Hometown Hero (Hometown Alaska Men Book 2) by Joleen James Read Free Book Online Page A

definitely not on the menu, but we have a great beef stew tonight."
    Mel's eyes narrowed. "That's a shame, darlin'. I think the two of us could have a real good time."
    Was he kidding? Mel also looked like he hadn't had a hot shower in weeks. Stringy, greasy hair poked out from under his camouflage baseball cap. He had at least a week's worth of beard on his face. But worst of all, he had mean eyes—hard, dark brown pellets, beady, feral.
    "I'm spoken for," she lied. "Sorry. How about that beef stew instead?" She smiled at him. She didn't want to kill her tip.
    "You talked me into it." Mel's eyes roved over her breasts.
    Yuck. "How about you?" she asked Harry.
    "I'll have the same, Tawney. Thank you."
    Manners. Wow. Tawney delivered their order to the kitchen. She didn't look at Rick, but she could feel his stare on her. He'd stayed out of the conversation, like she'd asked him to the other night.
    The rest of her shift passed without significant event. At seven, she left The Junebug. Back at her place she showered and changed into a pretty ruby-colored top and slim fitting black jeans. She tucked the jeans into her black suede boots. It had been a while since she'd felt stylish. Living here meant dressing for warmth, comfort. She liked looking girly again. Tawney was ready to go on her girls' night out when Brandi pulled up out front. Making sure her pistol was secure in her purse, Tawney left the cottage.
    "Hi, sis," she said to Brandi.
    "Hi." Brandi put the car into reverse. "Ready to party?"
    "Yes! I'm in the mood to let off a little steam."
    They drove the short distance to Finnegan's Restaurant where Brandi worked. They'd rented the back room for Star's party. Earlier, Tawney had helped Brandi decorate the room using Star's wedding colors, blue and taupe. The restaurant was catering the party, leaving the sisters free to enjoy themselves.
    "It looks great," Tawney said. "We really classed the place up."
    Brandi smiled. "We did. Oh, look at the cake."
    A beautiful two-tiered cake sat on the far table. The cake had a poured ivory icing, and each tier had a cluster of three blue flowers with wide, flat petals.
    "It looks so elegant," Brandi said. "Perfect. I want everything to be perfect for Star."
    "Me, too," Tawney agreed. "She deserves it."
    Soon the room filled with women, pretty much every woman in town. Champagne flowed. They ate. Star opened gifts. The cake was cut.
    Tawney soaked it all in. She loved being with her sisters. Loved how happy both Star and Brandi were. But inside her own heart ached a little and she wondered how she could find the same kind of happiness for herself. She was a strong, independent woman, but she was also a woman who didn't have a lot of respect or trust for the male sex.
    "You okay?" Star asked, taking the seat next to Tawney.
    "Of course," Tawney said. "Just enjoying the party."
    "Me, too," Star said, smiling. "It means so much to me that you are here. I've missed you. If Ruby were here, I'd be complete."
    "I know," Tawney said. "I miss Ruby, too, but she can't bear to be in this town."
    "I know," Star said. She squeezed Tawney's fingers. "Love you."
    "I love you, too."
    "Hey, what about me?" Brandi said as she flopped into the chair beside Star. "I want in on this love fest."
    Star laughed. "Love you, too, Bran."
    "I love you guys," Brandi said. "And I really hope you'll forgive what I'm about to do."
    Tawney smiled. She knew the night's agenda. She also knew that Star wasn't going to like what was coming.
    "What?" Star asked, not understanding.
    The music cranked up.
    "Turn around," Brandi said.
    Star swiveled in her chair. A handsome young guy dressed like a cowboy stood behind Star.
    "Oh, no," Star said as realization dawned. "You didn't."
    "Saddle up, gorgeous," the handsome young guy said, "it's time to ride a cowboy."
    Star's mouth dropped open, and Tawney didn't think she'd ever seen Star speechless before.
    "Oh, this is going to be fun." Brandi clapped her hands