Read Online A Penny's Worth (The Cephas Bourdon Series) by A.M. Hooper - Free Book Online

thud.
    I looked around and spotted a place at the bar. Phillipo wouldn't mind if I sat there, regardless of my age. The bar was especially crowded tonight. E verybody seemed to be celebrating the Lakers' victory. I sat on an old, red bar stool. The metal legs squeaked as I plopped onto the worn cushion. Tossing my purse on the brown, Formica counter, I nodded to the bartender, who brought me a glass of water.
    "Thanks, Phillipo," I smiled. He knew I didn't like to drink. I couldn't figure out why I even came to this place. The water didn't even taste good, and I never sat with Chase. I felt a pair of eyes on me, so I glanced to my right. Our ey es met, but only for a moment. H e looked forward. His square jawline clenched as he bit his teeth together. His rounded chin held up a perfect pair of lips while a prominent nose took in a deep breath. Cephas. I could barely tell — his hat hid his appearance well. His eyebrows furrowed into almond — shaped eyes. His eyes. They were gorgeous. Even in the muggy light of the bar they sparkled — blue sapphires in a musty cave. I thought back to the other night in the cave. Elbows leaning on the counter, Cephas’ toned muscles peaked out from behind a gray, cotton shirt. His eyes caught mine again, and the left corner of his perfect mouth twitched upward.
    "Hi," he offered, breathing the word out. I smiled in return, holding out my hand.
    "Emmaline," I told him. He grasped my hand and a low chuckle escape his mouth.
    "Cephas," he responded. There was that smirk again.
    “Nice to meet you,” I replied, retrieving my lingering hand.
    “You're so ridiculous.” He pushed a basket of greasy food forward and turned toward me. As he licked his lips, his eyes twinkled with mischief.
    “What are you doing in a bar?” he asked. “How old are you anyway?”
    “Same age as you, probably. Besides, anyone is allowed in this bar. Phillipo thinks everyone is old enough to have a drink or two.”
    “Or three or four, like your boyfriend over there.” Cephas gestured toward Chase who was busily chugging down another pint.
    “Besides, they let you in here,” I argued, ignoring his comment. “How old are you?”
    "Too old for you," he said casually.
    "What! Just how old do you think I am?" I asked indignantly. He didn't respond, but the left corner of his mouth twitched upward again.
    "I'm 17," I said matter - of - factly. "I'm about to graduate. I just don't turn eighteen until next month."
    "Well, now. That's quite intriguing, isn't it?" he responded. He was still looking at me. In his eyes, a deep, nearly black color outlined swirling blue and turquoise circles, diving into pools of black. The bar lighting, or lack thereof, caused his pupils to enlarge. He stared right into my eyes. I couldn't tear my gaze from his . W e just kept staring.
    "Emma!" a voice slurred next to me. I jolted from my thoughts and saw Chase standing a few feet away from me.
    "What are you doin'?" he asked. "You flirtin' with my girl again, Cephas?" he asked seriously. I was up in an instant. Grabbing Chase by the hand, I started to pull him through the crowd.
    "Nothing's going on, Chase. I was just chatting. Cephas is your friend — he's on your basketball team. He would never do something like that." I walked through the back door into a cemented, fenced - in area. A putrid smell permeated the small area, probably caused by the dumpsters sitting in the right corner. The stains from washing off the mats every night spotted the cement ground. I turned around and faced Chase.
    "You were tryin' to get with su'mother guy!" he accused, pointing his finger at me. His face was so close I could smell the liquor on his tongue. I just scowled and turned away. He caught me by the arm as I turned and spun me back around. A familiar fear ran through my bones, threatening the experience I knew would come. Chase got drunk quite frequently, and he was usually angry.
    "I don' like my girl messin' aroun' behin' my back!" he spat.