Unraveling Mack Ryder

The world was her playground, and Nova Skye spent every breath fearlessly exploring it.

Mack preferred his bitter solitude, but Nova’s passion for adventure sparked a flame in his empty soul, and he couldn’t get enough. She burned down every defense he had, but by the time he started to believe in what she said they could be, it was too late.

The Tap was what I’d call a typical hole-in-the-wall, with the exception of its size. It was rather large with a pool table, dartboards, and a couple of TVs that played whatever sports game was on. There was still a jukebox in the corner and a small stage with a row of pub tables down the middle. Booths lined the wall. It was outdated, but that was part of its charm.

It didn’t take long for a crowd to start rolling in, and I was so busy running around that I didn’t see Mack arrive until I looked over and noticed he was at his usual booth in the back. Every time I saw the man, I got this little kick in my stomach that made my throat tickle, and my jaw hurt from trying not to smile like an idiot… especially after what happened earlier at the diner.

Without him asking, I got his usual beer and wound my way through the tables to get to him. He did a double take, and I giggled. “Hey, Mack.”

“Your hair is red.”

“It is.”

He wrapped his fingers around the beer bottle, his strong hand covering mine, but when I went to pull it away, he gave a gentle tug. “I like it.” His voice was a little bit quieter, a little huskier.

“Thank you.”

His voice dropped again, just like earlier, and he said, “Seems it doesn’t matter what you wear or what color your hair is, you’re always damn pretty.”

I stood there like an idiot, just looking into his eyes as his grip tightened. My breath was lodged in my throat for several long beats, but then he finally released the pressure on my hand. I straightened and swallowed thickly as I regained my composure. “It seems even though you wear the same thing every single day…” I took a step closer to him and plucked at his white T-shirt. “You’re always damn handsome.”

I was rewarded with a quiet chuckle, and when he put the beer bottle to his lips, I saw they were tilted in a sexy grin, and I knew I was making progress.