Everywhere and Every Way(92)
“They belong to you?” Raven motioned toward the men. Humor glinted in her dark eyes. “ ’Cause if so, you’re driving them home. They’re trashed, and I confiscated all their keys.”
Morgan smiled. Warmth flowed as Dalton gave Cal a noogie on the head. It was as if through their mutual pain, they had found each other again. “Yeah, I got them covered. What is it about men drowning their demons in alcohol?”
Raven shrugged. “Fastest way to silence them.” Her face hardened. Seems she had big secrets, too. “You’re not a hooker.”
The statement caused a flush to darken her skin. “No, I’m definitely not a hooker,” she retorted. “I’m hoping we can put that whole scene behind us and never bring it up again.”
“Already done. I knew the cop was an ass. Anyone could see you’re as proper as they come.”
Morgan sighed. “Yeah, I know. Boring, right?”
Raven smiled. “You? Don’t think so. I have stellar instincts, and you’ve got more hidden layers than an onion, as Shrek would say.”
“Thanks.” Somehow the comment from such an interesting woman spiked her ego. “I do.”
“Which one’s yours?”
A glow settled over her. “The one on the right.”
Raven nodded with approval. “Good choice. Stay away from the one in the center. That man’s a heartbreaker.”
“Came on to you, huh?”
“Darling, he probably comes on to anyone with a vagina.”
She smothered a giggle at the accurate description. “Thanks for taking care of them.”
“Part of my job.”
Morgan headed over to the men. Heart pounding, she hoped they wouldn’t feel as if she was intruding on their private time. The need to check and make sure Cal was okay won over her nervousness, so she stopped beside them and laid a hand on his broad shoulder.
“Cal?”
He looked up. Those charcoal eyes lit up with pleasure, and without a word he reached up, tangled his hands in her hair, and kissed her.
The dim hoot from his brothers singed her ears, but she didn’t care. She kissed him back in full public view in the bar she’d gotten arrested in. And she loved every moment.
“Hey, baby,” he drawled. The slight slur told her he’d been drinking awhile. “What are you doing here?”
“My plans with Sydney got canceled. I wanted to come see you. Give you a ride home. Hi, Tristan. Dalton.”
Dalton treated her to a sloppy grin. “Morgan! Wanna drink with us?”
Tristan raised his glass. “Another bottle of Jack!”
She laughed. “No, thanks. Just think of me as your designated driver. Are you ready to go home yet?”
She had no problem letting them have their time with one another. As long as they were together, she’d wait till closing time to drive them home, so at least she knew they’d be safe. Raven strolled over and leaned her elbows on the bar.
“I’m out of Jack, gentlemen, so I’d advise taking the lady up on her offer.”
Tristan looked mournfully at the bottle. “It’s all gone.”
Cal nodded. “We drank it all.”
Morgan pressed her lips together. “You certainly did. I’m impressed.”
“Sh’okay. I’m ready to go.” He stumbled a bit getting up, but for a man who had downed a whole bottle, he was pretty steady on his feet. Tristan and Dalton got up carefully, swaying just a bit. “It worked.”
“What did?” she asked.
Cal gave her a beautiful smile. “I feel better. You’re pretty.”
Morgan linked his hand with hers and squeezed. “So are you.”
Dalton grinned at Raven. “You’re pretty, too,” he said. Raven laughed. “I’ll be back for my keys tomorrow, and maybe you’ll even give me your name. My name is Dalton. Dalton Pierce.”
Raven jerked back. Her mouth made a tiny little O, and shock filled her eyes. “Pierce?” she whispered. “Your name is Pierce?”
Dalton didn’t seem to notice her reaction. He slapped his hand on the bar. “Yes, sirree. This is Cal and Tristan. We own Pierce Brothers Construction. You’re pretty. I’d like to take you out.”
Morgan would’ve laughed, but Raven suddenly looked like she’d seen a ghost. She pressed her hand against her trembling mouth and gazed at each of them, a frantic look on her face. What had just happened?
“Raven? Are you okay?”
Raven backed away from the bar. Her voice turned to ice. “Get out of my bar.”
Morgan blinked. “But—”
She couldn’t finish because Raven turned and disappeared.
Dalton gave a longing sigh. “I don’t think she likes me.”