The Alpha's Diversion

Better than Bucking Billy's

Cat.

“Let me know if you need anything else,” she smiled before making her break. Cory sat a few barstools down from Addis and Flint. “Hey there! I’m glad you came!”

Cory reached over and caressed her hand that rested on the bar. “I wouldn’t miss it. It looks really great, Cat.”

She slowly withdrew her hand from his touch. “Thanks! Can I get you a drink?”

“s*x on the Beach,” he responded flirtatiously.

Cat heard a snort from Addis’ direction but ignored it.

Cory’s gaze stayed on her as she poured his cocktail. After she set the glass in front of him, she remembered the motorcycle.

“Hey, I almost forgot. Bobby’s finished with the bike. Are you still up for teaching me how to ride?”

He grinned readily. “Of course! Name the time.”

She inwardly winced at his enthusiasm, but simultaneously felt ungracious. After all, it was generous of him to offer to teach her. She shook off her negative feelings before she responded.

“How about Monday? Bobby is supposed to drop the bike off Sunday morning.”

"I can do Monday. I’ll pick you up around ten and we’ll ride out to Dixon Road to practice. There’s not much traffic out that way.”

“Great! I better get back to work. Thanks again, Cory. This drink’s on the house. Enjoy!”

He lifted the glass to her in a salute.

When she turned back, two sets of eyes were on her. One set belonged to Addis, who wore an indecipherable expression. The other set belonged to Leo, and his look was easy to read. Like Jo, he didn’t like Cory.

As he gathered drinks onto his tray, he looked at her meaningfully.

“Cat, I don’t like it. That guy’s a creep. Can’t Bobby teach you?”

She bristled at his advice but knew he meant well.

“Margo doesn’t want Bobby on a bike anymore and I’m not going to do anything that causes issues between them. Besides, Cory’s never been anything but a gentleman with me.”

“Yeah, but—”

“Enough, Leo,” she interrupted. “I know you mean well but leave it alone.” She regretted the sharp tone in her voice, but Leo just shrugged.

“You got it, boss.” He paused before speaking again, this time with his usual friendly voice. “You need a break, Cat? After I deliver these, I can watch the bar if you want.”

“Yeah, that’d be great actually. I’ll take a quick ten and then you can follow suit.”

She glanced down the bar before leaving. There were two couples laughing and having a good time. A single barstool separated Cory and Addis, both of them studying her. Addis’ attention lingered for only a moment before returning to Flint, who was speaking in an animated but quiet manner. Cat sighed as she brushed Leo’s forearm on her way to the office.

“I’ll be right back, Leo.”

"Take your time,” he called out. “We’re fine here.”

After using the restroom, Cat opened the door to the office to step into the alley, propping a rock in the doorway before allowing the cool night air to fill her lungs and bring her back to herself. Addis had really gotten into her head, which was so unusual that it greatly disturbed her. She had a fleeting regret of opening the gallery up as a bar, but physically shook her head to rid herself of the overreaction.

He’s just a man, she thought to herself. An incredibly sexy, absolutely infuriating man. But still, just a man. Remember, you’re better off without all of them- Addis included! Suppressing a giggle at her own pep talk, she hugged her arms against herself before heading back inside.

It was just after eight when Jo showed up with her boyfriend, squealing as she came up to the side of the bar where Cat came around to hug her neck.

“Cat! Look at this place! It’s busier than Bucking Billy’s!”

Cat laughed. Billy’s was a dive bar on the outskirts of town. It had a lot of character but was very different from The Village Vault’s vibe. “Yeah, that’s not really my measuring stick, Jo, but thanks. It’s been pretty steady. Mostly locals, but I think Jenny must’ve told a few people at the hotel about us because I’ve seen some new faces as well.” She took a deep breath and grabbed Jo’s hand, widening her grin. “It’s pretty exciting, right? I mean even if it doesn’t stay this busy every night, I think it’ll be enough!”

“Of course it’s exciting! I’m so proud of you, Cat.” The man standing beside Jo shuffled his feet, and she looked at him as if she just remembered that he came with her. With smiling eyes, she turned back to Cat. “We’re going to grab a seat and let you get back to work! Will you send Leo over?”

“You got it!”

Cat turned back to the bar and saw that Addis and Flint were gone, leaving a couple of twenty's on the bar. A strange mixture of relief and regret swirled within her, but she brushed it aside, and returned to work.