Part 39 (2/2)

Customers started chanting his name, leaving him chagrined. He touched her mouth with his fingertips, leaned in for a demonstrative kiss that made it clear they were together, then turned and headed up front.

All along the way, male fans greeted him with fist b.u.mps, high fives and the occasional clap on the shoulder.

Female fans were more outrageous, running their fingers along his shoulders or arm as he pa.s.sed, blowing him kisses, doing what they could to gain attention.

Totally in his element, Cannon reciprocated to the crowd and mugged for pictures.

Rowdy and his wife, Avery, stayed busy filling drinks from behind the bar, with Ella and two other waitresses wending repeatedly through the crowd with trays.

When Cannon reached the front, Rowdy paused to shake out a Rowdy's bar T-s.h.i.+rt and, with the women wolf whistling and cheering him on, handed it over to Cannon.

Yvette could barely see, but when she heard the new roar, she went on tiptoe to peek.

At ease, Cannon stood there in jeans only.

Her heart tripped, especially when she saw Mary right up front, toasting him with a beer.

He pulled on the black s.h.i.+rt that served as a uniform for the bar and the cheers turned to mournful protests. Grinning, Cannon wagged his finger at the crowd.

Bending to her ear, Armie murmured, ”Better get used to it. At a fight preview it'll be even worse. Or an after-party? Forget it. The women try to molest him.”

Yvette lightly elbowed him, which only made him laugh.

The night rolled on pleasantly enough. The women who weren't flirting with Cannon flirted with Armie and Denver and Stack.

Armie seemed resistant, which told her he was her watchdog for the night. ”Raining on your parade, aren't I?”

”Naw. I needed a break anyway.”

She laughed with him.

Cannon came around, bringing her a gla.s.s of wine, beer for Denver and Stack, water with lime for Armie.

And again he kissed her. ”Having fun?”

”It's terrific,” she told him. One hand to his chest, smoothing over the Getting Rowdy logo, she asked, ”How are you holding up?”

His hand curled over her nape. He put his mouth to her throat, her jaw, up to her ear, where he whispered, ”I miss you.”

She felt herself flus.h.i.+ng. Everyone looked at them. ”You're going to break so many hearts tonight.”

His teeth caught her earlobe, his tongue touched and he breathed, ”I'm discouraging all the guys who are looking your way.”

A surprised laugh burst out, and she hugged him. ”Don't be silly.”

”Silly, huh?”

”You are the center of attention,” she told him. ”No one is paying any attention to me.”

As if perplexed, he studied her face, his blue eyes dark in the dim light, his lashes leaving exaggerated shadows over his gorgeous face. ”Amazing.”

”What?”

”You really don't realize.” He shook his head, went back to her ear and whispered, ”I love your modesty. It's as s.e.xy as the rest of you.”

Heart thumping, lips parted, Yvette watched him finish circulating the room.

She jumped when Armie nudged her.

”Penny for your thoughts.”

Her face went hot. No way would she tell him how the L word had taken out her knees, or how the brief touch of his hot tongue had started a slow burn inappropriate to the situation.

A wicked gleam entered his eyes. ”I've heard it all before, you know. Done it, too. You won't shock me.”

Mute, she shook her head.

”That good, huh? d.a.m.n, girl, you know how to pique the interest. And I'm betting whatever I imagine is going to be more explicit than the truth.”

When Denver laughed, they both turned to see Cherry now sitting in his lap. That didn't, however, keep her from enjoying some playful, suggestive banter with all the guys.

Cherry really was a world-cla.s.s flirt, Yvette thought. Maybe she should take lessons. That way, instead of freezing up when Cannon teased her, she could tease right back.

Another hour pa.s.sed without Cannon making it back to them. Between serving drinks, he signed autographs and posed with fans. One guy didn't like how his date ogled Cannon. Already drunk and obviously stupid, he tried to challenge him, but Cannon laughed it off, ducking out of reach of a wild haymaker thrown at his face.

Rowdy escorted out both the man and his protesting lady friend.

Not being much of a drinker, Yvette was only on her third-was it her third? anyway, another-gla.s.s of wine when she noticed Armie looking beyond her, his interest blatant. Expecting to see Merissa, she followed his gaze and spotted Mindi.

Instead of her business suits, the lawyer's a.s.sistant had changed into a sleeveless, body-hugging dress and strappy sandals. Her blond hair hung loose in soft curls. Their gazes met. Yvette wanted to look away, but for some reason couldn't.

After smiling and nodding, Mindi zeroed in on Cannon. Her eyes narrowed with sensual intent, a satisfied smile lifting just the corners of her s.h.i.+ny lips.

Every guy at her table noticed Mindi, so Yvette could only a.s.sume that Cannon found her attractive, as well. And why not? Regardless of Mindi's uncharitable personality, Yvette had to admit that Mindi looked amazing.

She now regretted wearing her SBC T-s.h.i.+rt with Cannon on the front over skinny cropped jeans and flat sandals. She'd been thinking only of supporting him, having fun and being comfortable.

She should have worn her own s.e.xy dress, d.a.m.n it. But...that just wasn't her. And why should she try that hard anyway? She didn't want or need to compete with Mindi. Hadn't she made a promise to herself to be independent and courageous? That included standing up for herself.

She drained the gla.s.s, put it on the table and rose from her seat. ”I'm going to squeeze up front a little.”

One arm around Cherry, Denver toasted her with his beer. ”Go get 'em, Yvette.”

She glared at Armie. ”Why is he drinking if you and Cannon aren't?” Stack had tossed back a couple of longnecks, too, as had most of the men there.

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