Page 36 of Stirring Attraction (Second Shot 2)
“Handle the sight of blood?” Dominic supplied.
“You knew,” she said, her eyes widening. Because she’d told him, after her failed date with Ted.
She saw Noah leap over the front of the bar and rush to the unconscious customer in Dominic’s arms.
“Let’s lay him down and elevate his legs.” Noah barked the orders as he reached for Ted. Then he glanced up at her. “How much has he had to drink?”
“Nothing yet,” she said. “And that’s not why he fainted.”
“It’s my fault,” Dominic replied. “Good Guy Ted can’t take the sight of blood. And I showed him this.” He held up his right hand.
Noah glanced up, shook his head, and continued to run his hand over Ted’s neckline as if the short-sleeve button-down might be constricting. Dominic reached over and tapped Ted’s shoulder.
“Hey, Ted,” he called. And the man lying on the floor stirred. As soon as the other patrons realized Ted would survive, they returned to their drinks.
“Damn,” Dominic said. “And here I thought I was one down with one to go.”
Noah glanced at him as he drew Ted into an upright position. “Planning to make another customer faint tonight?”
“Nah.” He removed the rag and revealed a cut-free hand. “I borrowed some ketchup from your supplies in the back. Probably left over from when your dad served food in this place.”
“Yeah,” Noah said. “Why the hell did you pretend it was blood?”
Dominic shrugged and his broad shoulders brushed the tips of his long hair. “I saw Ted when I poked my head out and thought I could get a jump start on the list of guys I’m supposed to knock off for Lily. That’s why you brought me back here, right?”
“That was Josie’s idea,” Noah said, cradling a semi-alert Ted to his side.
“You didn’t think to ask Lily first?” Dominic said.
Noah glanced up at her. “Sorry, Lil. Josie thought it would help.”
“And what? She has you by the balls? You can’t make your own call?” Dominic demanded.
Noah raised his eyebrows. “You want to talk about your little sister’s relationship with my balls?”
“I don’t think that conversation would end well,” Dominic said as Ted started to open his eyes.
“Maybe if you’d come back sooner,” Noah said, “you’d be use to the idea by now.”
“Doubt that.” Dominic stood. “I’m going to finish cleaning up in the back and leave Sleeping Beauty in your capable hands.” He turned to her. “Your friend Ted could probably use a glass of fruit juice. The sugar will help when he comes to.”
She nodded.
“Let me know if you need anything else, Lily.”
“Thank you,” she called after him. But he was already walking away. “I’ll give you a proper thank you later,” she added, reaching for a pint glass and the orange juice.
“Not in my bar you won’t,” Noah said as he drew Ted up and guided him into a chair. “I don’t think this place could sustain the damage.”
Chapter Eleven
“I KNOW WHAT you’re doing,” Lily said as she raised her mug to her lips.
Fresh coffee first thing in the morning was one of the perks of having a caffeine junkie awake on the couch all night. But after living for two days with the memory of the way he’d touched her, she’d debated taking the coffeepot hostage in an attempt to catch him asleep. Then she could join him on the couch and wake him with a kiss that might lead to more. More kissing. More touching.
He’d always touched her with an intensity that bordered on rough. He made demands of her body as if he’d mapped out his moves beforehand. But at some point, his control would slip. It wouldn’t make room for hers. Instead, the fierce need to reach the climax would overtake them—and take out everything that stood in the way.
She smiled as she lowered the mug. Maybe they’d even manage to break the furniture.
