“My pleasure. What a great night.” Ronancould picture the guy making his move, only momentarily deterred asPayson tried to head up the stairs, then trying again as she pulledaway. “It’s a long drive back home tonight.” Creep; he couldpicture him trying to follow Payson up the stairs.
“Thanks for driving all this way; there’s agreat 24-hour coffee shop just at the south end of town.” Way to goPayson. He started to relax, was about to start cleaning up to headhome for the night.
“Payson, we’ve been out several times now,this is what, our fifth date? You know me well enough by now. Comeon, invite me up for a nightcap.” Was the asshole begging? Get alife.
“I know that Gregory, but I’d like to call ita night; I have to get up early tomorrow and it’s late.” She wastoo damn nice. Ronan would have punched him by now.
“Come on honey; I drove all the way here andtreated you to a five-course meal. At least a goodnight kiss?”Asshole’s voice dripped with rancid honey.
At the sound of shuffling, Ronan opened thedoor slowly, hoping to nail the bastard as he opened the steeldoor, but he was more afraid of hitting Payson, so he interruptedthem cautiously. Charming Gregory had his hand gripped tightlyaround Payson’s wrist.
Ronan startled, as if surprised to findanyone outside the door. “I’m real sorry to interrupt; I’m justfinishing up for the night. Payson, do you have a moment to let meknow your thoughts on finishes?”
“She’s not interested in admiring your littlewoodworking project. Would you please give us some privacy?”Asshole still gripped her wrist, barely turning his body towardsRonan, making it clear he wasn’t worth acknowledging. Payson stoodcasually, appearing indifferent to the situation.
“Oh, I think it’s up to her who’s wood she’dlike to admire.” Ronan raised his eyebrow in challenge, the cornerof his mouth turned up arrogantly.
Payson rolled her eyes, “Oh for goodnesssake. Ronan, thanks, I’ll check it out tomorrow. Gregory,goodnight.” She tried to pull out of Gregory’s grip to head up thestairs, but Gregory held firm. Pissed off now, Payson glaredback.
She went to say something fiery, but Ronanjust couldn’t help himself. With a low growl, he stepped closer toGregory, primed for a fight, “Let go of her, right now.”
Gregory’s voice was pumped full ofsuperiority, “Go play with your tools, this is between Payson andme.”
Ronan was hoping he’d say that. With a swiftjab, his fist connected with asshole’s cheekbone with a loud crack.Smile growing wider, Ronan taunted, “I’m sorry, it’s just so icyout. I must have slipped.”
Payson looked at him with confused wonder.The asshole, hand gripping his eye that would surely be purpletomorrow, fired back, “I’m pressing assault charges, youmoron.”
“I’ll call the Seaview Police for you. Mysister, Payson’s best friend, is working tonight and would be happyto take your statement. Right alongside my report of your assaulton Payson. The bruises you’ve left on her wrist should be plenty toincriminate you.
“Not to mention, I’m sure your patients andyour certifying board would love to hear about how you treatwomen.” With a sneer of disgust, Gregory stormed away, loafersskating on the ice as he stalked back to his Mercedes.
His satisfied smile faded when he looked overto see Payson staring at him with a curious smile. “I’d love to seethe shelves.” Okay, guess they weren’t talking about what hadhappened. Ronan held the door open as she walked in the back roomof the shop. “I love it. Looks much safer too.”
“I’ll sand and stain it, make it look a bitclassier.”
“I’d like that. Maybe a rustic walnut? Itlooks good now, but a finished look will be really nice. I had noidea you were such a talented carpenter. I should have realized, asyour mother volunteered you, and I know Frank has installed somebeautiful built-ins at their house.” She walked the length of theroom, her hand running across the unfinished shelves.
“Thanks for the rescue,” she finallyacknowledged.
“Anytime. You were right, he’s not the one.”Crossing his arms, Ronan leaned against the shelves and watched heradmire his handiwork. She’d been ready to clock that assholeherself; Ronan should have let her, might have been fun.
With an ironic laugh, she agreed. “I knowwhat I want, and it’s not another pompous ass.”
Ronan had a hard time focusing on what shewas saying. When she was around, just the two of them, he hadtrouble remembering why he couldn’t pursue her. Remembering thetaste of her lips, her body wriggling against his during theirdance that night at the tavern, then again in her apartment. Thenhe noticed her pendant was lost between her breasts, her shortvelvet dress shimmying up a bit with every step.
Chest tight, anticipation building, Ronanteased, “Payson, what do you remember from that night at thetavern?”
…
His words ricocheted through her brain. Whatwas he getting at? She turned to face him, hoping his expressionwould reveal his thoughts. “I remember having a fun evening,drinking a few beers with some friends. Drinking more than I shouldhave, more than I have in a long time. Why?”
The corner of his mouth turned up in adevilishly handsome half smile - wait, when had she started tothink of him as handsome? “Do you remember how you got home?”
Of course she did. Didn’t she? “Chase didn’tdrive me home?” He shook his head. “Did you drive me home?” Hestood leaned against the shelves with his arms crossed, enjoyingwatching her struggle.
Her memories were totally muddled. Ok, sheplayed some pool, but had to stop for some reason. Then the music…Oh god, she’d done some serious dirty dancing all over him.
Although, he had been an amazing partner. Herbackside pressed up against him, his hips moving synchronously withher own, his hands splayed out on her abdomen as he held her close.He had driven her home, walked her upstairs.
