The Game of Hearts

If looking bored was a sport, Miranda would’ve earned first place as she sat at a corner table listening to Eva rattle on about some trivial matter at work. Letting the words to the music take over, she drowned out Eva’s complaints and nodded in agreement now and then.

The bar was one of the few places to go on Saturday nights for a thirty-mile radius around town, so it was generally packed on the weekends, especially in the summer. They had air conditioning! The manager booked live music for Saturday nights, which sometimes brought in outsiders.

Miranda wasn’t surprised when a stranger walked into the bar alone, but how her body reacted shocked her. She’d just broken up with her boyfriend and wasn’t ready to start again, not after what that bastard did, but her body was ready to betray her heart.

Noticing Miranda’s lack of attention, Eva rolled her eyes and said, “Wipe the drool off your chin. You’re so damn obvious. Honestly, you should just walk up to him and ask for mind-numbing sex before you ask his name.”

“What the hell is your problem?” Miranda asked, trying to understand Eva’s sudden shift in attitude.

Standing up, Eva hissed her words loud enough for the stranger to hear her. “If I have to tell you what’s wrong, you’re the problem. You’ve ignored me all night, but the minute that piece of ass walks in, you’re all wet between the legs.”

Glaring at the stranger, she grabbed her purse and stormed out of the bar without another word. Miranda remained seated, shocked at the turn of events. What was up with Eva?

She had no intention of talking to the hazel-eyed hunk staring at her. Keeping her head down, she stood up, walked to the bathroom, and paced back and forth in the small space between the stalls and the sink. Was Eva? Did she want to...? No! She’d never flirted with her. Unable to figure out the situation, Miranda decided to go home and call her best friend, knowing it was best not to ignore this.

Back in the narrow hall, she squeezed by a waiter carrying drinks out to the back porch. She stopped by the bar to pay for their drinks, but before she could escape, a deep voice whispered in her ear, “Did I really make you wet between your legs?”

Closing her eyes, Miranda balled her fists. She was ready to kill someone. Not literally, but she felt the steam rising in her. Turning to the jerk, she snarled. “What the hell kind of pickup line is that?”

The stranger shrugged his shoulders and said, “You tell me. Your girlfriend left all pissed off at me, accusing me of turning you on.”

Miranda rolled her eyes and turned back around. The last thing she needed was some arrogant bastard trying to weasel his way into her skirt. Dropping a twenty on the counter, she yelled to Max, “Eva took off. I think that should cover our drinks.”

Looking up from pouring a beer, Max nodded, “It’s fine. Be safe getting home.”

Giving Max a thumbs up, she turned to leave, but broad shoulders stood in her way. He leaned in and said, “I think we got off on the wrong foot. I’m Jace. I just moved to town and work at Mill Creek Ranch. Do you think you could give me a second chance?”

Placing a finger on his shoulder, she meant to push him backward and ignore his unwanted introduction. Instead, that little touch sent shivers down her spine, and she felt a burning desire to drag him out back. She wanted him to do things to her, like naughty things, but she refused to give into her carnal desires. She wasn’t ready to get tangled in the sheets with another prick. It would only end up in another heartbreak a few months down the road when he left town.

They always do!

“I’m not interested in what you’re offering, Jace. I’m sure there’s plenty of other girls that will take care of that growing budge between your legs.” Focusing on his crotch, she wanted to slowly unbutton his pants and let her mouth pleasure him, but she managed to maintain her steely composure and glare at him.

“I’m sorry. I’d have liked to get to know you. I guess your girlfriend ruined the mood.” He stepped back and gave her a path to walk around him.

Standing her ground, she said, “She’s not my girlfriend, not that way. I don’t know what got into her tonight. I think you remind her of her ex, but I honestly don’t know.”

“Well, can we pretend that the last ten minutes didn’t just happen and reintroduce ourselves? Start over.” His eyes playfully taunted her, breaking down her barriers.

“Fine. Just fine. My name is Miranda. I’ve lived here my entire life. It’s more like I’m trapped here. I mean, where else would I go.”

“You know, there’s an entire world out there.”

“Yeah, well. This world is hard enough.”

Sitting back down at the corner table, Jace sat next to her, nursing a beer while she drank a Coke. Before she knew it, minutes turned to hours, and Max yelled, “Last call.”

Frowning at Max's proclamation, Jace said, "Let me see your phone, and I'll give you my number."

Teasing him, she said, "Who said anything about wanting your number? What kind of girl do you think I am?"

"More than a one-night stand," Jace said, but he felt a twinge of guilt forming in his gut. Who the hell knew how long he'd stay in this dusty old town? He shouldn't lead her on.

Regardless of his reservations, his number was in her phone two minutes later, and he held her hand as they walked out to her car. Before she shut the door, he pulled her toward him. He kissed her, letting his hands roam. When she let out a soft moan as he pulled away, he almost lost all self-control. How easy would it be to take her in the back of his truck?

No! He wouldn't make that mistake again!

He needed to let her go!

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If you enjoyed Part 1, please click on the link below for Part 2!

The Game of Hearts - Part 2