Big Man's Claim (Big Men Big Hearts 2)

Having Melody around has really sparked something inside me. I feel more creative than I ever have. I see colors and shapes in everything now.

“Ah, finally!” he calls out from behind the bar as he wipes his hand on a rag. Walking to the table, he sets both his hands on his hips. “I was thinking you forgot about me.”

“Not at all, Frank. I just wanted to make sure I got it right.” I reach into the box and wrap my hands around the weighty sculpture. When he sees it, his jaw drops.

From a solid piece of basswood I carved him a face of an old man with a beard. Stained to a dark cherry, I painted the man's eyes to give him a little life.

“Holy shit, Bran, it's incredible.”

“And,” I say, “it doubles as a bottle opener.”

Pointing at his mouth, Frank lets out a scratchy chuckle. “You're fucking with me, right?” he asks. Looking over his shoulder he calls out to the bartender. “Nina, bring me a bottle of beer.” She's at his side quickly, and he pops it open using the opening in the old man's mouth. “This is awesome. I'm putting it right over the back of the bar. Wow.”

My skin bristles as I'm standing with him. I'm getting the feeling I'm being watched. Glancing over my shoulder, I see Melody's brother Ryder and a guy named Marc. They're both sitting at the far end of the bar, eyes pinned on me.

“I can't believe this,” Frank says, shifting my attention back to him. “I'm hanging it up right now.”

“Good, I'm glad you like it. I'm sure your customers will get a kick out of it.”

“You're staying for a beer, right?” Frank asks. “It's on me.”

“No, thanks though. I have to get back. I still have a lot of projects to finish.”

He walks away, holding up the wooden face and yelling to someone in the back to come and check it out. Picking up the box, I turn to leave.

“You should stay for a beer, Bran,” Ryder says, blocking me from going forward.

“Yeah, no need to rush off.” Marc comes up on the other side, completely boxing me in.

“I'm all set guys.” Attempting to take a step around them, they take a step in. “You guys need something?” I ask.

I really don't want to start anything with Melody's brother and his friend. The last thing I want to do is kick the shit out of both of them. But if they strike first, all bets are off.

The tension in the air is thick. It's layered with too much testosterone and alcohol.

Ryder lifts his chin, his eyes firmly locked on mine. “I wanted to thank you for helping my sister.” There’s an edge to his voice that tells me he doesn't mean it. His tone is dry and harsh.

“Yeah, sure, no problem. How is she doing?” I ask, trying to stay natural and not sound suspicious. As far as I know, Melody hasn't told him anything about us.

“You should know,” Marc chimes in. “I saw her pulling off of your road yesterday.”

Swallowing hard, I hold up my hand and signal the bartender. “Can we get three beers over here.”

All of us are just staring at each other as the bartender sets the beers down on the table. Even she can feel the tension. Her eyes jump between us, and she backs away quietly.

Taking mine, I tip my beer in the direction of the other two. “They're on me.”

“You didn't answer my question.” Marc's eyes turn to pinpricks as his mouth pulls taut. “Why was she at your house?”

“Look, I don't know what you're talking about.”

“You know she's only eighteen?” Marc takes a small step forward. “I know all about you. You already ditched one wife and kid, you better not be fucking with Melody now, too.”

Who the fuck does this guy think he is?

Squaring my shoulders, I'm ready. Let him take a swing and I'll make him regret it.

“All right, calm down,” Ryder says, setting his hand on Marc's chest and guiding him back a few steps. His eyes turn to mine as his head tilts. “I am curious, though. When Marc told me that, I wasn't sure what to think. Figure I'll give you a chance to explain. What were you doing with my sister?”

“I'm sorry, but you're going to have to ask your sister that question. It's not for me to answer.”

Crooking his jaw, his brows dip hard. “I've got my eyes on you. Stay away from my sister. She's been through hell, and she doesn't need an older man preying on her.”

Sucking down a huge gulp of my beer, I slam the bottle down on the table and wipe my mouth with the back of my hand. “Is that right? You think I'm preying on your sister?”