“Hello,” he growled, hoping that she could take the hint that he wasn’t interested.
“Buy me a drink?”
The attempt at a sultry voice got his attention and he turned to look at her as she dragged one of her long fingernails down his tattooed arm. Clasping her hand in his, he extracted her claws from his skin.
“Not interested. Sorry.”
Shock, and if Landon wasn’t mistaken, a hint of anger flashed in her eyes before she said, “Excuse me? I was only asking if you’d like to buy me a drink.”
“No, you didn’t ask, you told. And I said I wasn’t interested. Don’t take it personally. I’m sure those guys across the way would be happy to pick up your tab.”
“Well, I. . .never have I. . .ugh!” she stammered before turning on her heels, smacking his arm with her overly long hair.
“Uh oh,” Chelsea said with a laugh as she brought out his burger. “Keep your eyes peeled when you leave. That one seems like she isn’t used to being told no.”
“Apparently not.”
“Enjoy,” she said as she handed him a bottle of ketchup for his fries.
“Thanks.”
With the burger in his hands, Landon lifted the meal to his mouth just as something in the mirror caught his eye.
A nondescript blue baseball cap kept the woman’s features hidden but he watched in fascination as she approached the bar with a sense of confidence he hadn’t ever witnessed in a woman before. She walked into the bar like she owned the place even though she clearly didn’t want any attention from the people in the establishment. Landon was utterly transfixed by her, as was every other male in the room.
She paused, taking in the various empty seats at the bar and then turned her attention toward the stools next to him. What surprised him the most was that she effortlessly hopped onto the stool directly beside him instead of keeping her distance.
“I have a confession,” she said without turning her gaze toward him, which only reminded Landon that he held his burger still and a couple of inches from his mouth. He quickly dropped it onto his plate as if the meal had burned him.
“Yeah? What’s that?”
“I came here to get some food and to be left alone and I noticed that you were sitting here by yourself, also looking like you wanted to be left alone. So, maybe we can look like we’re together so that people will leave us alone.” She hadn’t looked up from where she had locked her gaze on the top of the bar with her large bag sitting precariously on her lap.
Landon wasn’t sure how but he actually followed her sound logic and he understood. It was hard for a woman, especially one alone and one that looked like her, to keep men and women from approaching. He could already tell that she had an air about her that caused people to want to be in her vicinity.
“I can do that,” he replied without a second thought.
“Really?” she asked in surprise, turning her face toward him. Landon had never felt a shock through his system as he did when their eyes met for the first time. It was an indescribable sensation that soared through his body as if he had been struck by lightning.
Landon was speechless as he met her gaze and he could see that she was having a similar reaction if the widening of her eyes were any indication.
“Landon,” he said, holding out his hand in greeting.
Her eyes dropped to his tattooed hand for a split second before rising back up to his stare. She held out her delicate hand to shake his as she replied, “Kerry.”
Fuck, he never wanted to let go of her hand. It was soft and warm and delicate and reminded him of a warm spring day.
“And I’m Chelsea. What can I get you?” his friend interrupted, but neither he nor Kerry made a move to drop their hands.
“Him. . .er, I mean. . . whatever he’s having will be fine.”
Landon chuckled, which caused Kerry’s already blushed cheeks to redden further.
“Got it. Landon special coming right up.”
***
Him? Really? Way to make a fool out of yourself in front of the hottest man you’ve ever laid eyes on.