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As this night wore on, his eyes continually sought out the girl who’d shaken his core more than he’d liked. She laughed a lot and looked to be having fun with her friend. His gaze continually returned to her, making him feel an attraction he couldn’t afford right now. Yet his willpower dimmed as the hours passed and yearning overcame his reluctance. A sad feeling flooded; one so alien, he didn’t quite know how to handle it.
Admittedly, in his lonely times, Luke often searched for a playmate to help him get through the nights. He’d turn on the charm and rely on his charisma in the sex game to get whoever he wanted. Of course, it was an act he’d perfected along with his skills as a cop. The female gender tended to fall for tall, muscular bodies, but in his case, it seemed to be more his bad-boy vibe that attracted them like kids in a candy store.
There were times he’d be slightly interested in the chase and other times when he could care less, depending on how long since he’d last had sex. But so far, he’d never been romantically involved. His eyes again found the blonde, and he watched as she arched her back as if she had an injury.
Before he knew he would, he finished the song and gave Matt the signal he wanted a break. The minute he stepped from the stage he became surrounded, and it took a little while to break away so he could approach his subject.
“What’s wrong with your back? Did that idiot hurt you?”
“What?” She swiveled his way, and her smile faded. “Hi, to you too.”
Her friend broke in with a happy grin and made room for him to stand next to them. “Can we get you a drink?”
He turned on the charm to her companion. “Thanks, Sugar. Already had my quota. Sticking to water now.” He pointed to the blonde. “Happened to see our friend here rubbing her back and wondered if she was hurt in the scuffle.”
The ignored girl being the topic of conversation spoke up. “Why… you worried I’ll sue because I was attacked in your joint?”
Her shocked friend blurted out, “Honey. Stop being so mean.”
Shit! These girls were in a relationship. His heart dropped and his hand clenched. Shit.
Before he could leave, the friendly talkative one added… teasing noticeable. “Honey fell hard but she won’t admit it stings. Says it’s just a bit of a scrape.”
“Honey?”
“Her name. Honey Bolder. Mine is Melanie Sear. We’re schoolteachers at—”
“You gonna give him your bra size too, Mel? He doesn’t care.” Honey’s voice dripped with derision, and her eyes shot sparks of warning. As was her custom, Melanie ignored her as if she weren’t there. “What do they call you?”
“Luke. Nice to know you.” He reached to shake.
Melanie took his hand. Then she gestured to her friend. “She’s just mad cause she hates being a spectacle. Now she won’t even dance with me, and your music is so good.”
“Why, thank you, darling.” Luke motioned to a good looker further down the bar. When he approached, he introduced him to Melanie. “Meet one of our off-duty bartenders. He’s a nice guy and loves to dance. He’ll be glad to partner you, won’t you, Jess?”
“Damn right. Be happy to.” Jess stuck out his hand, and Melanie giggled before taking it and followed him to the floor.
“You always play matchmaker to the women drooling over you? Great way to keep your groupies happy.” Her voice sounded dry… the disgust obvious.
Luke bit his lip to keep from laughing. If she only knew how often he made a move like this, she’d understand. He could care less if Melanie had a dance. Or if Jess got a partner.
All he cared about was finding out why she made him want to cry.
Chapter Eight
Honey couldn’t believe the man’s gal.
Of course she’d been hurt.
What female could have a drunken creep fall all over her on a dancefloor without getting a few scrapes and bruises. What pissed her off was the fact that she’d needed help. Hadn’t she been so filled with righteous indignation when Melanie had questioned her earlier about her ability to take care of herself? Then she gets into the first bit of trouble and needs a man to save her. Goddammit, why’d she go to all those martial arts classes then?
And to listen while Melanie drooled over Mr. Yummy for the last hour still had her jaw aching. For him to actually come to see them now meant she’d have to listen to Mel singing his praises for the rest of… for fucking ever.
She took another sip of her drink, hoping he’d take the hint.
“You ignoring me?”
“Finally, he catches on.” Honey spoke to a fictitious person.
