Finding Your Feet at Jakes Pub
Recap:
Jake asked, “What brings you to Pine Ridge?”
You replied: "I... uh... just needed a change of scenery."
You try to play it cool, but Jake's knowing smile suggests he sees right through you. There’s no question you have their attention now; they’re not even trying to hide their interest. A ripple of heat courses through you. You tell yourself that it’s a natural reaction to being the focus of so much interest.
Even the other bartender watches from the corner of his eye, a small smirk tugging at his firm male lips as he mixes drinks with practiced ease. Across the bar, another brother arches a brow, his blue eyes glinting with curiosity, watching the scene unfold, waiting to see what happens next. Also incredibly handsome, he has a studious look about him, like maybe he’s a doctor or a lawyer or something, but when was the last time you encountered a white-collar professional that looked like that?
Jake chuckles softly, as if he can sense the direction your thoughts are taking. His easygoing smile puts you at ease. He leans forward on the bar, his broad shoulders and muscular forearms commanding your attention. The faint scent of peppermint and something warm, clean, and distinctly masculine drifts toward you, making it hard to focus when he says, “Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. New scenery can work wonders.”
His voice, deep and smooth, pulls your attention, but it’s the easy strength of his presence that makes your thoughts scatter. You’re a little surprised by the intensity of your reaction, but ultimately, that’s why you’re here, isn’t it? To see if the Callaghans live up to the hype?
Before you can respond, the younger bartender cuts in with a grin. "Easy, Jake. Don’t scare her off.” Where Jake’s presence is steady, this one feels unpredictable, a spark to Jake’s flame. His tone is light, teasing, but there’s a knowledge in his gaze that makes you feel like he’s already guessed more than you’re ready to share.
Like Jake, he’s tall and broad-shouldered, but slightly leaner and younger. His sharp blue eyes hold a hint of mischief, and you know instinctively that he’s the bad boy of the bunch.
"Change of scenery, you say?" he says, his tone light and flirty. "What are you running from—bad weather or bad decisions?"
You find his choice of words interesting. Why does he think you’re running from anything? Is this a situation they encounter often? Maybe it is. The pub seems like a safe space to take refuge, and they look like the kind of guys who could handle anything.
The other brothers laugh, and Jake shoots him a martyred look. “Ian,” he warns. Instinctively, you know that he’s used to dealing with Ian’s antics.
Ian shrugs, the corners of his mouth lifting in a totally unapologetic, crooked grin. “What? I’m just making conversation.” He turns back to you, giving you his full attention. “Welcome to Pine Ridge, by the way. And it doesn’t matter why you’re here, only that you are.”
He hits you with a dazzling flash of pearly whites and adds a wink. You can’t help but smile, the warmth of the place seeping into your skin, chasing away the chill. You didn’t know what to expect when you came in here, but it’s exactly what you needed—a bit of chaos and a lot of charm.
Ian’s gaze lingers, just curious enough to make your cheeks warm. Or maybe it’s the stout. “So, what’s your story? Or is it a secret?”