Don't Close Your Eyes by Lynessa James Read Free Book Online Page A

been, and Jase reached out, capturing my hand with both of his.  He placed it to his lips and proceeded to introduce me to "TDH" while I hoped he didn’t notice how sweaty it might have been in that very instant at such intimate contact. 
    "Kinsley, this is Keane.  Keane, this is Kinsley James, bartender extraordinaire, my sister's bestfriend," he cleared his throat and took his left hand away to adjust an imaginary tie like an ass, "and the future Mrs . Taylor."  Jase smiled extra naughty on that last part.  Oh, Jase's naughty smile!  Gulp!  I giggled like a moron under Jase’s stupidity.
    Well, I did until TDH grabbed my hand from Jase and also placed it to his mouth.  I felt myself blush like a dang fool, but I couldn't make myself look away from his piercing eyes.  So pretty.  They stared assessably which I found very interesting.  "Keane Keller, Miss James , very nice to meet you," he said with a tinge of southern hospitality laced in his tone.  I grinned immediately, then put my fist over my mouth with a dorky ‘oh!’ to go with his dig at Jase.  They both chuckled before Jase pretended to be wounded with a narrow-eyed sexy look in my direction.  I pulled my hand from my mouth with a huge smile, totally grateful to my parents for those miserable braces all those years ago, for without which I might feel less than adequate next to Mr. Keller’s own dazzling smile.
    He placed my other hand back down onto the bar, but kept his hand cupped over it.  I looked down in amusement, then back up at him, but he didn't seem to think there was anything that needed to change.  Should I let my hand stay there?  Yes !  Instead, I slipped it out from under his and rolled my eyes at his flirty sound of disappointment.  What?  I couldn't keep it there, I don't want him to think I'm easy.   I asked Jase how they knew one another, and he looked pleased by the question.  "We served in the military together.  He also happens to be my very best friend.  Grew up together before my family moved here," Jase beamed at his friend with pride.  Aw!  That was pretty adorable.
    Jase’s family moved here when he was in the eighth grade.  He was pretty much an instant hit from that point on, very well known.  Even though I was three years behind him in school, I knew of him through Chelsea.  By the time I was a freshman, Jase was that hot senior that every girl pined for and habitually made total fools of themselves around.  After graduation, he had gone into the military where he only got better looking and his physique was only enhanced, I'm sure through all the rigorous training.  Right now, I was trying not to blatantly appreciate that feature so much.
    No matter, there was definitely a bromance going on between these two, and it was nice to see Jase show open love for someone.  Since I am unfortunately ignorant on all things military outside of the mental issues that one may suffer from after serving, I made conversation about their childhood together.  I alternated between them, serving guests, and cleaning tables. Before I knew it, an hour and a half had gone by like it was nothing.
    The crowd was getting thick as the early evening guests began making an appearance.  Kayleigh and Johnny, my fellow bartenders for tonight, showed up with kisses to my cheek in greeting.  Our manager, Tom, was also around overseeing everything.  Pretty soon our bouncers would show up.   Jase and Keane had made it over to the stage at the other end of the bar, setting things up for Jase's gig in about an hour.  The rest of the band began arriving, and they ran cords, set up the drums, did mic and sound checks, and tuned guitars. Keane helped throughout the process, and it seemed he was planning on staying for the duration.  I couldn't help but hope that was the case.  As I worked, I would catch him watching me every so often.  I admit it put a spring in my step and an extra brightness to my smile.  Kayleigh was