The Naughty List Bundle - Kylie Adams [293]
It was run-down, dirty and bred trouble because of a distinct lack of conscience on the owner’s part. It didn’t matter how staggering drunk the patrons might be, they could always get one more drink.
But because of Jordan’s personal bias against alcohol, he’d have left others to deal with the bar if it hadn’t been for Georgia. With her working at night, dressed so provocatively, he couldn’t bear the thought of any of his friends or acquaintances seeing her.
Georgia looked shaken to her soul. She turned away and began pulling on her clothes over the costume. “If…if you’re not here because of me, then why?”
“I’m here,” he said gently, trying to ignore the demanding throb of his body, and the pleasant buzz of satisfaction despite his still raging lust, “because the Town Advisory Board had another meeting.”
She turned to him with open anxiety.
“After Zenny and Walt and the others told them what they’d seen that first night, they’ve been outraged about the whole thing.”
“Zenny and Walt?”
Jordan nodded. “I told you I was here with other men that first night? Well, they’re the elders of the town, fairly set in their ways, too. When the trouble started they didn’t even wait around to see how it’d turn out. They took off and by that next morning everyone in Buckhorn knew what had happened.”
Her mouth opened and she breathed deeply. She stared at the far wall. “They know about me dancing?”
He nodded. “That, and the fact the police were called. I’d say folks are suffering equal parts of morbid fascination and outrage.”
Georgia closed her eyes on a grimace.
He wanted to protect her from the opinions of others, but she deserved to know what was going on. Given a choice, many of the townsfolk would prefer the bar be shut down. That’d put Georgia out of a job, and into one hell of a predicament. “Sawyer and I cautioned them not to get up in arms, but then last night Morgan arrested two men who were menacing a mule.”
Georgia’s eyes snapped open again. “Menacing a mule?”
“That’s right. They drove straight into a pasture, knocking down fence posts and tearing up the ground. The mule is a gentle old relic, but those bastards drove around with their horn blaring and their bright lights on, chasing her and scaring her near to death.”
His fists clenched. He couldn’t abide cruelty of any kind, but especially cruelty against women, children—or animals. “They’re lucky Morgan found them instead of me. I’d have been tempted to teach them a better lesson than a night in jail, three-month suspension of their licenses, and a large fine.”
Georgia’s gray eyes were soft and sympathetic. “I thought you were the least militant one in the family.”
“They were chasing a poor mule, Georgia, and they destroyed a good deal of property. Of course I’m feeling militant.”
She touched his chest, her small hand gently stroking. Since his lust was unappeased, she nearly sent him into oblivion. “They had been drinking here?”
“That’s right.” Jordan felt far too hot. He wanted her hand on his bare skin. And he wanted it a good deal south of his chest. Just the thought of her slender fingers curling around his hard swollen flesh made him quiver like a virgin. He hurt with wanting her. “Your boss,” he rasped, “knew they were drunk when they left here.”
She nodded. “Bill could care less as long he’s getting paid.
Jordan struggled for breath. He flattened his own hand over hers, stilling her caressing movements. “Morgan is meeting with the sheriff here. He thinks they might hit the bar with a heavy fine.” Jordan braced himself against her reaction and admitted, “A lot of people are pushing for it to be shut down.”
With an embarrassed little shrug, Georgia said, “I understand.” Then she moved away from him. “I need to get going. It’s late and I’m tired and I’ve got some things to do when I get home.”
He hated seeing her withdrawal. “Georgia…” He was uncertain what to