Chapter Four

The man nodded and Emma got a good look at him for the first time. Hmmm. Actually, he was kind of delicious. Tall and broad, his chest muscles were clearly visible through his black t-shirt. Those jeans looked good on him, too, and Emma hoped she’d get a glimpse of his ass. His eyes were bright green, clear and shining, and his blond hair was long and curled up a bit in the back. He was scorching hot, that was for sure. Despite the hair, he had the posture and demeanor of a soldier, especially with all those tattoos, and was light-years away from the sober, professional types that she’d always been involved with. No relationship material here.

Despite the intimidating appearance, he obviously had a protective side and although it killed the feminist in her to admit it, she liked that. He was rough and tough and a bit wild, and there was no chance in hell their paths would ever cross again, she knew. In other words, he checked every box on her list of one-night-stand requirements. Best of all, he was gazing down at her now from his great height and there was what looked like a spark of interest in those amazing eyes.

Dean was interested in Emma, as it turned out, but he couldn’t for the life of him figure out why. He’d never been all that partial to short women or brunettes, and this woman was far more formally attired than his usual choice of female company. The blouse she was wearing was tight and clung to her curves just-right and was open enough that it showed a hint of black bra, all of which was very nice indeed. But the skirt was severe and tailored and looked pretty damn expensive.

Then again, that hair was fabulous: long and thick and curling over her slim shoulders. Her eyes were so dark blue they looked almost purple, and her mouth was generous. She looked like a sexy secretary or hot librarian, and Dean had no idea that he even liked that type. Until this exact moment.

Maybe this was the problem, the reason for his funk earlier – maybe he just needed a different kind of woman in his bed. A palate cleanser of sorts, a bit of something-else to get him back to himself.

They stared at each other.

You’ll do, they both thought. You’ll do just fine.

“So,” Dean said. “I know you turned down that guy’s offer, but maybe I can buy you a drink?”

“Actually,” Emma said. “I spilled your beer, so I owe you a drink.”

He grinned down at her. “How about we buy each other a drink? Call it even?”

“Perfect solution.”

“I’m Dean, by the way.”

“Emma.”

“Emma.” He imagined her moaning his name in that sweet voice. “Nice to meet you.”

****

Dallas looked over at the bar, wondering what was taking Dean so long. When he saw that Dean was chatting up a cute brunette, he grinned.

“Hey,” he said. “Looks like Jessop changed his tune, huh?”

Chris and Jim turned around and smirked.

“Yeah,” Jim said. “Maybe he just wasn’t in the mood for blonde, was the problem.”

Dallas got to his feet and the redhead pouted. “I’ll be right back,” he said to her. “Just going to talk to my friend over here.”

Dean and Emma were getting their drinks when Dallas swaggered over. Dean saw him coming and rolled his eyes.

“Hey, Emma? Just ignore him, OK?”

“Ignore who?” she said.

“That’d be me, darlin’.”

She turned to see another tall, broad, muscled man in front of her. His dark hair was cropped close to his head and his blue eyes were clear and hard. He was drop-dead gorgeous and smoldering away at her and she blinked. “Umm. Hi.”

“Hi.” He looked at Dean expectantly.

Dean sighed. “Emma, Dallas. Dallas, Emma.”

Dallas extended his huge hand. “Very pleased to meet you. Now, tell me. Is Dean here bothering you?”

“Not yet,” she said. “Hopefully later.”

Dallas liked that. He grinned at her, taking in her heart-shaped face and stunning eyes. She wasn’t Dean’s usual type, but Dallas heartily approved of his deviation from the norm. Emma was short and curvy, with glorious breasts and shapely legs. A lush and juicy little package – and look at that fucking amazing hair. Dallas was a firm believer in bedding redheads, but he might make an exception for her. He could totally see himself clenching his hands in that dark waterfall of curls, pulling that mouth to his, holding her in place so he could watch her come against him.

Emma stared back at Dallas, equally intrigued. Like Dean, he looked tough and intimidating, with a hard face and loads of tattoos, but also like Dean, he had humor bubbling just below that ferocious surface. She actually felt surprisingly relaxed around these two strangers, sure that they were more than capable of hurting her but they’d never raise a finger to do so.

“OK, man,” Dean said. “You’ve done your recon and as you can see, the situation is under control. Go on back to the table now.”

“Table?” Emma said.

Dallas gestured across the room and Emma followed his finger. Sitting at a table were two more huge men, both staring at her with curiosity.

“Oh,” she said. “More friends?”

“Yep.” Dean glared at them. “Chris and Jim. Chris is the blond one.”

“Right.” She gave them a small wave and they waved back.

“So,” Dallas said. “Maybe you want to join us?”

Emma didn’t really, but she wasn’t sure how to refuse politely. Thankfully, Dean stepped in.

“Nope.”