Loose Ends (Magnolia Series Book 1) Read Free Page B

the assets all the men went for. Huge knockers. She also sported a perky ass, and legs that were sixteen miles long. How one human being could have so many checkmarks in the positive column was beyond Ava. Some people got the short end of the stick when it came to looks and others were given the whole damn orchard.
    “I’ll have an apple martini and keep them coming please,” Ava placed her order while trying not to think what it would be like to own a set of twins like Jeannie had.
    “Do you want another beer, Brandi?” Jeannie asked.
    “Sure thing, sugar.” Brandi winked at Jeannie.
    The sexpot waitress sauntered off and Ava gawked at Brandi. “What is wrong with you?”
    “What? I was only being friendly.”
    “Sugar? Really? Why don’t you ask her to sit on your lap while you’re at it?” Ava shook her head. She’d bet money that Brandi was already halfway to a good buzz.
    “You know I only go for the toad stools, not the lily pads,” Brandi hooted.
    “Here ya go, ladies.” Jeannie was back in record time, setting the drinks on flimsy paper napkins. Was it too much to ask for paper coasters? Ava shouldn’t have expected more than that, though, after all, the bathroom stalls were constructed of particle board and latched closed with coat hangers. High class.
    Taking a sip from the edge of her martini glass, Ava cringed a bit as the alcohol slipped past her tongue and down her throat. One thing about it, Bo’s sure gave you your money’s worth when you ordered a drink. Two martinis and Ava could very well be on the floor singing the alphabet in a Russian accent.
    “So, how’s the new digs coming along?” Brandi pulled Ava from her thoughts of her drink’s potency.
    “Good, I guess. I have a ton of painting that needs done but other than that I think I’ll like it.”
    “I’m jealous. I wish I would’ve found a steal like that on the beach.” She was referring to the two-bedroom beach home Ava had found. Only, it wasn’t a steal. “Thirty-five thousand for something in that location is crazy.” One more thing Ava hadn’t told the truth about. She really paid two hundred grand but no one needed to know that piece of information.
    “I guess I got lucky.” She raised her glass and took another sip of the burning drink. No one knew her, not personally anyway. They didn’t know where she came from or what she was really doing in Biloxi. The truth was, she was running. Two years so far and her past hadn’t come back to bite her in the ass, yet. For now she was staying. It seemed to be safe and pretty much low-key. Perfect for someone trying to flee from a dangerous former life.
    “I can come help you paint if you want,” Brandi offered.
    “Oh, I think I can handle it.”
    “Well, if you change your mind, let me know.”
    Ava scanned the bar once more. It was habit. She wanted to know who was there, what they were up to and more importantly, how to make her exit quickly if the need arose. She did one full pass and then back again. Once the room scan was complete she looked down at her now empty drink. Sensing someone behind her, Ava’s head shot up, her entire body on full alert. She was ready to run if need be.
    “Evening, ladies.” A man came around and sat a drink on the table in front of her.
    “Luke Daughtry,” Ava said and rolled her eyes.
    “Thought you could use a new drink.” He pointed to the low tumbler of dark amber liquid on the table.
    “I thought I was supposed to buy you a drink?” she pointed out, looking around him. “Aren’t you supposed to be on a date?”
    “Got stood up.” He shrugged, causing his manly shoulders to strain the fabric of his short-sleeved plaid shirt. Not the most stylish of clothing, but somehow Luke made it look sexy.
    “That’s a bummer.” She frowned even though she was secretly glad he’d ended up not going on a date.
    “Just wasn’t meant to be, I guess. Mind if I hang with you ladies tonight?” He pointed to the empty stool at