Episode 4

The country music and the smell of deep-fried food are the first things to reach me as I walk in through the rear entry to Brady's Bar.

Locating an empty booth in the far corner, I make my way over, taking off my jacket and grabbing the menu.

Placing myself on the worn and cracked leather, I peruse the selection and taking the advice of the woman from the bakery, decide on a cheeseburger. Placing the menu face down on the aged wooden table and waiting to be served I take the time to look around.

The pub itself has not changed in the past 10 years, keeping it authentic yet elective feel with its peeling plaster walls showing the exposed brick underneath, and its framed vintage band posters, mounted haphazardly.

At the front entrance of the building, off to the left is the small elevated stage for Thursday karaoke evenings and to the right, running along the entire wall is the long oak bar, which would have hosted multiple locals throughout the years.

Placing my order with a passing server and having the CC and Dry delivered to my table, I focus my attention on a group of men playing pool and admire the view of a well sculptured back. Shifting my gaze, I allow my eyes to travel the length of a pair of long solid legs clad in blue jeans, resting just below a firm ass, then move onto very nice, broad shoulders covered in checked flannel, a rooster cap sitting backward, allowing just a small amount of dirty blond hair to curl at its edges.

Damn! That's one fine looking Mountain Man!

At that thought I remember that I need to check in with Erin, and only 5 minutes from my Siri reminder. Chuckling to myself, knowing exactly what she would say if she was here, I send her a quick text.

Arrived safe, you can call off the watchdogs, also hottie at 3 oclock. No Promises... A 7:12 PM

Immediately I receive her reply.

Took you long enough, and here I was thinking you had forgotten all about your BFF, that or you must be dead!... E 7:13 PM

Before I can even reply, my phone pings again.

Tell me more about hottie!! Does he have a big dick?... E 7:13 PM

Laughing and trying not to spit my drink across the table, typical Erin, always thinking with her vagina. I grab a napkin, wiping the escaped liquid at the side of my mouth and type back.

I have only just spotted him, how the hell would I know, also he could BE a massive dick!!! A 7:14 PM

We continue our text Ping-Pong until my meal arrives accompanied by another CC and dry.

Putting my phone down I take a bite of the succulent meat and cheese monstrosity and groan, just how I remember it. 3 quarters of the way through I notice that rooster cap and his fellow mountain men have ended their game and are heading towards the bar.

Before reaching his destination, rooster turns direction and heads directly to my booth, placing himself in the seat opposite.

Making himself comfortable, elbows on the table, hand on chin, and smirking, he gives me a long appraising look.

"What's a pretty girl like you doing eating alone in a place like this? Haven't seen you around here before and I certainly would have remembered if I had."

Taking a fry from my plate he continues, giving me a conspiratorial look, voice gruff and with a slight southern twang, "you know, me and the boys have a bet as to which one of us will be leaving here tonight with your tight ass in hand and I thought to myself; Well Russell why not just cut to the chase and ask her. And so here I am asking."

Is this guy serious? Oh Erin BIG DICK indeed.

Leaning back in my chair I cross my arms over my chest, "You know it is the polite thing to do to ask a girl her name before you declare your intentions to take her home."

Russell's handsome face, a young lumberjack version of Matthew McConaughey, smiles knowingly. "Now you got a point, but see here," his eyes drifting to where my arms rest, "I think that with you dressed up in that tight little white blouse, pouty lips and drinking on your own, that you are here looking for a good time. And darling, whatever your name is, I am here to provide that service."

Slightly slurring the word service, I notice for the first time that Russell's blue eyes are red and bloodshot and his breath reeks of one too many drinks for my liking.

This is going to get messy quickly if I don't put a stop to it.

Grabbing my jacket and bag, I stand preparing to go to the bar, fix my bill and leave. "As lovely as that offer sounds, I will have to pass."

There is nothing worse than a drunk alpha hole...

Moving to make my way over to the bar, Russell reaches out and grabs my elbow pulling me into his lap and caging me in with his arms. Breathing his sour bourbon breath on the back of my neck I grimace as he grinds his already present erection into my ass and coos, "now see here, that's not a very nice response, and I am already worked up here," alluding to hard object below. "I suggest you rethink that answer and we can enjoy the rest of our evenin together."

"Let go," I grit out, trying to get up, "I said no and I would appreciate it if you backed off and let me go."

Tightening his hold and pushing me further into his groin he slurs, tisking at my response. "Darling, that is still not the correct answer, now I."

"Russell, get your bloody hands off the lass before I call the sheriff on your ass for harassment!" A strong brogue accent cuts him off mid-sentence, causing Russell to relax his grip. Taking the opportunity of my newly found freedom, I quickly remove myself from his embrace, standing away from him and turn to see the man from the bakery step between us.

"Sorry lass, names Liam, this is my bar, and this fella and his friends were just leaving." He directs towards Russell, his tone direct and unfriendly.

I do not remember a Liam owning the bar, but considering that it is still called Brady's I assume he must of the son or a relation of the old owners, that or he kept the name out of tradition.

Standing up, slightly swaying, Russell feigns ignorance putting his hands up, "No harm here Brady, I was just talking to the girl."

"And now you and the boys are leaving!" Liam deadpans having another member of his staff, a tall, burly red head, assist with ushering them out the door.

"Till next time, pretty lady," Russell shouts stumbling and laughing as he steps outside, causing me to sigh with relief.

"Come, take a seat at the bar, have another drink and you can leave once those idiots are gone." Liam offers, turning towards me and pointing towards an empty stool, the smell of grass hitting me again.

Thinking that is an excellent idea and not wanting to be alone just yet, I accept his invitation and make my way to one of the empty seats in front of the bar and take my purse out.

"On the house, CC and Dry right," Liam offers walking back behind the bar, "I can't have you thinking too bad of the place because of some locals that can't hold their liquor." He continues, winking at me as he pours my drink.

Pity I didn't see him when I first entered the bar - I'll text Erin about Mountain Man number 2 later.

"Yes thanks, that would be lovely." I smile facing him, "Is that normal behavior?"

"Russell? Unfortunately yes, used to be quite the thing in town, still thinks he is, pity he has zero manners, but there are some girls that like that kind of thing." He replies passing over my drink.

"Well, I am certainly NOT one of them."

"Yes, I gathered that when you went to leave."

Placing his rag on the bar, and wiping up a wet spot he continues putting on his best 'Russell' accent, "So if you don't mind me asking, what is a pretty girl like you doing in a place like this?"

Laughing I take the time to appraise the man in front of me, early 30's, strong face, dark eyes, and thick lashes.

Attractive men must be a thing.

"Two weeks of rest and relaxation."

Dimples appearing behind his trimmed beard, he smiles. "Well, that gives me two weeks to get to know you better," Liam replies, reverting back to his normal voice. "Let's start with formal introductions, shall we? I, am Liam Alexander Brady, 33, single, never married, no kids, that I know of, and I have a dog called Spot."

"Spot, what man names their dog spot?"

"A real man, obviously." He grins, fanning his hands in front of his face and rolling his eyes.

Jeeze, the strong brogue and the rolling of the 'r' in real, was doing things to my lady parts.

"Nice to meet you Liam Alexander Brady, a real man with a dog called Spot."

"I am Ava Louise Hughes, 28, single, also never married. No kids, and I definitely know that, and no animals. I do have a pet plant that I call Droopy, but that is because I keep forgetting to water him."

"Well it is lovely to make your acquaintance Ava, and if it helps, I am an expert in Botany and can give you some tips to avoid a potential manslaughter charge. I can see it now, beautiful girl convicted of plant neglect."

Laughing, I slowly sip at my drink, knowing that I need to pace myself to make sure I stay below the limit. Enjoying the light banter with the sexy barman, I decide to call it a night half an hour later and push myself up from the stool bidding farewell, promising to return in two nights' time for a "proper" conversation with Liam on his night off.

"Drive safe lass, those roads can be dangerous at night and I would not want you to stand me up on our date."

Shaking my head, and moving towards the exit, I grin. "I never said it was a date."

Raising his hand over his heart and looking wounded, he mock shouts, "Ava lass, do not wound the pride of an Irish man."

Pretending not to hear, I blow him a kiss and walk out the rear door and enter into the chilly night air.

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