“Okay. I’ll be out in a moment. Can I ask you a question?”
“Sure, you can ask me anything.” Gavin entered the room, closing the door.
“Five days ago you were completely against this. You didn’t think it would work.”
“I know.”
“What changed?”
“Everything. I can’t even begin to describe it. Being around her, loving her, seeing how natural she was with all of us. You can’t deny that there was a spark there.”
“I’m not going to deny it.”
“When we sit around talking about it like a bunch of old men, I don’t think it’s going to work. Why would I believe that? Seeing her reaction to us firsthand, that’s what changed my feelings. She was real and pure, and everything I never thought we could have. We’re going to be good for her, and I’ve talked to Joe. She has feelings for us, even if she’s not sure. I’m holding onto that hope,” Gavin said.
“I’m glad.”
“I’m good to go.”
“Yeah.” Pops watched his friend go and released a breath. Pops would gladly die for all of his friends. They had been through a lot together, and their friendship, their bond, had kept them connected. He wouldn’t be without any of them.
Once the order form had been sent, he got to his feet, and joined everyone at the bar. They were already busy serving customers, and the band was up and getting ready. He didn’t want to go straight into the loud music. He wanted to build up to that.
Pops served drinks, chatted with customers, and generally did his duty. All the time, like his friends, they were watching the door, waiting for her to arrive.
Finally, at eight, she entered, looking so fucking hot and sinful, he wanted to take her straight back out again. The red dress she wore molded to every curve, highlighting her sexy body. The dress showcased her full hips and waist. She was curvy in all the right places. He wanted to get his hands all over her and show her exactly what a good time he could give her. Her black hair was piled on top of her head with ringlets cascading down. Her makeup was minimal, and actually on closer look, he saw she wasn’t wearing any. Her skin was flawless.
Joe took her arm, and they approached the bar.
“Hello, handsome boys. Don’t you think my girl is the sexiest woman in the bar?” Joe said.
“Joe, stop it.”
“What? I’m trying to help you here, sweetie.” He sighed. “I do good work, right?”
Pops chuckled. He rather liked Joe’s flair for the dramatic. Also, he saw how much Rosie loved him, and what she loved, he did.
“Thank you for bringing her out,” Billy said.
“My pleasure. I’ve always wanted to come here, but with you guys’ reputation, I’ve been avoiding it.” Joe leaned against the bar. “Live band?”
“Will be out in about half an hour,” Gavin said, coming up behind her.
In fact, all of his men came closer, gathering around her, trying to hide her from any other male.
“When the band comes out, which one of you will dance with me first?” she asked, her cheeks going red as she glared at Joe. Her friend had obviously put her up to that question, and he found it more adorable that she struggled with it.
“I will,” Gavin said.
“We’ll all take a chance to dance with you tonight,” Ethan said.
Joe tutted. “What about me? One of you has to dance with me.”
“I wouldn’t,” Rosie said. “He’s got two left feet, and he can’t dance at all.” She stuck her tongue out.
“Buzzkill.”
“You were the one that asked me to ask that.”