Page 72 of Shephard

I knew I’d mouthed his name or even whispered it, which of course Maggie caught.

“That’s the guy from the resort. And… You know him personally.” Her voice held her usual teasing tone. Her teasing methods were relentless.

“Stop it. That’s Shephard Fox.”

“Hot name for a hot dude. How well do you know this man?”

I laughed. “We bantered. We argued. He stole a rope I needed to purchase from me. I don’t think it’s a match made in heaven. He has two brothers though.”

“And I would beg to differ. I think he’s coming your way. In fact, I know it. And you can always introduce me to the other two.”

I found myself holding my breath when he walked closer. But I’d be damned if he didn’t walk right by me. Yes, he threw me a look that confirmed his desire, but I also sensed he wasn’t in the mood for heavy bantering.

Neither was I.

Ignoring him was my best option. When I spun around to face the bar, Maggie huffed.

“You drive me nuts. Do you know that?” she said with her usual flair.

“I drive everyone nuts. Don’t feel special.”

She threw back more of her wine, grumbling when she placed her glass on the bar. “What happened between the two of you? And don’t give me that bantering crap.”

“Let’s just say he’s not who you think he is.”

“You mean some rich hot guy with a body to die for?”

“Yeah, not that.” I felt my inner core heating up. Yes, I looked again, noticing Shephard had moved to the other side of the bar, hugging the wall as if it was his private space. He had an aura about him that clearly shouted ‘don’t fuck with me.’ It was charming in a dangerous kind of way.

Maggie said nothing until a hot song came on. “Oh, we have to dance. Do not deny me.”

It was a honkytonk bar, but they allowed a single rock and roll night. The music was blaring, the light show that was usually annoying more seductive and inviting.

“I don’t dance,” I told her.

She grabbed my hand, almost knocking the wineglass from my hand as I tried to set it down. “Tonight you do.”

Maggie rarely took no for an answer. As she dragged me through the crowd toward the dance floor, I was cognizant of Shephard watching our every move. Maybe I was pushing my limits, which was something I normally did.

But not with men.

However, letting go even for a little while was appealing. Plus, it was my favorite Bon Jovi song. As soon as we made a hole on the crowded floor, I closed my eyes, allowing the music to smooth the edges of my desire.

Somewhere around the second chorus, Maggie was in my face. “I told you that you needed to get out more.”

“Maybe you’re right.” I had to admit I was enjoying myself, even though I was purposely ignoring the prickling feeling constantly sweeping through me. I didn’t bother looking in his direction, but I could feel his eyes on me.

One song turned into three, the pulsing beat and churning lights perfectly adding to the atmosphere.

“He’s watching you,” she told me.

“I don’t care.”

“Yes, you do.”

“Bullshit.”

I should have known Maggie was up to something. When she pushed me hard, she managed to drive me backwards.