Standing By (Road House) by Madison Stevens

Chapter One
     
     
    Pan sighed. She was sick of chasing after someone who didn’t want her. For some reason, she had a hard time not seeking out Emilio. Something about him just pulled her in. Aside from his amazing good looks, he seemed so in charge and dependable. Not that he was letting her close enough to really find out. Nope, she was left out, looking in.
    “Something on your mind?” Tyler nudged her arm. She smiled at him. Now here was the guy she should be going for. Tats, piercings, the whole nine yards. Yet every time she was around him, she just didn’t feel it. He was a fantastic guy though. She was happy to be around him.
    “Nothing really,” Pan said and glanced again at Emilio. His tan, muscled arm flexed as he took a drink off his beer. A lock of his ink black hair fell over his eyes. Pan ached to brush it back.
    “Yeah, that sure looks like nothing,” Tyler said. He arched a brow at her and glanced over across the room. “Not sure what his deal is, but it’s his loss.”
    Tyler tossed his arm over the back of her chair and pulled her a little closer.
    Even if he wasn’t who she really wanted, it was nice to be wanted. Pan enjoyed the warmth and leaned her head on his shoulder.
     
    Damn it! If Emilio had to watch them for one more second, he was going to lose his cool. It was bad enough he had to avoid her like the plague, but he wasn’t about to watch as she got together with Tyler. She wasn’t supposed to end up with him. Not that she should end up with Emilio. With the shit-storm his father had left him with, it was better that he not be tied to anyone. He never knew who could be watching, and he wouldn’t risk her safety.
    No, it was better that he just deal and stop sulking like a little bitch.
    Emilio slammed a shot. One of many this night.
    “Easy,” Luc said over the haze of the alcohol.
    He looked over again to see her place her head on Tyler’s shoulder.
    There was no way he was going to sit around here and watch her hook up with his friend. Emilio spotted Karen across the room. Usual big hair, big tits, no brain combo. Just what he was looking for. Something he could really sink into and forget his troubles.
    He winked at her across the room. Didn’t take long for her to saunter over.
    “Hi, Emilio. What are you up to tonight?” She leaned over, real close to his face, giving him the perfect view of her tits.
    Emilio stood up. “Let’s get out of here.”
    “You sure?” Luc shot him a pensive look.
    With a short nod of his head, the two made their way out of the bar.
     
    Pan’s eyes flew open when, startled as Sarah flopped down into the seat next to her. The music had faded to a nice buzz, and she was just starting to feel at peace.
    “Phew! I don’t know if I’ve ever been so tired.” She grabbed her ticket book and fanned herself.
    “It has been pretty busy lately.” Pan had noticed the increase and wondered if it was the occasional band or if Sarah’s mother had pushed for some advertising. She suspected it was a combination of the two.
    Sarah leaned in when Tyler excused himself to the bathroom.
    “So what the hell is going on between you all?” she asked.
    “Who?” Pan asked with surprise. “Me and Tyler? Nothing. It’s just nice to have a warm body to snuggle next to sometimes.”
    “Well don’t lead him on. Tyler might look tough with all the muscles, ink and piercings, but he’s more than that.” Sarah looked toward the bathroom with sadness.
    Pan got the impression there was something she wasn’t being told and looked at Sarah expectantly.
    She shrugged. “I’m just saying, he’s a fine piece of man meat, but he’s got real feelings. I think a lot of people don’t give him enough credit because he looks so tough.” Sorrow rimmed her eyes.
    Pan huffed. “Do you know something I don’t?” Her arms crossed in front of her.
    “Nope.” Sarah took her towel and swiped the table a bit. “Just seen it in his eyes.”
    Pan knew what Sarah was