Page 134 of Rags's Awakening
“I’ll take over,” Tank said, stepping in.
Puck grinned. “This’ll be easy money.”
“We’ll see,” Tank growled, grabbing the cue from Rags. “Game’s on.”
“Later,” Rags said.
He stepped outside into the icy morning air and headed for his SUV, snow crunching under his boots.
Chapter Twenty-Six
“Does he eversmile?” Zoe asked before taking a bite of her sandwich.
“No. He’s not supposed to,” Casey said.
“And he’s your bodyguard, right?” Zoe tilted her head left, then right. “He’s really buff. I mean his arms are real fine, you know?”
“You’re drooling.” Casey smiled.
“No. I’m not.” Zoe frowned and took another bite. “I find this whole thing very interesting. I never knew anyone who had their own bodyguard.”
“He’s just keeping an eye on me until Rags gets the security system installed. It should be in by tomorrow.” Casey pushed her empty plate to the side.
“You must’ve been hungry.” Zoe laughed.
“I was, and the quiche was fantastic. I love this place,” Casey said, inhaling the aroma of baked bread enveloping the bistro. “And looking at all the oil paintings of street scenes in Paris makes me want to go there—like now.”
“This is my favorite French eatery in town. You can tell the chef-owner is from France.” Zoe dabbed at the crumbs at the corner of her mouth. “But I don’t blame you for wanting to escape to France with that psycho stalking you. Do you have any idea who it is?”
Casey leaned back in her chair. “No. I don’t even know if someone is stalking me. Rags sort of blew this out of proportion.” She glanced over her shoulder at Hog then lookedback at Zoe. “I don’t think I need a prospect babysitting me, and I think it was a fluke that someone came into my backyard that night.”
Even as she said the words, slivers of fear crept up her spine. Her gut told her something wasn’t right, but her rational mind refused to accept it was anything more than a Peeping Tom.
“I’d be scared shitless. With that crazy strangler still on the loose, none of us can feel safe. I can’t believe the cops haven’t found him yet. It’s not like we’re in Denver. Pinewood Springs isn’t that big.” Zoe took a long drink of her wine. “I also think it’s incredibly romantic that your man has someone watching your back when he’s not around. I can’t even imagine Ryan doing that… or even thinking of it.”
A gentle warmth spread through Casey. “He’s pretty special.” A smile curved her lips.
Zoe’s eyes widened. “You’re in love with him, aren’t you?”
Casey shrugged. “Maybe. I know I feel safe and connected when I’m with him. I love being with him. He makes me laugh and feel cherished.”
“Oh, Casey.” Zoe leaned forward. “I’m so happy for you. After everything you went through with your ex, you deserve a good guy—even if he is sorta scary and gives off dangerous badass vibes.”
Casey laughed. “All outlaw bikers fit that bill.”
“Yeah, like your bodyguard.” Zoe’s gaze drifted to him. “He has some fierce-looking tattoos, but I find them fascinating. He’s actually pretty hot, isn’t he?” She licked her lips, then looked back at Casey.
“He’s all right. Zoe, I think you’re having doubts about Ryan.”
“I’ve had doubts about Ryan since we started going out after meeting at Blue’s Belly. I mean, he’s a nice guy, a real gentlemanwho says and does all the right things—like pulling out my chair and paying for our dates—but…” Her voice trailed off.
“But what?” Casey picked up her glass of Perrier and took a sip.
“There’s something odd about him. I can’t put my finger on it. He’s almost too considerate and polite, you know? And he’s still strange when we make love,” Zoe said, lowering her voice.
“You’ve been saying that for a while. You need to move on. If you’re not getting good vibes, trust your instincts.”
Zoe nodded. “I know you’re right. I guess I keep thinking things will improve… especially the sex. The other stuff is nice. I mean, most guys I meet want to split everything, and then want you to perform like you’re some stripper or something.” She scrunched her napkin. “I don’t know… I guess I just haven’t found the one, even though I keep trying.”
