Eddie grinned. “Keeps us on our toes, that’s for damn sure. So why are you behind the bar instead of dancing with your girl? You better stake your claim before somebody beats you to it.”
“You know, Eddie, I couldn’t agree more. Sandy, cover for me for a bit?”
His favorite waitress, one of the few he trusted to cover for him when he was on break, stepped behind the bar. “Sure thing.”
Easton wasted no time crossing the floor to the table where Bailee was in conversation with Reagan, Melody, Luke, Ben and Jackson. She smiled when she saw him, her gaze curious. He didn’t acknowledge his family but reached for Bailee’s hand. Pulling her to her feet, he led her to the dance floor.
The song was a country tune with a rhythmic beat and sultry sound. He spun her around and pulled her close to him, his hips swaying against hers. With a flirty smile, she wiggled her body to the music, teasing and tantalizing him with her moves.
As much as he wanted to hold her close and sway to a classic slow song, he didn’t hate watching her body move seductively to the faster beat.
The song was over way too soon, and he indulged by having a second dance with her. Sandy had the bar covered. The crowd was manageable, and if anyone needed anything, they could get Jackson’s attention. He spun Bailee under his arm, and she fell against his body, laughing as carefree as he’d seen her since she arrived in Fire Creek.
He lowered his head and kissed her, intending the contact to be brief. But once he tasted her lips, he couldn’t resist deepening the kiss, pulling her closer to him. He only broke away when a round of cheers went through the bar.
Bailee laughed, her cheeks flushing a becoming pink. They swayed to the fast song while keeping their close hold on each other.
“Looks like I can add dancing to the list of things you do well,” she teased.
“I don’t know about that, but dancing with you makes me want to do more of it. You seem to be having fun.”
“I am. For a minute there, I forgot why we were here.”
“Good. You shouldn’t worry about it. We’ve got your back, and we’re keeping a watch on the perimeter. You’re safe here, Bailee.”
She ran a finger down his cheek. “I appreciate that, but I want this to be over, too. So you have to relax your guard some, or Melvin won’t make his move.”
“I really want to get my hands on that bastard.”
She giggled, telling Easton the wine she’d been drinking tonight was doing its job maybe too well. “I think I would like to see that. My guy, getting all protective of me. It’s kind of sexy.”
“Hmm,” he murmured as he nuzzled her hair, the faint scent of roses tickling his nostrils. “You’re making it hard to go back to work.”
“Just gives you something to look forward to once your shift is over.”
The song ended, and he reluctantly led her back to the table. “You guys make sure she lays off the wine and gets some food in her belly, okay?”
He speared his brothers with a fierce look. Luke scowled back at him, Jackson grinned, and Ben saluted mockingly.
“You got it.”
Easton noticed that Eddie had already left by the time he returned to the bar. Sandy was busy filling orders when he stepped back to his post.
“I got this. You can get back to the floor.”
Sandy shook her head. “You need to check in with the kitchen first. They said something about needing a hand when you get a chance.”
Their grill master, Marty Stern, was good to handle the demands of the kitchen on his own, but when the bar was busy, Easton and Jackson stepped in to give him a hand as needed.
“You good for a little longer?”
Sandy nodded. “I got it. My tips are better when I work behind the bar anyway.”
Easton rolled his eyes at her. Even if she wasn’t working behind the bar, Sandy got a portion of the tips he earned. He never kept the money and would divide it among the waitstaff as a bonus for them.
“Be right back.”
Once in the kitchen, Marty asked him for help in getting supplies from the stockroom, so he didn’t have to leave the grill unattended. Easton retrieved the supplies and plated a few orders while Marty started grilling more burgers.
