What the fuck do these men eat?
I glance over to the quieter one lingering beside him. He’s tall, of course, a little leaner than the other two brothers, but still carved out of pure muscle. Where the blonde one radiates chaos and golden boy energy, this one carries himself like a slow-burning storm.
His arms are covered in tattoos, intricate black ink curls over the burn scars raised on his skin, and disappears under the sleeves of his dark T-shirt. His green eyes catch mine—steady, sharp, but shadowed by something heavier.
The scars, masked by ink, climb up his neck, just barely visible beneath the collar of his shirt. His dark brown hair, medium in length, is styled with precision. His smile comes easily but stays guarded, partly hidden beneath a well-kept beard and mustache.
The taller one, the walking hurricane of blonde chaos, jerks a thumb toward himself.
“Maverick,” he announces proudly, like I should already fucking know his name.
He gestures to the quieter brother beside him. “That’s Reed. Our resident brooder and youngest brother.”
Reed lifts a hand in a silent wave, his mouth quirking up in a small, almost reluctant smile.
Carter mutters something under his breath, but Maverick elbows him in the ribs hard enough to make him grunt.
“You love us.” Maverick singsongs, gripping Carter’s shoulder.
“Like I love root canals, you dipshit.” Carter fires back, shoving him.
Reed watches them, quiet amusement flickering behind his eyes, like he’s seen this a thousand times and knows better than to get involved.
Maverick’s grin widens as he turns back to me, blue eyes gleaming. “And you are?”
I blink, still trying to process the sheer testosterone and chaotic sibling energy radiating off all of them.
“Catalina,” I manage to say.
Maverick’s grin stretches even wider, mischief flashing across his face. “Catalina, huh? Well, I have to know what a pretty little thing like you is doing with this miserable bastard.”
Carter groans and drags a hand down his face like he’s genuinely reconsidering being his older brother.
“Maverick, shut the fuck up. Not now.”
I could embarrass him, God knows it’s tempting. I flash the brothers a bright smile, choosing mercy—for now.
“I’m looking for a job.” I cut in, pretending not to notice the heat crawling up Carter’s neck.
Aww, the big, rugged cowboy is flustered. Cute.
Reed’s brows lift slightly.
“Do you need work?” Reed asks casually, drying a glass in his hand.
I nod, throwing Carter a pointed look. “Yep. Something local. Since someone refuses to let me drive anywhere without adult supervision.”
Reed’s mouth tugs into a quiet chuckle as he looks me over, considering.
“Well, are you any good with people?”
I grin. “I’m fantastic with people.”
He hums low in his throat, clearly debating, while Carter crosses his arms over his chest with his permanent scowl etched on his face.
“I could use some help here at the bar. Serving drinks, running food. It’s busy most nights. I can pay you bi-weekly, about twenty dollars per hour,” Reed finally says.
I perk up instantly, already feeling the gears spinning in my chest. “I’ll take it!” I quickly say.
