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  “Whatever you’d like, darlin’. Mr. Cooper, or boss has got to go, but Lyric, or Coop is fine. Most people call me Coop because of the band though.”

  “That’s right, your band is also named Lyric.” She smiled again, feeling like flirting a little. “I like the name, but I suppose I should just go with the flow and call you Coop like everyone else then?”

  “If you’d like, but since you like my name so much I suppose I wouldn’t mind hearing you use my first name either.” He stepped closer until there were only a couple of inches separating them. The chemistry thick in the air between the two, yet neither one was willing to act upon it right then.

  “Lyric,” she whispered testing it out. She took a step closer and reached out to touch him. Her hand landed on his strong forearm, lingering there at the feel of hard muscle underneath.

  “Thank you.”

  It wasn’t until later that night she regretted that action. She cursed herself for coming on too strong, and hoped the embarrassment would fade before seeing him again. He was her new boss for Christ sake and the last thing she wanted to be was the next walking cliché, no matter how strong the attraction. Tomorrow was another day, a day she was determined to make right, a day were she’d try her best to control her drooling, and a day were she hoped to show Mr. Lyric Cooper that he wouldn’t regret his decision to hire her.

  Her new beginning had begun.

  Chapter Four

  “So how was your sleep this time?” He chuckled, leading her towards the back to show her where to keep her stuff.

  “They’re still very active, but it wasn’t as bad as the night before. It probably had to do with the fact I was pretty much a walking zombie by the time I got to bed though. Exhaustion took me into a nice dreamless serenity until the sun came up. It was great.”

  “I bet. You look great, anyway.” He gestured for her to enter through the door he now held open, a small storage room located at the back of the bar. That had a couple of lockers in the corner, with a few cleaning supplies and janitorial essentials scattered about.

  With a shy ‘thank you, you’re not so bad yourself’ towards his compliment she headed inside while he nodded and continued the grand tour. “You can take one of these spare lockers for your stuff. It should be fine for tonight, but tomorrow you might want to bring a lock for it just in case.”

  “Okay.” Meagan stepped forward to put her purse and coat away. “What next?” She spun eagerly in his direction looking forward to getting started, yet feeling a little nervous about it at the same time. She smoothed out her shirt self-consciously and waited.

  Coop stood there momentarily just looking at her without another word, making her fidget. “Is something the matter?” She spun around again to make sure she was presentable. Maybe my flies down, or I got a booger hanging...”Oh ew.” She chuckled to herself but wiped her nose just to be sure.

  “Nothing at all.” He smirked. “Now if you’ll follow me I’ll show you around and introduce you to everyone. They should all be here shortly.”

  Nodding, she silently obliged his request by following him yet again. “So tell me, Coop, do you sing every night?” They’d passed by the stage and Meagan couldn’t help but voice her curiosity as memories of him performing a few nights before came flooding back.

  “I play on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, and on Monday, Wednesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays I do everything else.”

  “Well you’re very good. Have you ever tried to pursue it professionally?”

  “I did, once upon a time ago but I’m content with where I’m at in my life. This bar holds a lot of sentimental value to me and I’m not looking to leave it. Thanks for the compliment though, sweetheart. I’m glad you enjoyed seeing me play.” He winked making her smile mischievously.

  “Oh, I’m not the only one.” She winked back. “There were quite a few women on Tuesday night smitten with the band and their lead singer.”

  “And what about you, Meagan, were you smitten with me too, sweetheart?”

  “No.” She laughed, as he feigned a wounded look. “A little intrigued maybe, but smitten?” She shrugged. “Nothing personal, I’m just not sure I’m ready to let myself feel like that again.”

  “Ah, yes. The dumbass married man who broke your heart. Not all men are that stupid, Meagan, and I hope that one day you’ll give one of us the chance to prove that to you.”

  Neither realized how close they moved together as they spoke. It was like their bodies had a mind of their own, an instant magnetism bringing them together, and it wasn’t until someone had cleared their throat behind them that Meagan realized and jumped back. “Now, boss, stop flirting with the new girl. You might scare her away.”

  Meagan turned to see five people smiling at them with a teasing glint in their eye. One she recognized as the tall, good-looking bartender from Tuesday night. Sporting a hairstyle very much like Lyric’s, it was the messy I just came out of bed look. Slim, and athletic, he was quite delectable too. Damn, there are a lot of gorgeous men here. The other person beside him was a woman, short, and very petite. She couldn’t have been more than five feet tall, maybe a hundred and ten pounds, tiny. She was actually quite cute with her dark curly hair, and delicate features. The other three smiled wide while she assessed them with knowing looks, and she could only imagine they were doing the same to her. All three men were clad in jeans and old ratty T-shirts. There were tattoos, sculpted bodies, and ruggedly handsome faces staring back. “Well he can certainly try.” Meagan teased, “But it won’t work. I don’t scare very easily.”

  Coop laughed, before finally introducing them. “Meagan, this here is Brett, Mike, and Chris—“He pointed towards the three men with the tattoos and then pointed toward the other two. “And, this is Ashley, and Cory. Brett, Mike, and Chris are in the band with me. Mike takes care of the music on our off nights, and Brett and Chris man the door and making sure there isn’t anyone who gets too rowdy when it gets busy. Cory works the bar, and Ashley will be showing you the ropes tonight. You’ll be taking drink orders, walking around offering people shots, and doing a little clean up with her. It won’t take long to get used to the rotation.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “Thank God, for another woman.” Ashley teased, and then grasped Meagan’s hand with a shake. “There is way too much testosterone around here. I’m severely outnumbered.”

  “Well I’m glad to help out a bit then.” She laughed again.

  “And I like that there’s no ring. Are you single, Meagan?”

  “Knock it off, Brett.” Coop nudged him in the shoulder with his own. “She’s here to work, not to be bothered by you.”

  “Careful boys, Coop’s laid claim on this one.” Brett teased, “Welcome, Meagan, we’re a harmless, playful bunch here.”

  “I can see that,” she said feeling amused and at ease. She instantly liked each one of them, and as she shook everyone’s hand it was down to business.

  Ashley led her around the bar and helped her through the routine as they prepped for opening that night. Everyone busy with their own task, she felt silly for her earlier nervousness and almost felt like her normal self again, despite feeling Lyric’s eyes on her every now and again, she wasn’t sure if she liked it or if she should give into the nervousness again. They’re like a family, and now I’m a part of it. The thought put her at ease.

  When the doors opened, it hadn’t taken long for the bar to fill up. Not as busy as her first night’s celebration with Nathan and the gang but enough that it made the time fly by. She was enjoying herself. A natural at the job, drink orders were filled, shots were sold, tables were wiped, and generous tips were made.

  “How’s it going?” Ashley had caught up to her at the bar looking curious.

  “Great, the jobs pretty straight forward, and the tips have been pretty good so far.” Meagan chuckled. “But do you always get hit on so much? I think I’ve had about ten propositions so far, and I don’t even want to count
how many numbers have been slipped to me as I pass by.”

  “Oh yeah, it comes with the territory. You’ll get used to it. You’re a beautiful woman, and also fresh meat here. It’ll die down eventually though, and if one ever gets out of hand just tell one of the guys. Coop, Cory, Brett, Chris, and Mike are quite protective when need be.”

  “I noticed, and I love that family atmosphere you all have going. I really think I’m going to like it here. I just hope I do a good enough job. The harmless flirting and propositions I can handle though. I took a few self-defense classes once I got burned with an ex that got a little rough and I vowed it would never happen again.”

  “Oh wow, and good for you. You’re doing great though, and I really meant it when I said I was glad to see another female in this place. I have a feeling we’ll be great friends.” Ashley squeezed her hand before leaving with a tray full of beer. “I’ll see you later.” She was taking table orders that night while Meagan walked around offering people shots of various flavors and colors, and cleaned up in between, and all went well, until towards the end of the night when she became distracted.

  She spotted Lyric aka Coop at the end of the bar as she wiped down a vacant table. It was almost the end of the night, and the crowd began to die down. With one leg propped up, his elbows rested against the wooden ledge behind him. He was definitely in his own element, cool, confident, delectable, and incredibly sexy. Meagan had to stop herself from drooling. Man, I’ve got to stop this, and as soon as the thought came out she felt as if a glass of cold water hit her as a gorgeous blonde approached him with a friend, both ladies strategically placing themselves on each side. They suddenly began to giggle and press themselves against him. He looked amused with whatever it was they were saying, and she couldn’t take it anymore. Get a grip, Meagan. This probably happens all the time. He’s sexy, talented, outgoing, extremely nice, single from what I could tell, owns his own business, and has his own band. A complete and total package that you’re not ready for, do not go there, you’ve haven’t got a right to be jealous. She turned abruptly hoping to distract herself with something else and finish up, but instead landed smack dab in the middle of a solid chest.

  “Excuse me,” she muttered and tried walking around the man.

  “Wait a sec would you?” His large hand gripped her upper arm to stop her, and jerked her closer. The strong stench of beer hit her nostrils and she tried hard not to grimace. He was obviously drunk, and she wanted him to let her go. “What’s your name, sweetheart? My name is Greg, and I’m pretty sure you’re new here.” He burped, and this time she cringed.

  “I am.” She pulled on her arm to get free, and although he let go, he took a step closer. “If you’ll excuse me.” Meagan unsuccessfully tried to step around him again but he blocked her way. “I’ve got to get back to work.”

  “Oh, come baby, don’t be like that. All I asked for was your name.”

  “Meagan,” she said through a clenched jaw feeling annoyed. Obviously he wasn’t taking the hint, and since she couldn’t step around him she decided she might try to back away instead. She plastered on a fake smile and slowly backed away hoping he wouldn’t notice the gradual decent. “Enjoy your night, Greg.”

  “Wait a minute.” The minute she turned her back he grabbed her again, and spun her around to face him. “I wasn’t done. I’ve been watching you all night.” He exhaled, spreading his drunken stench towards her again and then his grip got tighter making her flinch. Desperate to be released, he pulled her so that she was pressed against him. “What do you say you and me get outta here and—”

  “I’d say, I’m not interested and I think you should go home and sleep this off.” Megan pushed against him and continued. “I’d also say that if you don’t let me go now I may have to hurt you.”

  “Oh, so you’re one of those.” Greg chuckled but tightened his grip. “I’d like to see you try, sweetheart.”

  “She won’t have to.” Coop growled, “If you don’t let her go now I’ll have to make you.” Lyric’s massive six foot three muscular frame met Greg’s slightly slimmer, slightly shorter one. He reached out to grab her by her belt loop and dragged her against him where she felt safe, and finally let out a ragged breath now that there was some distance between herself and the very drunk Greg. She looked around and blushed at being caught in the middle of it all, hating being put on the spot. Brett and Chris flanked Lyric on either side ready to pounce if they had too.

  “Come on, Coop, don’t be like that. I was just asking her out that’s all.”

  “That’s not all. You don’t ever grab a lady like that in my presence, and especially not in my bar. She also told you that she wasn’t interested, so I suggest you take her advice and sleep it off. She’s my employee, and therefore I look out for what’s mine, you got it? I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt because I haven’t had problems with you before, but this shit better not happen again do I make myself clear?”

  “Crystal,” Greg growled, and narrowed his eyes when he looked at her again. Brett, and Chris stepped forward to escort him to the door, and she hoped that was the end of it.

  “Are you okay?”

  “A little embarrassed again.” She smiled shyly once she faced him again, and nodded. “But, yeah, I’m good. Thank you for stepping in. I mean I could have handled it, but I’m glad you got here when you did.”

  “I’m glad too.” He chuckled. “Meagan, Meagan, Meagan, what am I going to do with you? It seems you embarrass easily, yet I kind of like it.” He winked. “But I meant what I said. I don’t tolerate that kind of BS, and I hope it hasn’t scared you off. We get the occasional flirt here and there, but it’s rare that problems occur.”

  “I don’t scare very easily, but thanks.”

  “So you’ve said.” He smiled again. “And, you’re welcome. I think I’m going to like having you around.”

  “Good, because I kind of like being around,” she teased, and then left him standing there so she could finish up.

  * * * *

  “Okay pony up.”Ashley jumped up on the stool next to Meagan, and he watched them giggle. It was nice to see the two of them get along so well. He’d watched Meagan almost all night to make sure she was making out okay. Hell, he’d been watching her as much as he could since she walked into his life on Tuesday night. God only knows how he picked her out in the crowded bar, but as he stood there performing he felt the magnetism as soon as she walked through his door. She was exotic, beautiful, sweet as hell, and she had this almost innocent quality he wanted to corrupt. Okay, maybe that wasn’t the right word, but he definitely wouldn’t mind showing her a thing or two. She was the total package. He was prepared to be good though, knowing she wasn’t ready for anything he was prepared to give right then, but that didn’t change the fact he still wanted to get to know her. There was some serious chemistry between the two of them, and he knew if he was patient enough, she might change her mind eventually.

  Meagan reached into her pockets and piled a wad of paper on top of the bar, and suddenly the laughter got louder as Ashley added hers to the pile and sifted through it.

  “A penny for your thoughts?”

  Coop smiled as Cory approached him. “I was just thinking that Meagan’s going to work out around here after all, and I’m glad Ashley seems to like her.”

  “What’s not to like?” Brett teased him again, making Cory chuckle. The three of them turned to look at the two women sitting across from them again.

  “Watch it,” Coop growled, and decided to take the focus off of himself. “I can’t believe that asshole tonight, thinking that he could come in here and grab at her like that.”

  “You mean, Greg? Don’t sweat it. I think he got the message loud and clear. He was a little pissed off when we threw him outta here tonight though.”

  “Good,” Coop said, with eyes on Meagan again. “Now what do you say we go see what all that giggling is about?”

  “Man, you got it bad,” Brett snickered and
Cory chuckled again.

  “Oh my God, Meagan, look at all of these...”

  “Are there any in there you recognize? Because feel free to take your pick. I’m just going to put them in the recycle bin anyway.” Meagan shrugged.

  “That’s probably what it is, you know, not only are you beautiful, but you’ve got that hard to get, I’m not interested thing going on and everyone wants what’s just out of reach.”

  “If you say so.” Meagan laughed. “Oh, and thanks for the compliment, I think.”

  Before Ashley could comment Coop interrupted, “I think she’s got you there. What’s all this?” He gestured between them.

  “Looks to me like our girls here are popular.” Brett whistled, and helped himself with the heap in front of them. “They’re phone numbers and little love notes. Damn, Coop, they’re almost as popular as we are.”

  Coop chuckled, and wrapped his arm around Meagan. “Can you blame them?” he teased, making Meagan blush again.

  “No, I can’t,” Cory growled, and then leaned over to wipe the bar clean, including the pile of numbers and notes. Two handfuls later and they were in with the recycling bin. Coop smiled wide, and enjoyed the temporary show.

  “What the hell was that for?” Ashley jumped off the stool, her hands balled into fists and then rested on her hips to wait for an answer.

  “From what I understand, Meagan isn’t interested, and you don’t need any man’s number either.” Cory shrugged, making Ashley angrier. If looks could kill...

  “And, how would you know what I need?”

  “How about I show you instead?” Cory jumped over the bar and stood in front of her. “We’ve been dancing around each other for months, and I’m sick of waiting. Fuck, that we work together, let’s take this friendship to a whole other level honey. But, be forewarned I’m not the sharing type of guy.” Her fists loosened at her sides, and Coop could pinpoint the exact moment Ashley turned to putty in Cory’s hands. Everyone was silent watching the exchange between the two, when Cory continued, “Now I’m going to kiss you, and then I want to go home and make you forget about those phone numbers and any other guy who set his sights on you. I’m going to finally make you mine.” The last part was a whisper before their lips finally locked in a passionate kiss.