Watching her, Rowdy’s eyes darkened with anticipation. “That’s an awfully long time to deny yourself.”

Painfully long—though she hadn’t realized it until Rowdy came along.

He bent a little to meet her averted gaze. “Wanna tell me why?”

She shrugged. Out of necessity, and because you weren’t there to tempt me. “Sex wasn’t a priority.”

“And now it is?”

Sex in general, no. But sex with Rowdy? She got hot flashes imagining it. “You know I want you, Rowdy.” She wasn’t that different from other women. “A lot.” And she’d have him. “But I won’t risk prolonging your recovery, and that’s that.”

“Okay, then.” Rowdy unfolded his big body from the chair and stood over her. “Plan on sleeping tonight.”

She lifted her coffee cup in salute. “Just try to keep me awake.”

“I mean only sleeping.”

Avery couldn’t believe her ears. “That’s a major turnaround.”

Deadpan, he said, “Yeah, but unfortunately, I’m not that into comatose women.”

Well, she wasn’t that tired...but she’d go with any good excuse to give Rowdy the time he needed to recover from the knife attack. “If you’re sure...”

He smirked, letting her know he recognized her ploy. “When we happen—and we will—I want you to feel everything, Avery. Not be numbed by exhaustion.”

Wow. She sort of felt it right now.

Ella peeked into the break room, looked from one to the other of them and grinned. “Sorry to interrupt, kids, but Avery has a call.”

“Who is it?” Rowdy asked.

“Some guy.” She winked at Avery. “I didn’t ask for a name.”

“Next time,” Rowdy told her, “ask.” He pulled back Avery’s chair. “You can take it in my office if you want.”

Ella choked on her laugh, gave a quick wave and left.

“That’s okay.” Avery finished off her pastry and, carrying her coffee cup, started from the room. “I was about done anyway. And no, I don’t need to leave early, but I thank you for the offer.”

“You’re sure?”

As they walked into a boisterous crowd, she said, “Positive.” She’d carry her own weight and that was that. “You’re slammed tonight.”

“I’m glad I hired Cannon when I did.” Rowdy kept a hand at the small of her back as they maneuvered through the crowd.

She was thrilled for the success of the bar, but she wished Rowdy had a little more downtime. She’d taken each of her breaks and an hour for dinner, but Rowdy had barely slowed down at all.

They stepped around a cluster of people and both drew to a halt at what they saw.

Instead of the football players lining the bar, women of all ages and appeal sat perched on the bar stools, crowded in between, leaning on and over the bar—all ogling Cannon.

Avery barked a very unladylike laugh, then slapped a hand over her mouth.

Rolling his eyes, Rowdy said, “He’s going to cause a riot.”

“Told you he was a hottie.” She turned her face up to his. “Between the two of you drawing in ladies, the men won’t have room!”

“And then Ella might quit on me.” He gave her a quick kiss. “Take your call, and then tell Cannon to work the floor with Ella. That ought to help disperse the bar crush.”

At the mention of the phone call, Avery quickly lost her humor. Still, she gave Rowdy a salute and hurried along. It’s just a customer, she told herself. Not a big deal.

Lifting the receiver, she said in her cheeriest voice, “Getting Rowdy Bar and Grill. How may I help you?”

The silence made her feel ill.

“Hello?” She waited, but no reply. From across the room where she’d left him, Rowdy watched her, his attention palpable.

Hoping he wouldn’t question her, she shrugged and started to put the phone back in the cradle.

Through the receiver, a loud crack—maybe gunfire—made her jump so hard that she almost dropped the phone. She stared at it in horror.

Was that a warning? Or had someone just been shot?

Laughter came over the line.

Masculine laughter.

In a rush, she slammed down the phone—and belatedly remembered that Rowdy stood there taking in the whole thing.

What to do, what to do. Forcing all panic from her expression, she glanced at Rowdy and tried for a cavalier laugh. He wasn’t amused. The determination in his gaze told her that he knew something was wrong.

Just how wrong it might be... That’s what Avery wanted to know.

Her heart continued to pound too hard and fast as she took over and sent Cannon to work the floor. As Rowdy had predicted, the women followed, and men quickly claimed their empty seats.

For the remainder of the night she was so frazzled that she spilled drinks, bruised her hip on the ice case and accidentally dumped a bag of pretzels all over the floor.

Over and over again, she heard that awful gunshot.

They had two more hours until closing, and she couldn’t wait to call it a day. Knowing she’d go home with Rowdy, that she wouldn’t have to spend the night alone, was the only thing helping her to hold it together.

Despite the exhaustion, the thought of sleeping with him again had her toes curling inside her shoes. Snuggled up safe against Rowdy, breathing in the essence of his skin and hair, feeling his warmth... It was almost enough to revive her.