Since I was here, I’d popped in for a beer and a burger. My gaze roamed back to the redhead in the corner. She was unexpected eye candy, and I couldn’t seem to stop staring.
My burger arrived, and I ate it with gusto. Zeke’s Bar and Grill was solid for a good meal. Simple, but tasty. I ordered another beer, relaxing on the padded stool and sipping the icy cold liquid. A few people dropped by to say hi, but otherwise, I enjoyed the sounds around me, keeping to myself. My gaze kept wandering over to the girl. She appeared to be engrossed in something on her phone, occasionally picking up her wine for a sip. Our eyes met across the bar a few times, and once she offered me a small smile before dipping her head back down, no doubt, as Vanessa stated, put off by my scowl.
I had to admit, she was intriguing. Oddly sensual with her coloring, poise, and demeanor. She didn’t draw attention to herself, but it happened, regardless. She stood out from the locals.
Internally, I rolled my eyes. Intriguing or not, I wasn’t looking. I had learned my lesson the hard way, and I was still recovering from the betrayal I had suffered months ago. I had to admit, though, if I were looking, the pretty girl across the bar was as opposite from Shannon as you could get. That was a huge plus in my book.
But I wasn’t looking. Or interested.
Until movement caught my eye, and I glanced up to see the pretty girl looking uncomfortable. I cursed low in my throat when I saw the reason. Standing beside her, far too close, was Wes Donner. He was one of the Donner brothers, a bane to many in town. Rich, entitled, and far too full of himself, he thought he was god’s gift to women. Both brothers did. The younger one, Chase, had been a good kid at one time, but his brother’s influence changed that. The truth was, they were rude, obnoxious, and immature. I’d dealt with them many times and had zero patience for either of them.
Especially now, as I watched the girl shake her head and politely turn her face as she lifted up her phone again.
The asshole had the gumption to loom over her, invade her personal space, and grab at her phone. I tried not to snicker as she snatched it back, jabbed her finger into his chest and mouthed off to him.
He didn’t get the message, grasping her wrist, and pushing closer.
She tried to yank her hand back, but he refused to let go. I heard her voice over the din of the bar.
“Unless you want to speak in a higher octave, asshole, back off.”
Those words only seemed to entice him, and he cornered her. The girl grimaced and moved her arm, and suddenly, Wes was bent over the bar, his face twisted in pain.
Without a thought, I was out of my seat and by her side of the bar in a flash. Once close, I could see she had twisted his little finger, holding it at an odd angle. He was acting like a child, almost howling in pain.
“I believe the lady said no.”
Wes grimaced but refused to back down. “I’m not talking to you, Reynolds.”
“Neither, it seems, is the lady. You gonna leave her alone if I tell her to let you go?”
He huffed and cursed. “Fine.”
I turned to the girl. “I think he’s done.”
“Gosh dang right, he is,” she grumbled. “This keeps happening. Holy moly, I’m sick of men like this idiot.”
I held back my amusement. “Let him go, Red.”
She released him, and he dropped to the bar with a groan before straightening up.
“You bitch,” he muttered.
I grabbed his arm, yanking him close. “What did you just say?”
“Nothing.”
“That’s what I thought.” I glared at him. “It’s time you were leaving, Wes.”
“Why don’t you fuck off and mind your own business, Reynolds? I was just talking.”
I turned my head, meeting the wide gaze of the girl. “You interested in hearing him talk?”
“Unless it’s an apology before he leaves, no.”
I turned back to him with a smirk. I liked her sass. “You have your answer.” I leaned forward, dropping my voice. “Leave now, while you can still walk.”
He cursed and spun on his heel, shoving through the crowd. My eyes followed his path until he stormed out of the door, slamming it behind him.
I turned and smiled at the girl. “Sorry about that. A few idiots around here have no manners. You should be fine now.”
I began to move away, and her hand shot out, landing on my arm. “Wait.”
I glanced down where her fingers lingered on my skin. Pale against the tanned color of my forearm. Surprisingly delicate, given the punishment they’d just inflicted on Wes. I was taken aback at her touching me since most people steered clear of doing so.