Page 97 of Rags's Awakening
A slow smile curved her mouth, soft, sexy, and way too damn dangerous. Adrenaline punched through him, hot and sharp, and he shifted behind the bar as his jeans tightened.
Zoe tugged at Casey’s arm, saying something in her ear, but Rags looked right through it, focusing on the way Casey bit her lower lip before turning away to follow the hostess toward a table near the back.
From the corner of his eye, he saw Throttle, Chas, and Axe smirking like they just witnessed a wreck in slow motion.
He didn’t care.
He couldn’t take his eyes off her. He couldn’t stop the rolling excitement inside him as he watched the sway of her hips with every step.
She was beautiful, funny, and sexy as fuck. He knew the guys would give him shit for it, but he didn’t give a damn. He was more than attracted to her. More than interested. He hadn’t felt this way about a woman since… Julie. But Casey lit something inside him he’d thought had gone cold years ago.
“Who’s that?” Chas asked.
Rags didn’t answer, his attention still locked on Casey as she slid into her chair.
“The chick from the nursey,” Throttle said. “You know, the one Owens owns.”
“Damn, bro, if you keep starin’ like that, everyone’s gonna think you’re pussy-whipped,” Axe said.
Laughter rippled behind him.
Rags glanced over his shoulder. “I’ll be right back.”
As he crossed the room, he saw her friend’s eyes widen before she leaned in and said something to Casey. Casey started to turn, but he was already there, bending close to her ear, the familiar scent of vanilla, caramel, and patchouli wrapping around him.
“Hi,” he said, low and thick.
She brushed her hand over his, heat sparking where they touched. “Hi.”
He swallowed, his fingers twitching with the sharp memory of her skin. When he met her eyes, he saw the same fire burning there, the same pull, and his pulse slowed into a heavy thrum. He dropped into a crouch beside her chair and smiled.
“How’ve you been?”
“Wonderful.” A sly grin curved her mouth.
“That’s good.” He skimmed his knuckles along her flushed cheek. “Come with me. We need to talk.”
Casey glanced at her friend. “I’m with Zoe.”
“Zoe can handle herself for a bit,” he murmured. “Drinks are on me.”
She glanced at her friend. “Zoe.”
Zoe looked up from her phone, took one look at Rags, then leaned back in her chair.
“This is Rags from the night we were at—”
“Oh, I remember him.” Zoe’s mouth twitched.
He straightened and nodded.
“Rags needs to talk with me,” Casey said. “He’s buying us a round. Order me a glass of chardonnay. I’ll be right back, okay?”
“Sure,” Zoe said, her gaze still fixed on Rags.
“Did you get a hold of Ryan?” Casey asked.
“Yeah, he said he’ll be here by the time we’re ordering dessert.” Zoe’s eyes flicked back to Rags. “Go. I’ll be fine.”
