Addy elbowed her, but Liv only laughed.
“Oh, we’d love to hold onto Addy.” Zora nodded vigorously. “She has a wise mind and a good heart.”
She got that from one tarot reading?
“Amen,” Liv declared. “After all she’s been through, our Addy could use a peaceful home.” She nudged Addy’s ribs. “One with a spare room so I can visit her from my next duty station.”
A shiver ran down Addy’s spine as she drew Liv away from the nosy couple. “You got orders?” Liv had already extended her tour at Fort Lewis-McChord an extra six months, and Addy was dreading her departure.
“Got the news yesterday. Bassett Army Hospital, Fort Wainwright, Alaska.” She hugged Addy closely. “I wanted to tell you in person.”
“But that’s so far!” Addy wailed. “God, I need a drink.”
But before she could order one, a warm, heavy hand gripped her shoulder.
“What’s your pleasure, my buccaneer queen?”
Liv’s eyes bugged out. “Holy pirate’s booty.”
Kieran’s deep, rumbly chuckle stirred Addy’s hair and heated her core. She spun to embrace him—and stumbled backward at the sight of the sexiest swashbuckler ever to sail the seven seas. From his tricorn hat to his velveteen coat, lace jabot, snug breeches, and floppy boots, her keeper was every inch the seductive pirate captain.
Eyes smoldering, he likewise inspected her from head to booted toe.
Liv clamped onto Addy’s arm. “Introduce me to your friend, Ads.”
“Kieran Gallagher, meet my friend Liv Williams.”
“Enchanted, Ms. Liv.” He doffed his hat and swooped low in a theatrical bow.
“Is this the—” Liv whispered far too loudly.
“Yeah.”
“You lucky girl.” Liv smacked Addy’s arm. “And you match perfectly. If you don’t win the costume contest, I’ll eat my pointy hat.”
Kieran slung his arm over Addy’s shoulder in a possessive gesture that thrilled her down to the red satin panties she’d hoped to show him later.
“Before I met Addy, I wasn’t even planning to come out tonight, but…” He nuzzled Addy’s sparkly hair. “My brother in Toronto? His girlfriend does costumes for a movie studio up there. She express-mailed this getup. That’s why I’m late. Had to wait for the delivery truck.”
“Fred,” the blond bartender hollered, “Long time no see. Haven’t seen you since the Labor Day carnival. What are you drinking?”
“Your finest ginger beer, please. And the ladies will have…” He turned to Addy and Liv.
“The same for me,” Addy said.
“Rosé, please,” Liv added, still gawking at Kieran. “Why’d he call you Fred?”
“Ah. Well, there’s a story.” Kieran stroked his beard. “When I came to the States, I got tired of being called ‘Karen,’ so I picked a name those roughneck lunkheads could pronounce.”
Addy squeezed his biceps through his dashing coat. “Maybe it’s time to unveil the real you.”
“Look who’s talking.” Liv snorted a laugh. “Excuse me, you two.” She pointed toward the back of the bar. “I haven’t played beer pong since med school. I’m gonna go check it out.” She moved toward a table in the corner where patrons bounced ping-pong balls into plastic pumpkins.
That was Liv, always noticing undercurrents. She’d given her and Kieran space to enjoy each other's company—not that they’d get much privacy in this merry mob.
“Fred!” A mustachioed older gent in a vampire cape thumped Kieran on the back as he passed. “Got your favorite Amarena gelato back in stock. Come see us.” He waggled his bushy eyebrows. “And bring your lady.”
“Sal Verducci, meet Addy Connor, my—” Kieran raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to fill in the term she preferred.
