Attached (Coronado Series Book 3) (2 page)

As he walked up, he heard Cary laugh and the sound reminded him of bells. It made him feel cheerful, and he realized what a strange feeling that was. He stared at her and tried to figure out what was going on. She looked up, met his gaze and stopped laughing. Snake noticed the change and looked around to see who had made Cary stop laughing. He gave Travis a hard stare before acknowledging him with a nod. Travis tipped his head in Snake’s direction and watched as everyone started talking again.
 

The conversation resumed quickly, and Travis had the pleasure of watching Cary charm eight of the hardest men he’d met outside of the Teams. She had them completely eating out of her hand as she sat there in her pretty floral sundress. She could’ve easily been sitting in the middle of a garden party instead of a bar in the middle of the high desert. He watched Snake answer his phone and noticed that he looked disappointed.

“Ms. Cary, I’m sorry to say we have to head out because we have a meeting to be at. I had a great time with you today, and I want you to keep in touch. You have my numbers, so I want you to send me updates on your travels this summer.”
 

Cary got up and gave Snake a hug. “Thank you so much. It’s been so much fun to get to know you.” She looked up and gave him a smile. “I feel like I’ve made a new friend today.” Turning to Clay, she told him the same thing. “Now, remember what I said about sunscreen. Skin cancer is serious business and I don’t want to have to worry about you.” They both nodded their heads and each gave her a quick kiss on the cheek.

Snake hung back as his men started to leave the bar. “Travis is going to sit with you until your tow truck comes. This place can be a little rough, and I don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.” He nodded to Travis and gave him a look that didn’t allow for an argument and received an acknowledgment from him in return.

Cary patted Snake’s arm. “That won’t be necessary. I’m perfectly fine on my own. I’m just going to order some lunch and enjoy my book. No need to worry.” She gave him a little nudge. “I don’t want you to be late on my account. I’ll be fine.”
 

Snake looked at Travis, nodded and walked out the door.

Cary walked up to the bar, ordered a sandwich and asked for another soda. She returned to the table and completely ignored Travis.
I don’t need anyone. I’m perfectly fine on my own.
She glanced briefly at him and then sat down at the table.

He watched her go through the same routine with her wipes before she opened her iPad. She checked her e-mail and then proceeded to read her book. He’d been totally dismissed by this woman, and he didn’t care for it. He went over to the table, sat down and waited for her to look up. She finally decided to acknowledge his existence with a raised eyebrow.
 

“Is there something you need?”

“No, I don’t need anything.”

“Why are you sitting at my table?”

“A friend just asked me to watch out for you, and that’s what I’m doing.”

She waved her hand dismissively. “No need, because I’m perfectly fine.” She looked down at her tablet and started to read her book again. She decided to ignore the big bear of a man who was assigned to watch over her. Her eyes darted over his broad shoulders, and she wondered if he was an outlaw. The man was terribly attractive, but she found herself not wanting to give him the slightest encouragement. Men like him always made fun of women like her, and she didn’t feel like being the object of his pity.

Travis sat back in his chair, crossed his arms over his chest and took the opportunity to study Cary more closely. “Why are you being rude? You just spent two hours talking to a group of men who are considered by most to be one of the most dangerous motorcycle gangs in the area. You won’t spend five minutes being civil to the person who’s willing to watch out for you?”
 

She looked up, her hazel eyes shooting daggers at him. “I’m not being rude. How dare you accuse me of something like that? I always have good manners….I shared my cookies with everyone.” She gave him a false smile and spoke with controlled calm. “I’m always friendly and find the best in everyone.” She looked down her nose at him. “I’m not intimidated by your big muscles, so crossing your arms doesn’t impress me.”

He uncrossed his arms, leaned forward and gave her one of his most charming smiles. “So you like big men?”

She sputtered as she tried to come up with a quick sarcastic response. Unfortunately, nothing came out. She lifted her chin as she finally responded. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Travis watched her eyes get small as she stared at him and realized that he might have pushed her too far. He knew she was a land mine but wasn’t sure which direction to take a step in. Maybe a quick apology would head off the incoming explosion. “I’m sorry that I said you were rude.”

She eyed him. “Maybe you’re the one I should be scared of.” She let herself take a good look at him and noted his good looks. Apparently he was capable of a small amount of chivalry. But she wasn’t interested.

Throwing his head back, he let out a big belly laugh. “You have no self-preservation instincts. You walk into a biker bar in the middle of the desert alone and hang out with Snake and his crew for the better part of the afternoon and think you’re safe? I’m the good guy here, not the dangerous one.”
 

The bartender brought her sandwich and drink over, and she smiled and thanked him. The guy almost lost his balance once he was hit with her attention. Apparently she was giving it out to every man in the bar…everyone except Travis. Why wouldn’t she smile at him like that?

Cary sat up straight, folded her hands in her lap and took a deep, calming breath. “Thank you for your concern. I am, however, perfectly fine by myself. I appreciate your offer, but I’m going to decline. Consider yourself set free of any obligation.” She waved her hands at him as if discharging him of his duties.

Travis stopped laughing and looked at her in amazement, because no one ever dismissed him. “You’ve spread your charm all over this bar today. Why are you rude to me?”

Cary stood up and stomped her foot. “I’m not rude…. Quit saying that.” She realized she must have been loud, because several men turned to look at them. She smiled and waved to them. “Sorry to disturb you.” Sitting back down, she leaned toward Travis, “Please leave! I’m fine.”

Travis noticed her cheeks were flushed, her eyes were more green than hazel and her chest was pushing against the top of her dress as she stared at him. She was really pretty when she was mad, and it made him wonder what she looked like when she was turned on. An image flashed through his mind-it was of the two of them wrapped around each other….naked, kissing and slicked with sweat. He’d been off the Teams for six months and nothing. Now, in the middle of the dessert, some crazy witchy lady woke up every cell in his body. Great time for his libido to wake up.
Damn inconvenient
.

“The tow truck is going to be here in a bit. I’ll sit here, eat my sandwich and read my book. Nothing to worry about…..Please go about your day.” She wrung her hands as she looked down at her plate, finally pushing it away. “I’ve lost my appetite.” She moved it toward him. “You can have it.”

Great, his charm had made her lose her appetite. “Why don’t you have it wrapped up for later-take it with you?”

“I don’t think a chicken sandwich is going to hold up in this heat. Please…it will just go to waste.”

He ignored the sandwich and tried to change the subject. “What landed you in the desert in the middle of June?”

“I’m on a road trip and ignored a sound that my car was making. I was listening to a show on NPR and drained the battery in my cell phone, so I couldn’t call for help. Maybe I can get all of the bad luck out in the beginning of my trip and then enjoy my adventure for the rest of the summer.”

Travis leaned in and smelled freesia. Where in the hell had that come from? He hadn’t smelled that since he was a little kid. It was his mother’s favorite flower.
Freesia, what the hell…?
“So, where are you going on your great adventure?”

“I’m going to the Grand Canyon and then I’m going to see Mount Rushmore and probably Yosemite.” She leaned back in her chair and looked at Travis. “Maybe I shouldn’t be telling a stranger about my plans. Is that what you were saying about my instincts?” She shook her head. “Maybe you’re right.”
 

He watched as her shoulders slumped. She looked dejected and forlorn, and he felt responsible. “You’re probably fine. Maybe I’m just being paranoid. You’ve lasted this long without my insight. Hell, you walked into a bar, made friends and gathered admirers. Clearly you’re doing something right.” Not everyone was interested in his dismal view of the world. She expected the world to respond in a certain way, and it did. He expected something different and was rarely disappointed.

“Thank you.” She looked down at her tablet and read an email. “Well, you’re off the hook-the tow truck is on the way. I’m going to wait outside.” She gathered her things and went to pay her tab.

He watched her walk over to the bar and noticed several men track her. Too bad they didn’t have more time together.

Cary walked back and held out her hand. “Thank you. Have a nice life.”

Travis took her hand, and his head was instantly filled with the scent of freesia again. His whole world was reduced the size of a pin and the face of Cary. It was like being in the middle of a gunfight. Everything slowed down, and all of his senses sharpened. All he could feel was Cary’s hand against his as he leaned down to give her a kiss. “Have a nice life, Cary.”

He watched her stumble back and then collect herself. “Bye… Travis.”
 

She turned and walked out of the bar and out of his life. He experienced the same feeling of loss that he’d had when he retired six months ago. Maybe this was the delayed reaction that the head doctors were always talking about.

Cary sat outside and waited for the tow truck to arrive. She ran her hand down her face and replayed the feeling of Travis kissing her cheek. She quickly dismissed it, as she saw the tow truck pull into the parking lot. She was more than ready to take the next step on her great summer adventure.

CHAPTER TWO

Cary sat on a bar-stool in the local honky-tonk and enjoyed the music and her margarita.
 

She was stuck in town for a couple of days while her car was being repaired, so she’d decided to come out and enjoy the local nightlife. It had been fun shopping at the local feed store and a nice surprise to find out that they had clothes. The nice woman who worked there had helped with her outfit. Who knew that short skirts and cowboy boots were a thing?
 

She looked around and noticed there were lots of handsome men hanging around. Maybe one of them would be willing to dance with her. She sat on her bar stool and tapped her cowboy boot as she looked around. This was much better than watching a movie on Netflix. A handsome man came over, and she smiled at him as he sat down. Returning her attention to the dance floor, she studied the dancers as they moved around the floor. She was trying to figure out the dance steps when the cute cowboy leaned over and said hello.
 

“Would you like to give it a try? I can show you how.”

“That’s so nice of you, but I am afraid I’m not a very good dancer. I’ll probably step all over your feet.”

“Good thing I’m wearing boots, then.” He held out his hand and introduced himself. “Hi, my name is Paul and I’ll be your dance instructor for the evening.”

She looked at him and was immediately attracted to his flashing blue eyes. “My goodness, you’re cute. My name is Cary, and it’s nice to meet you.”

He took her hand and held on. “Come on, pretty lady. Let me show you how it’s done.” He led her to the dance floor and started to show her the steps. He placed his hands gently on her hips as he began to move her around. He felt her hands move against his chest as she looked down at her feet and followed along. He gently lifted her chin with one big hand. “Look at me and I promise not to let go.”
 

“As long as you promise.” She liked the way he smelled and the feel of his hand. This was the adventure she was hoping for.
“I know that I’m a horrible dancer, but I don’t care. This is so much fun.”

“That’s what it’s all about, having fun.” He liked that she was unconcerned with how well she was doing and figured it was good sign that she was more interested in fun than appearances. The song ended and the band started to play a slow ballad, so he took the opportunity to pull her in close as they danced slowly to the song. It wasn’t every day that a pretty stranger showed up ready to have a good time. It must have been his lucky night.

As she moved around the floor, she started to believe she wasn’t boring after all. Eric might’ve been wrong when he told her that their breakup was all her fault. Maybe she was only boring with him and the life they had together. The man she was dancing with didn’t seem bored with her company. In fact, he seemed kind of excited. She twirled around the dance floor and relaxed into the arms of a very good looking man who seemed to like her. She needed to make sure that she did more of this, because she didn’t feel bored at all. In fact, she had never felt better.

********

Travis walked in and surveyed the crowd before making his way down to the bar. He found an empty chair and ordered a burger and beer from the bartender. The place was busy for a Wednesday night. It seemed like the whole town was there. The bartender slid a beer toward him, and he nodded in acknowledgment. He turned around and surveyed the packed dance floor. He noticed a woman who had on a short skirt, and cowboy boots. Her legs were a mile long. She somehow reminded him of the woman he’d met yesterday at the biker bar. A waitress brought over his burger and he turned to thank her, and that’s when he heard the laugh again. He turned around slowly-afraid of what he was going to see. The woman who reminded him of Cary was twirled around by her partner, and that’s when he caught sight of her laughing hazel eyes.