Read Online Charm School After Dark: Lesson 1 by Lynn Carmer - Free Book Online Page B

had put him and the Quads through. They’d fought like cats and dogs but against the “richies,” their group had been a united front.
    Show no weakness.
    And he wouldn’t, not then, and definitely not now. He had to strap on his boxing gloves, because making Caelen Calvo his was going to be the match of his life.
    His corner man had taught him long ago to identify weakness. Unfortunately, none of the old rules seemed to apply to her. How was he going to get to her? Pushing her buttons hadn’t worked; it had only set her off. When she’d tried to ignore him, he’d gone on instinct, falling into old patterns and teasing her into acknowledging him, even though he’d sworn five minutes earlier to treat her like gold.
    Seemed like Betty wasn’t interested in kid gloves. His ex-wife’s complaints drifted through his mind: You treat me like a porcelain doll . He physically shook his head, beating back the memories. He hadn’t thought about her after they broke up and he wouldn’t start now. Janie, or her memory, wouldn’t be allowed anywhere near this moment.
    Time to get my girl .
    “Thanks for inviting me, man.” Frank slapped Dare on the back, the action catching him off guard. He’d forgotten he wasn’t alone the minute he’d seen Caelen.
    “No problem. Figured we needed a night out. We’ve all been working some crazy shifts.” Frank hadn’t been his first choice—by far, but all of his boys had been busy.
    “I hope this place has more than just fatties and losers. I totally struck out the last time we were here, bro.” Frank laughed and cracked his knuckles as he perused the crowded bar.
    Dare just shook his head and asked himself, for the hundredth time, why he’d let this douchebag tag along tonight. He’d been hoping for a little support, some backup to distract the Quads when he ambushed Caelen; instead he got stuck with the biggest tool at his station.
    He trusted the guy to watch his back in a fire, but social skills were not his area of expertise. “What are you worried about? You have your girl waiting for you at home.”
    Frank flushed and shrugged. “Just because a guy’s already eaten doesn’t mean he can’t look at the menu,” he guffawed and followed Dare to the bar. Music and the constant hum of scattered conversations greeted them as they walked through the local dive.
    Frank was so full of shit. He talked a big game, but Dare had never once seen him go home with anyone. ’Course that could have more to do with his winning personality, rather than his ability to bag a girl.
    “Just be cool.” If this meathead ruined his chances with Caelen, he would show him a side Frank had never seen. Within two seconds, Brynn and Caelen were in his sights. “Come on.”
    Both woman watched as they approached. Dare couldn’t help but puff his chest out a bit. He liked Caelen’s eyes on him, a lot. He ran a distracted hand through his hair as he took a closer look. Brynn looked pretty in jeans and a soft sweater, but Caelen… That woman always liked to put on a show. She must have been going for Country Glamor. All he saw was long legs peeking out from her cutoffs, making his mouth water. Dare bit back a groan.
    So sexy. Too much. His jeans got so tight, his dick and his zipper were now one.
    “Well, well, well. What do we have here?” Frank made a beeline for Caelen.
    Dare held back from tripping him, just. He reminded himself it wouldn’t take Frank long to trip himself up.
    Brynn rolled her eyes. “Hey, Frank. How are you?”
    “Good. Wow. Two of The Calvo Quads. I haven’t seen you guys in forever.”
    Caelen ignored Dare while he leaned over and gave Brynn a quick kiss hello. He’d always liked Brynn even though she reminded him a lot of his ex-wife—or who he’d thought Janie was, sweet and quiet, calm. “Sorry I didn’t say hi earlier, but you guys were busy in your top secret meeting.”
    Both girls smiled and Caelen replied. “Hello boys.” But instead of focusing on