Denise told him.

“Honey bunny?” both Jagger and I asked at the same time.

Shephard growled. “Be careful, flowerpot.”

“Ohhh…” The two were adorable together, but I sensed it made Jagger somewhat uncomfortable.

Mark found us at that point, placing the drinks down without asking if we wanted to run a tab. I had to admit it felt good to be out like a normal person.

Even though I wasn’t certain I could ever consider myself as one again.

“I wanted you to know I checked with the hospital. All the patients have already been released. You did an amazing job, Bella. I can’t thank you enough. Cally doing okay?” Denise leaned over the table.

“Better than okay now that Xena is in our lives.”

“I think you’re creating a home here.” As soon as Shephard gave her a look, she shook her head. “Hey. There are mostly grumpy guys or older women in town. I’d love to have a friend.”

“You won’t if you keep pressuring her,” Shephard told her.

“Yeah, don’t pressure Bella. She doesn’t like being told what to do.”

Now it was my turn to glare at Jagger. At least he was grinning. “Very funny. Besides, I have some news. I might as well spill the beans now.”

Jagger twisted in his seat. “You’re keeping more secrets.”

“Just for a few hours. I’m taking Doc Welby up on his offer.”

Denise squealed and clapped her hands. “That’s fantastic! I am thrilled and I know Jagger is.” She gripped his hand and Jagger immediately tensed.

I was surprised when I felt his other hand on my leg. The little squeeze made me swoon. Conversation was cut short when the band took the stage, and the entire crowd started clapping.

He leaned over, nipping my earlobe. Another sign of affection. I was hot and wet all over at this point. “You’re really staying?”

I nodded.

“I’m glad. Real glad.”

Without a doubt I’d made the right decision and as the band made a few announcements to the audience, I wasn’t paying any attention, instead leaning my head on his arm. Being around him, able to savor his amazing aftershave and feeling close to someone I cared about deeply made all the problems seem easy to solve.

I knew better, but at least tonight had been special and it wasn’t over yet.

“You two should dance,” Denise yelled across the table.

“Not a chance,” Jagger retorted. “Not in the mood right now. Too much shit going on.”

“Then why are you here?” Shephard taunted.

Exhaling, I fiddled with my wine, but was tired of his hot and cold. “Nope. We’re dancing.” Even if it was a country song, which I ordinarily couldn’t stand, I refused to allow anyone to destroy this moment of joy. I stood and held out my hand, challenging him with my expression to deny me.

He lifted his eyebrows and instead of turning into the surly man he was so famous for becoming when times got tough, he grinned. “Careful what you ask for, lady.”

“I’m not asking. I’m telling you. Get up and come on.” Of course I said the words so the others could hear.

“Woo-hoo! I like this girl,” Denise shouted.

Laughing felt good. Being with people I might be able to consider friends one day was amazing. If only Esme could be here, enjoying the view.

Including the hot guys.

She would go nuts.

I made a mental note to hunt her down in the morning, but for now, it was a nice date evening with a grumpy guy turned hero. I dared not call Jagger that again, but I could think it in private.

He didn’t fight me as I led him through the crowd, groups of people already dancing. When I found a spot where we could squeeze in, I turned to face him, curious as to what he would do.

As expected, he seemed uncomfortable, easily noticing the couples who either nodded in our direction or used his name directly. He’d never be the kind of man to enjoy the spotlight. But he managed to break through another barrier, taking me into his arms.

I wrapped my arms around his neck, swaying my hips in time to the music. His steps were awkward, moving one foot to the side then the other. “You really don’t like dancing?”

Snorting, he took a few seconds to glance around the bar. “Does it look like I know what I’m doing?”

“I have a feeling you’re holding out on me. You have many hidden talents.” I tried to move us around in one small circle, but his body was stiff as a board. No go. At least I could enjoy that he’d allowed me to take control for a little while.

“Nah. I’ve never been good at this shit. Music ain’t my thing.”

“No prom dates?”

“Hell, no.”

“No wedding receptions?” I hadn’t realized what I’d said until he got a faraway look in his eyes. Thoughts about Poppy’s declaration seized my mind. I’d betray a trust if I mentioned a word and this bar wasn’t the place.

He snickered. It was another attempt to hide behind his thick mask. “I don’t have friends who’d invite me.”

“Well, maybe we need to change that.”

“You can’t change me, lady. What you see is what you get.”

“Oh, yeah? I think you’re lying to me.” I pushed his chest playfully, throwing back my head and even belting out lyrics to the music. The band had taken a hip rock song and turned it into a country mantra. I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the sound.

“You’re calling me a liar?”

“Yep. I am, big he-man. What are you going to do about it?”

He puffed up and I just knew he was going to ruin the evening with his usual prickly self, storming off the dance floor as if I’d committed the greatest sin.

When he yanked me against his body, tugging one arm out and clasping our fingers together, I didn’t know what to think. But as he shifted his body, moving around the dance floor with precision as if trained by the finest dancers, twirling me around not once but twice before dipping me so low my head almost touched the floor, I shifted into a state of shock.

As he pulled me up slowly, it was as if he knew the band’s music and how they transitioned from one song to another. A downtempo beat took over, which allowed his dance moves to become slower, much more sensual. He kept our heated bodies close, so much so I could feel his throbbing cock between my legs.

I was still in that wonderful haze of surprise as he continued to showcase talent that was so unexpected I was tingling all over. He twirled me around again, tugging me close and onto my toes. His grin was the most mischievous I’d seen and I was completely in awe of the man and his talents.

Not just on the dance floor.

“You are calling me a liar, lady?” he whispered into my ear, instantly dragging his tongue down the side of my neck after issuing a harsh growl.

“Uh-huh.” I couldn’t find words.

“I think you need to be reminded who is in complete control of you. Including that hot body of yours.” He twirled me around again, every step a telling statement that there was nothing he couldn’t do.

“Never,” I breathed, so lightheaded stars were floating in front of my eyes.

After dipping me again, he held me that way, nestled against his massive body, his arm firmly planted around my waist. He was telling me in a different way that he’d never allow anything to happen to me.

The moment he slowly pulled me to an upright position, people around us began to clap.

Denise and Shephard’s sudden appearance beside us didn’t annoy Jagger as I would have believed. Instead, he was concentrating on staring into my eyes.

“Bro,” Shephard yelled above the music. “I didn’t know you had so much talent.”

Without breaking our locked connection, one so electric every muscle had tensed, he answered his brother with all the tart grumpiness I’d grown to adore. “It’s obvious you don’t know much about me.”

“I guess so. Wow.”

“The most adorable couple on the dance floor,” Denise added.

I had to agree with her, although I couldn’t be certain since I’d only had eyes for the man holding me as if I was precious and cherished.

“Just so you know, I have it on good authority the bathroom is a hot make-out spot.”

Denise’s teasing words brought us both out of our sexual haze.

We both laughed as Shephard groaned, even swatting Denise on the butt a couple of times. “You are a bad girl.”

“I think it’s the only way to handle you boys. We need to keep you on your toes at all times,” she countered. “Am I right, Bella?”

“So right. But I was considering a leash,” I said to egg Jagger on.

He responded by pulling me close once again, the whisper in my ear one that set my soul on fire. “I’m going to spank that bottom of yours until it’s rosy pink before tying you to the bed and drenching your hot body in whipped cream. After that, I’ll feast for hours.”

For a man who didn’t seem as if he could be playful, he’d just pushed me onto a plateau of happiness and hunger I never wanted to come down from.

“You just think you can tame me,” I whispered in return.

“Oh, I know I can. As a matter of fact, I already have.”

“How’s that?” I asked. We were once again moving as if we could both dance.

Jagger took his time answering, taking deep breaths and issuing another series of growls. “Because the moment you came into my life, I began to unravel every inch of you, allowing you to feel something you’d never felt before. Now that I’ve reeled you in, you should know you’re mine.”

“For how long?” I wasn’t certain my feet were touching the floor any longer.

“From now until the end of time. And if you dare try and escape my hold, no one will be able to stop me from hunting and finding you. Something for you to remember.”