Bareback(39)
“Pickings are getting slim around the barn, Mindy.”
The bartender ran her fingers through her short dark hair. “There’s not much here you haven’t already had or turned down.” She laughed. “There is a really cute blonde I haven’t seen in here before. Seems to be single, just hanging out with friends.”
Skyler’s eyes traveled to the table Mindy indicated with a subtle nod of her head. She shrugged her disinterest. “Not what I’m looking for.”
“One day, you’re going to reach a point where you have to go out of town to find what you’re looking for.”
Skyler’s eyes settled on a short woman leaning uncertainly against the wall near the pool tables. “That’s more my style tonight.”
Mindy’s eyes followed her stare. “Hold on, Ace. She’s just here for the weekend, and Robbie is already working that one. In fact, I think she’s trying to impress the girl right now with her billiards expertise.”
Skyler glanced toward the stocky woman bent over the pool table. Robbie sank a bank shot and tossed a grin at the short woman. The woman returned a weak smile.
“Give me another bourbon and one of what she’s drinking, Mindy.”
“Shit, Skyler. Don’t go starting anything. We make all our money on the weekends. I don’t need the cops hanging around here and scaring my customers off.”
“No sweat. I’ll whisk that girl right out from under Robbie before she notices.” Skyler took the two drinks and made her way across the room. She leaned against the wall next to the woman. “Are you waiting a turn at the pool table?”
“No. I’m just watching,” the woman said tentatively. She didn’t have Jess’s sexy voice, but she was cute enough. Her eyes were blue and they moved over Skyler with interest.
“Looks like you could use another drink.” Skyler turned a brilliant smile on her new acquaintance and replaced her empty glass with the one Mindy had just filled. “The bartender told me what you were drinking.”
The blue eyes softened with amusement. “Oh, you’re smooth.”
Skyler rewarded her with her cutest, crooked smile. “I’m Skyler Reese. And you are…”
“Kelly Thompson.”
“Ah. What are you doing in Cherokee Falls, Kelly Thompson?”
“I install computer systems for a software company. I’ve been in town all week to install a new system at the Savings and Loan on Fifth Street. I’m heading back to Seattle soon. That’s where I live.”
Skyler smiled. Perfect. Short-term and no strings attached. Her maneuvers had not gone unnoticed, unfortunately. Robbie glowered at them as she missed a shot at the eight ball and proceeded to lose the game.
She threw her cue down and stalked over as the deejay began a new dance tune. Ignoring Skyler, she asked, “How about a dance, Kelly?”
Kelly handed her drink to Robbie, who took it, obviously thinking Kelly wanted her to put it somewhere safe for her. “Actually, I had just told Skyler here that I would dance with her. You seemed tied up shooting pool. Do you mind holding my drink for me?”
Robbie stuttered in surprise as Skyler took Kelly’s hand and guided her expertly to the dance floor.
“You’re pretty smooth yourself.” Skyler chuckled.
Kelly turned out to also be a very good dancer, mimicking Skyler’s timing. She watched Skyler through her thick eyelashes and moved her hips in perfect sync. They danced through two songs while Robbie still glowered from the edge of the dance floor, and then Skyler pulled her close when the third song slowed the tempo. Kelly’s eyes were hungry, and Skyler kissed her deeply as she pressed their bodies together.
“Let’s get out of here,” Kelly suggested. “I’m staying at the Marriott.”
Skyler smiled her agreement, and they headed for the door.
“Hey, Reese. Just where do you think you’re going?” Robbie moved between them and the exit.
Skyler was nonchalant. “Well, Robbie. Kelly here has invited me up to her hotel room, and I accepted. So, if you’ll excuse us.”
The stocky woman held her ground. “I’m sick and tired of you waltzing into this bar like you own it and every woman in it.”