Chapter 31
Xena’s POV
“That red dress looks damn good.” Samuel walked over to join our conversation. He kept a respectful distance, but it felt good to be talking with him again. Apparently I hadn’t lost. a good friend after all.
“Martha is going to lose her mind. I can’t wait to see her reaction,” I said. “But there’s been a change with the dance decorations. They didn’t have the deep blue we needed, so they’re going with emerald green and gold instead of silver.”
“That makes your black dress even more perfect,” Ama said excitedly.
“It does work well,” I agreed. “You guys all have your suits ready?” I asked Samuel.
“Yeah, we’re all set. We even rented a limo,” Samuel told me.
“Nice. Ama, are you getting ready at my place or heading back to your pack?” I turned to ask Ama.
“I have to get ready with you. You can’t handle your own hair and makeup. Whether it’s at my place or yours, I’m not sure yet.”
“I could… try…” I made a face that had both Samuel and Ama laughing. I could feel myself relaxing, finally starting to enjoy the evening.
“Want to dance?” Ama asked me.
“I’m good. You go ahead.” My ribs were much better, but I still didn’t feel like dancing.
“No, I was just checking if you wanted to.” This was clearly a lie, but I decided not to call
her out on it. Ama was always like this, putting me first, sometimes even more than I did
myself.
“By the way, Samuel, our bikes need maintenance,” I suddenly remembered.
“I’ll take care of it,” Samuel replied. He was always good with things like that.
“Thanks!”
1/4
Chapter 31
“At this rate, I’m practically becoming your personal server!” Jovie walked up to us again.
“I’ll tip you well!” I laughed.
“Well, hold that thought. We have a bartender who called in sick.” She gave me an apologetic look.
“Oh, I can fill in for tonight!” It actually sounded fun. I turned towards Logan and called out, “Bartender called in sick, I’m going to play for a bit.”
“Damn it, not another ‘Ugly Coyote‘ performance!” Logan shouted.
Ama burst out laughing. “Ugly Coyote?” William asked, confused.
“She once danced on the bar…”
“Hey, I made good money that night, okay?” I tried to defend myself, but it wasn’t very
successful.
I followed Jovie toward the bar.
“I’m really sorry!” Kade was our head bartender.
“It’s fine!”
To say I had fun would be an understatement. No one questioned me; they just greeted me and told me how good I looked. I made a series of rainbow shots. Kade and I worked seamlessly together.
Occasionally I could see one of the guys watching me. Samuel, Ryder, and Logan took turns keeping an eye on me, like they were protecting me. Leonard was frequently distracted by some girl. If I didn’t like the girl, I would “accidentally” spill a drink on her.
It wasn’t until last call that I realized how late it had gotten. Kade handled the remaining customers while I finished cleaning up the bar. It seemed to be Ryder’s turn to watch me
now.
“Ryder!” I called out.
“What’s up?”
Chapter 31
“Can you change out the beer keg? I can’t lift it right now.” I pointed to my ribs. They were much better, but I didn’t want to risk it. And if I’m being honest, I liked watching him do things for me.
Ryder quickly ran down from the booth and stepped behind the bar. He rolled up his shirt sleeves to his biceps, grabbed the keg, and twisted them to change them out. I had to admit, watching his muscles work gave me a certain satisfaction. Damn, he was sexy as hell. The strength in him reminded me of what it felt like to be held by him – safe, warm,
and passionate all at once.
“Thank you!” I smiled and reset the machine, trying to hide any blush that might have
appeared on my face.
“Need any more help?” he asked, standing a bit closer than necessary.
“No, we’re about done.” I hastily took a step back.
As I stepped out from behind the bar, Kade was counting the money.
“How was tonight?” Ryder stood behind me, making conversation with Kade. I almost wished his hand was on my hip. That intimate touch that once felt so natural was now complicated by everything that had happened.
“Tonight was great. It’s always great when you’re here,” Kade shook his head.
“You good to go?” I asked Kadé.
“I’m all set. Here’s your tips!” Kade slid over a stack of bills that had to be at least a few
hundred dollars.
“No, split it evenly with everyone. You guys earned it.” I pushed the money back.
Kade frowned. “One of these days I’m going to force you to take your tips.”
“Good luck with that!” I smiled and waved goodbye, seeing Logan standing by the door
waiting for me.
