Obsession Falls (The Haven Brothers #1)

“Am I dirty?”

I set the roller on the edge of the paint tray so I could hook an arm around her waist and drag her against me. “You’re covered in paint splatters.”

“Oops.”

“You did a good job but you made a mess.” I leaned down and kissed her, slow and deep. Her mouth was soft and warm against mine.

So good.

“Sorry about the mess,” she said.

“Don’t be. I just hope you planned on those being your permanent painting clothes.”

“They are now.” She smiled again.

Damn, that woman. Her smile was going to be the death of me. I dipped my mouth to hers and kissed her again, indulging in her taste.

I managed to let her go without ripping her clothes off. But only just. I finished the last part of the wall and cleaned up while she went next door to take Max outside. Concern pressed at me as soon as she left. I didn’t like it when she was out of my sight. So far, the stalker hadn’t attempted to hurt her directly. But that didn’t mean he wouldn’t.

A peek out the window reassured me. She was wandering behind Max while he sniffed the yard. I waited until he did his business and they both went inside.

Cleaning up after a day of painting always took forever. I got everything washed out and put away in the garage, then went next door to get myself cleaned up so we could go out.

I was glad she’d agreed to a drink at the Timberbeast. I was too restless to stay in. Painting was physical enough work, it should have helped me burn off some of my excess energy. But it hadn’t. I hated feeling so useless. Like her stalker could do whatever he wanted and I had no way to answer back.

I kind of hoped he’d be at the bar—finally show himself in public. Then I could give him what he deserved.

* * *

The noise of voices and music spilled out into the parking lot when I opened the door. At a glance, it looked crowded but not packed. I could live with that. At least it wasn’t karaoke night.

I put a hand on the small of Audrey’s back as we walked in. A light touch, but it held a message for every man in the bar. Don’t even think about it. She’s mine.

Audrey checked her phone. “Marigold is on her way. I’ll just save her a seat.”

That was fine with me. Marigold had been one of my sister’s best friends for years. Nice enough girl. Probably too nice for most of the guys in this town.

There was an empty table on the left side, so I led Audrey to it and pulled out a chair for her. “I’ll get drinks. What do you want?”

“A vodka soda, with lemon if they have it.”

I scanned the crowd as I walked to the bar, practically glaring at everyone. I was looking for Colin, half-expecting to find him there attempting to blend in. No matter what Audrey said, I didn’t trust that guy. Even Garrett had admitted they hadn’t ruled him out as a suspect.

But there was no sign of him. There were a handful of unfamiliar faces—probably tourists—but most were townsfolk. No pompous, self-important asshole.

Rocco and Hayden were both working the bar but it was Rocco who came to take my order. He was dressed in his typical uniform—red buffalo plaid flannel with the sleeves rolled up over his thick forearms. I ordered a beer and Audrey’s drink, then leaned against the bar while I waited.

I kept an eye on Audrey. Before our drinks were up, someone approached the table. I was half a heartbeat away from barreling over there when I realized it was just my brother, Zachary.

He was a troublemaker, but he wouldn’t mess with my girl.

“Do you want me to start a tab?” Rocco slid our drinks across the bar.

“Sure. But don’t let Z charge anything to it.”

“Make sure he simmers down tonight or he’ll wind up in the parking lot.”

“What’d he do now?”