Love Me, I Dare You! (Hell Yeah!) Read online

  “Sure, that would be great,” Emma said excitedly. “I’ll get a form for him.”

  “Now, hold up,” Josh protested, not sure how he’d gotten in the middle of this, “I just came in here for a drink. I don’t know what’s going on.”

  “A bachelor auction. Can you imagine the amount of money you’d raise? Half the women in Kerr County would be bidding on you.” Emma tried her best to sell him on the idea.

  Hell, he didn’t need this. “I don’t think so. As you can see, I’m not at my best.”

  Emma didn’t look at him, she just nodded. “No problem, just let me know if you change your mind. Now, let me get that drink for you.” With a slight smile, she reached for a mug and filled it. When she handed it back, he noticed she put her ringless right hand on the counter first, seeming to ensure the area was clear before she placed the mug down. “There you go, Mr. Long.”

  “Thanks, beautiful.” Giving her a wicked wink, Josh wondered if he could get her number before the evening was over. Hopefully she wouldn’t hold his unwillingness to help with the fundraiser against him. As always, when he met an attractive girl, especially one who pricked his interest, his brain would go immediately to sex. Hell, he was a man. How would Miss Emma look in the midst of an orgasm? Would her lips form that perfect ‘O’ in the throes of ecstasy? Would her breasts bloom with a rosy flush? He would bet his life on it. Dayum.

  “You’re welcome,” Emma smiled and it took Josh a second or two to comprehend that her big blue eyes didn’t quite meet his. She looked in his direction, but there was no connection.

  God, no. He stared hard at her face, making sure. No, nothing. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

  Sweet Emma was blind. His stomach sank to his feet. Well, hell.

  What a shame.

  Joseph didn’t seem to notice the exchange or Josh’s realization. “So, Romeo, what are you going to do since you’ve been benched?”

  “I don’t know, McCoy. Nothing has been the same since you retired, I never found a wingman quite as good as you or Isaac.”

  “Shoot, you didn’t need us, Josh. You’ve had more action in your time than three normal men deserve in their whole life. I can remember the parties we went to. Damn, we had fun.”

  Josh let out a long breath. “We did have some good times, didn’t we? Women flocked after you, Joseph. They followed ‘the Stallion’ from the football field to the rodeo arena to those extreme sports you excelled at. Me? I watched and learned. You were the Master and I was the willing pupil.”

  “I don’t know,” Joseph shook his head. “I think you broke my record with the ladies. Your reputation exceeds mine. I love only one girl now. Cady has me roped, tied and branded.”

  “You’re a lucky man,” Josh muttered, speaking just loud enough to be heard over the band.

  He loved only one girl too.

  One at a time. One in every town. One at every rodeo.

  No use making things complicated.

  Keep it light. Keep ‘em moving.

  And when the nights were darkest, when he was alone, he ignored the haunting knowledge that no matter how hard he tried, all the one-night stands in the world didn’t fill the empty places inside of him.

  Joseph had turned to speak to another man who sat on his opposite side. In the meantime, Josh found his gaze returning to Emma, who worked proficiently behind the counter. He noticed she had a very neat work area, everything in its place. When she reached for a particular bottle of booze, she would pass her thumb over a spot on the label. Apparently, Emma had everything marked so she could do her job capably without the benefit of sight.

  “Hey, Emma, how about some service down here?” A young man shouted, waving his cowboy hat in the air.

  “Coming up, Lester, I see you.”

  Her comment brought an outburst of laughter. Apparently she felt comfortable making light of her situation. Josh couldn’t help but feel admiration for her. This woman wasn’t letting her condition get her down – and he wouldn’t either. Somehow, someway, he’d figure this thing out.

  “Hey,” Joseph said, nudging his shoulder. “Sorry about that, Lance Rogers, our foreman gave me some bad news.”

  “I hope nothing’s wrong.” In spite of his preoccupation with the pretty little bartender, he really was interested. Joseph and his brothers had always been good friends to him. They’d known one another since high school.

  “Trouble? What’s up?” A clank of chains and the click of motorcycle boots accompanied Isaac’s deep voice. “Josh! Damn, it’s good to see you.” He came around the bar to shake hands.

  “I’m glad to see you too, Badass.” This McCoy was special. He’d known and liked them all, but Isaac was like a brother to Josh.

  “Finally, the owner decides to show up,” Joseph teased his sibling. “What kind of place do you run here?”

  “A damn fine place.” Isaac countered with a sly grin. “Especially the secret room, if you know what I mean.”

  Josh didn’t know what he meant and he was curious, but he didn’t get the chance to ask. A loud crash from behind the counter drew everyone’s attention.

  “I’m so sorry!” Emma cried out and Josh leaned over the counter to see her standing over a puddle of spilled beer and broken glass.

  “Well, if you’d watch where you’re going, shit like this wouldn’t happen!” The blonde waitress was standing right in front of Emma, dabbing at her own jeans with a cloth. “Oh, wait, you can’t watch. You’re blind as well as stupid!”

  “Hold on.” Isaac intervened. “Janice,” he addressed the waitress, “keep your voice down. Did you do or say anything to let Emma know you were standing in front of her?”

  “I’m so sorry.” Emma repeated and Janice said nothing more.

  “No harm done. Hold on.” Isaac stepped away from the bar and headed to the back.

  Josh watched Emma bend down to pick up the glass and he knew he couldn’t let her do that. Ignoring his own discomfort, he rose and went around the bar. “Wait, honey, let me.” He placed a hand on her arm so she would know he was near. Taking the tray, he braced himself on the bar and began to pick up the broken glass. “Did you cut yourself?”

  “No, I’m good.” Emma whispered. “I’m embarrassed. I try to be so careful.”

  “I’m sure it wasn’t your fault,” he added, noticing her sweet scent over the cloud of alcohol wafting in the air. “Just sit back, I’ll get this picked up in a jiffy.” Kneeling like this was agony, but his concern for her outweighed the pain he was feeling.

  “Oh, my goodness!” Avery, Isaac’s wife, came around the corner with a mop and a broom. “Accidents happen. I needed a break from the computer, anyway. Is anyone hurt?”

  “No, no thanks to her.” Janice snapped. “I could have been cut easily. Having a blind bartender should warrant the rest of us to earn hazard pay. Must we really work in these conditions?”

  “No, you certainly don’t have to work in these conditions,” Avery replied tersely. Josh felt Emma stiffen beside him but Avery continued speaking. “Go wait for me in my office, Janice. I’ll cut you a check. Your final check.”

  “What? No way!” Janice exclaimed. “This was not my fault!”

  “You heard her, Janice.” Isaac spoke up.

  “Thanks for helping, I’ve got it now.” Avery addressed Josh with a friendly smile. “Josh Long, you’re a sight for sore eyes. I’m so glad you came in tonight!”

  Josh grabbed the counter and pulled himself to his feet, tipping his hat to the beautiful woman. “Avery, it’s a pleasure to see you too. I got back in town about a week ago, it’s taking me a little while to settle in. I was able to save the old house from the taxman, but it’s about to fall down around my ears.”

  “Well, I’m glad you’re back and really glad that bull didn’t do more harm than a damaged knee. He could’ve killed you.”

  “True, very true.” He’d seen it happen to some of the best. “A few weeks’ rest and I’ll be back to normal.” His new normal. Catch
ing a glimpse of Emma from the corner of his eye, he noticed she was hesitant to get to her feet, probably afraid she’d bump into someone else. “Emma, take my hand.” He touched her shoulder, then let his palm slide down her arm.

  “Thanks.” She grabbed onto it like a lifeline and held tight. The sensation of her small fingers wrapped around his caused an electric tingle to pass up his arm. “I usually do so much better than this. I’m so embarrassed. If I can keep my bearings, I’m okay.” She laughed softly. “I’m afraid I’ve lost them tonight, my bearings, I mean. I feel so stupid.”

  Avery heard the exchange and handed Isaac her broom and mop. “You’re fine. Janice will be leaving and Isaac is going to fill in for her. You’re great, Emma. No worries.” She placed a stabilizing arm around Emma’s shoulders and positioned her in her usual spot. “Here’s your station and nothing is amiss.”

  Josh was sort of surprised when Avery kissed Emma on the cheek.

  “Thanks, boss, thanks for everything.”

  “Did you meet Josh?” Avery asked Emma.

  “Joseph mentioned his name, yes.” She nodded her head, hoping she was looking in the right place. “He had a lot of good things to say about Mr. Long.”

  “Josh this is Emma Zachary.” She leaned closer to Emma. “I won’t tell you all of his secrets, but he’s known far and wide as the ‘cowgirl whisperer’. His talent in the bedroom is legendary.”

  Isaac wrapped an arm around his wife’s waist. “Please forgive my wife, Josh. She has no filter.”

  To Josh’s surprise, he felt a blush warm his cheeks. Emma was looking in his direction seeming to hang on every word from Avery’s mouth. He hated to see those London blue sapphire eyes seeming to search for his face and not finding him. “Nice to meet you, Ms. Zachary. My reputation is exaggerated. A man can be embarrassed, you know.”

  “Ha! Like that would be possible.” Isaac squatted and held a dust pan so Avery could use it to pick up the smaller shards of broken glass. “Thanks for helping, Josh.” Once he stood, he placed a supporting hand on Josh’s shoulder. “You’re in pain, aren’t you?”

  “I’ll be fine,” he answered more tersely than he intended.

  “Hey, Long, come back around here. I want to ask you something,” Joseph motioned him to rejoin them.

  Josh hobbled his way back to Joseph’s side, aware that Isaac was watching him with concern. “What? Do you need some advice on how to keep your wife happy?” As he settled on the stool, he had to acknowledge how good it was to be back among friends.

  “Not hardly. I was just wondering what you’re planning on doing while you recuperate?”

  Josh was about to answer when Emma slid a beer in front of him. “This is to thank you for helping me, Josh,” she whispered.

  He noticed how one of her dark red curls clung to her cheek. If he wasn’t mistaken, she’d shed a few tears. “Thanks, honey. It was nothing.” When she moved away to tend to another customer, he turned to Joseph. “I’m not sure this is what you’d call recuperation time. I think it’s pretty safe to say it’s early retirement.” Taking a drink, he gave himself time to weigh his words. “Honestly, I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do. I don’t have some fancy degree like you boys. I hit the circuit right out of high school. Rodeo was good to me, but I can safely say I’m not rich. All I have is my parent’s little place and it’s in danger of falling down.”

  Joseph turned again to speak to the man on his left, then leaned back over. “Josh, meet Lance, our foreman. If you’re up for it, we have a proposition for you.”

  A niggle of uncertainty tickled between Josh’s shoulder blades. Right now, he didn’t think he had much to offer anyone. “Hello, Lance.” He shook the pleasant looking man’s hand. “Nice to make your acquaintance. What type of proposition?”

  Lance got up and came to stand between Josh and Joseph. “Like I was telling Joseph earlier, we’ve got a problem. The family wants to expand, so we’re in the process of buying up as much surrounding land as possible. The bank wants our records in a certain format and I don’t have the manpower or anyone with the expertise to handle it. Joseph tells me that no one knows cattle or horses better than you.”

  Josh shook his head. “I don’t know about that, but it’s going to be a few weeks before I can get back on a horse or do much more than hobble around.” Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Emma go by with a couple of beers. He couldn’t help but worry about her slipping on the damp floor. The sight of her beautiful hair tumbling down her back to a sweet heart-shaped ass made him shiver. “I wish things were different, but they aren’t.” He wished several things were different, including the pretty bartender’s lot in life.

  “Wait, Long, don’t write it off just yet. Give Lance a chance to explain.” Joseph spoke as he pulled a cell phone from his pocket.

  “Yea, Noah has decided to pull us kicking and screaming into the computer age, to make what the bank needs achievable. We’ve got all the paperwork for the cattle, but we want to survey each one for breed, age, weight, and markings.” Lance waved his hand to summarize. “We need to match the data to each animal. It’s going to be a headache, but a job that can be done from a four-wheeler or a pick-up truck.”

  “Well, I don’t know…”

  Joseph stood up. “That was Cady, I’ve got to go. Our baby girl just took a tumble off the porch and she wants her Daddy. Listen, Josh, this gig won’t last long but by that time you’ll be on your feet. If you’re going to hang round these parts, Tebow needs you. We could always use another good ranch hand.” He slapped Josh on the back. “Besides, you’re practically family. I don’t want you leaving Kerrville to work somewhere else.”

  Josh felt almost weak with relief. Honestly, he hadn’t known what he was going to do to put food on the table. “Thanks.” He shook both their hands. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

  “Great.” Lance said. “We’ll see you first thing in the morning. We start at eight.”

  “Wait,” Isaac approached. “There’s one more thing, a condition of your employment, Josh.”

  Josh frowned, knowing his best friend was up to something. They’d been through too much together for him not to be able to read the mischief on Isaac’s face. “What are you talking about?”

  “If you’re going to be part of the Tebow family again, you’re going to have to take part in all of our philanthropic efforts.”

  Seeing where this was going, Josh held up his hand to halt the conversation.

  “Oh no, Josh, you’re not getting out of this. Showing a woman a good time is a job you’re imminently qualified to perform. I need you to donate one evening to the bachelor auction.”

  Josh knew when he was beat. “What time? Where? What are the details?”

  “Avery will fill you in,” he said with a knowing smirk on his face. “Don’t worry, you’ll be glad you did.”

  “I look forward to it,” he lied through his teeth. Once his friends had gone about their business, Josh settled back on the barstool, feeling positive for the first time in several days.

  “Congratulations on your job and thanks for being willing to give of your time for the charity benefit.”

  Josh looked up and found another beer waiting for him along with a smiling Emma. “You were listening?”

  Her face dropped a bit. “Sorry, I didn’t intend to. My hearing is just extra sharp. I have to stay tuned in or I miss people asking for drinks.”

  He hadn’t meant to make her feel bad. “Of course, not a problem. How long have you worked at Hardbodies?”

  “A couple of months is all,” she answered, glancing down, chewing on her full bottom lip. Josh found himself wondering what her kiss would taste like.

  He didn’t get to wonder long. Another very feminine whisper in his ear gave him chill bumps. “Hey, good-looking. When did you get back in town?”

  Josh didn’t get time to answer one girl, before another had settled on his other side.

  “Buy us a drink, handsome?” />
  He found himself surrounded by not one curvy brunette, but two. A pair of twins, Mindy and Mandy Creech. “What do your girls want?” he asked, seeing that Emma was waiting.

  “You. Hot, hard and all night long.” Mindy purred. “We’ve joined your fan club. Is there a special initiation ceremony? A private one perhaps?”

  Josh’s eyes were still on Emma. Her face had lost its animation, as if she’d slipped on a mask.

  “I meant what do you want to drink,” he clarified tightly.

  “Oh, a margarita.” Mindy said, tracing the shell of his ear with her finger.

  “I’ll take a light beer.” Mandy added from the other side, her hand rubbing up and down his thigh.

  “Coming right up.” Emma left to fill their order.

  “Got any plans for later?” Mindy asked, running her fingers through his hair.

  Any other time, he might’ve taken the twins up on their offer. But not tonight. “Yea, a date, with my bed. Alone.” Josh disengaged from the pair of aggressive women. “Enjoy your drinks, girls. On me.” Alcohol was all they’d be getting from him tonight. He didn’t pause to wonder why they’d irritated him so much.

  Moving down the bar a few feet, he found Isaac. “Hey, what were you saying earlier about some kind of room here at the bar?”

  Isaac leaned forward on the counter, the leather of his jacket creaking with his movements. “Yea, I’ve got a playroom on the premises.”

  Josh shrugged. “What is it? Poker? Texas Hold-Em?”

  Dry-scrubbing his face, Isaac chuckled. “Not hardly. This isn’t gambling. Ever heard of BDSM?”

  For a moment Josh stood there dumbfounded. “Yea, I have. Don’t tell me you’re into that lifestyle?”

  “Yea, I’m a Dom. Have been for a number of years.”

  Josh snorted, wiping his mouth to hide his smile, giving Isaac a head to toe look. Out of all the McCoys, Isaac was always known as the black-sheep. While everyone else was riding horses or herding cows, Isaac had been racing the hill country of Texas on the back of a big black Harley hog. “Now all of the leather finally makes sense.”