Cash looked toward the kitchen and then around them.
“It’s serious. She’s in a bit of trouble with this ex of hers,” he began.
Riker not only felt angry about the asshole bothering her and leaving the things he did at her place, but he also felt upset for Chastity. As Cash explained the situation, Riker knew that he wouldn’t be able to stand back and let Colt take care of her. Colt didn’t seem as if he had experience. Not like him and Nash did. But Chastity definitely trusted Colt. Would she learn to trust him and Nash, too? As he looked at Nash, he knew his brother was thinking exactly what he was, even though Nash was scared. He was scared of opening up his heart again, never mind touching another woman and sharing another woman. But the connection and attraction was there between them and Chastity. They needed to work out a plan. A way to get to know her better, and see where this relationship could go.
Just then Colt and Chastity walked out of the kitchen carrying the new bar menu and a tray of little appetizers.
Gaining Chastity’s trust starts now.
* * * *
Chastity was trying her hardest to concentrate on explaining each drink as Lou made them. But it was difficult with Riker leaning over her shoulder, asking her questions about the menu and the descriptions.
The crazy thing was, she nearly completely forgot about Desi until her cell phone began to vibrate, indicating that a call was coming in.
Before she had a chance to look at it or move it off of the bar and clipboard, Colt grabbed it.
“Colt. What are you doing?” she asked as he answered the phone and walked away.
As if knowing exactly what was going on, Riker wrapped an arm around her waist from behind and held her in place.
His warm breath collided against her ear and neck, and instinctively she turned gently into his touch.
“Let your boyfriend handle it. This gives me the opportunity I’ve been waiting for.”
What did he mean “boyfriend”? What opportunity? He thought that Colt was her boyfriend?
As she slightly turned her chin up toward him to ask him what he was talking about, Riker touched his lips to hers. He kissed her ever so softly, and it seemed to be a gentle peck, until he pressed his tongue between her lips and squeezed her body against his. She felt his erection against her spine. She tried to pull away, but her lips and her body had a different reaction. She reached up and cupped her hand against his cheek. She felt the masculine skin beneath her fingertips, as a rush of desire and sexual attraction pulled at her inner core.
She could hear Colt’s voice rising. Something was wrong.
She pulled from Riker’s lips. He released her instantly as Colt returned, and she wanted to tell him so badly to keep holding her. She was shocked at the instant need to be held by Riker.
Then she locked gazes with Colt. He was fuming.
“That motherfucker just threatened me.”
“Colt, please. You shouldn’t have taken the call.” She reached for the phone, but Nash took her hand, turned her so that her back was against the bar, and caged her in. That delicious cologne of his filled her nostrils. The bulk of his manliness devoured her emotions, her rationale, as she stared up into his dark blue eyes.
“Tell us what’s going on, and we’ll help.”
She shook her head then turned toward Colt.
Colt shook his head at her. “I’m sorry, Chastity, but I’m not going to lie. I’m worried about you. You’re my best friend, and I love you, but this guy is crazy.”
“Colt, please.” She felt Nash’s hand against her cheek, drawing her attention back to him. Now Riker stood beside her and placed a hand on her waist, too.
“You can trust us. Let us in on what’s going on. Don’t fight us.”
She held her ground. She was determined to not be some damsel in distress, like her mother had been. Her mother ran away from one abusive relationship then back into another one that ultimately killed her. Not me. I’m going to handle this alone.
“You’re clients. This is completely unprofessional. I don’t need your help with this. It’s none of your business.” She could tell that Nash was clenching his jaw and biting the inside of his mouth. His anger, and the darkness of his eyes, made her gut clench with trepidation and sadness. She wasn’t trying to insult him. She didn’t even know these men well, yet she didn’t want to insult them and push them away. Was she really attracted to them? Was she willing to take a chance at such a peculiar relationship? They were big, muscular men.
They have money, they have power, and God knows what else. What do I have but bad luck, five thousand dollars in my savings account, and one terrible past relationship that appears will haunt me for quite some time.
“Chastity, t
hey can be trusted,” Colt stated.