Page 68 of The Moment He Couldn’t Walk Away

A huge Christmas tree had twinkling lights and beer coasters hanging all over it.

“Come on, let’s get a drink,” Blue said, tugging Nina with her.

“Hello, Nina. How are you, dear?”

“Good, thanks, Mrs. C.”

“I’m pleased you’re taking over Circle Left. You’ll do right by it.” The woman, who used to own the only home décor shop in town and had sold it to Zoe, hugged her close.

“Thank you.”

She was stopped twice more, while Blue had wandered off, clearly not willing to wait, before she reached the bar.

“I got you a piña colada,” Blue said.

“Do I want a piña colada?” Nina asked.

“Yes!” Zoe added from the seat next to her. “You remember my friend, Lil, don’t you, Nina? She’s in love with your brother, Blue.”

Nina instantly stomped down the stab of jealousy. She and Finch were not an item.

“I am not in love with him. I like his music, as I have told you many times, Zoe.” Lil rolled her eyes.

Lynx. The woman liked Lynx’s music, not Finch’s face—which, to be fair, though, was gorgeous.

Like Zoe, her friend had big city style. Lil had long blond curls, green eyes, and flawless pale skin. Her dress stopped mid-thigh and clung to her every curve.

“And I’m here because I enjoyed my last trip to Lyntacky so much that I decided I needed another vacation here,” Lil added.

“And you think Lynx is hot,” Zoe added to annoy her friend.

“My brother is barman tonight, Nina. So we’re annoying Finch by ordering cocktails,” Blue said.

Nina nudged Blue out of the way and moved closer. Looking down the bar, she saw Finch McAllister, who was dressed in jeans and a tight black T-shirt with the words “I’m the Sexy Elf” on the front. On his head was an elf hat.

Three other barmen were on, dressed the same. Bradford, the lab technician and general odd-jobs man, and Ryder Duke, who looked about as happy as Finch to be behind the bar, plus Kurt, the new guy.

Kurt flashed her a wide grin that showed off all his teeth, and she wished she felt one tenth of what she felt just looking at Finch.

“If I weren’t in love with Jay, I’d definitely start flirting with him,” Blue said. “Go get him, girl.” She nudged Nina in the side.

Ignoring the nudge, she said, “How the hell did they get Finch and Ryder behind the bar when your brother is so grumpy and unsociable these days?” she asked his sister.

“Apparently they both owed Red a favor.”

“Hell of a favor,” Nina said with her eyes on the hot guy who had given her really hot sex. “Will this music and the lighting be all right with his eyes and headaches?”

“The lighting is dim, so he’ll be okay with that, but the music could be a problem. Red told him he can leave if he needs to,” Blue said.

“Still—”

“He’s a big boy, Nina. Finch will say if he needs to get out of here.”

Finch turned then, and his eyes locked on her. He made his way down the bar.

“If you order a cocktail, there is every chance I might say fuck off,” he said with a hard look.

“I’ve already ordered her one. You remember, darling brother—two piña coladas,” Blue cooed from over Nina’s shoulder.