Some Like It in Handcuffs by Christine Warner

“I’m just messing around.” The younger man’s voice shook.
    Judson circled her waist with his arm and drew her behind him. “Get out.”
    “Oh, come on man. It was a joke.” He looked around Judson’s bulk and smiled at Sunny. “You’re okay, right? You know I wasn’t serious, right?”
    “Leave. Now.” Judson’s voice crashed like thunder.
    Sunny gimped back, not sure if she should intervene, or let Judson flex his muscles on her behalf. The stranger scrutinized Sunny and kicked her heel toward her. Judson stepped forward, shoulders back, fists tight. Benny came up beside Sunny pulling her back.
    “Okay, okay.” The smaller man stood and stared at Judson. “I’m leaving.” He stepped past Judson, but turned his head to keep him in sight as he slinked toward the exit.
    The bar had gone deadly quiet. All eyes were on the dirty-blond man and Judson.
    Once the stranger reached the door he turned toward the room then yelled, “You better watch your back, dude. You don’t know who you just messed with.” He yanked the door open with such force it hit him in the nose. His head shot back, he shouted a curse then stumbled outside wiping blood from his face.
    As soon as the door latched behind him, the conversations in the bar resumed. Shouts, laughter, and music mingled at a normal cadence. Like nothing happened.
    Sunny’s legs shook. Kelly came up beside her, grabbed Sunny’s forlorn heel from the floor at her feet, and helped her to a wooden stool by the bar.
    “Are you okay?” She rubbed Sunny’s back. “Do you want a drink?”
    “No.” She gave Kelly a shaky smile and slid the shoe on her foot. Dragging her hand up her calves, she rested both palms on her knees. “I’m okay.”
    Sunny turned in her seat and searched the room until her gaze connected with Judson’s. How should she deal with what just happened? The way he came to her rescue and took over the situation crushed her independent streak. Yet at the same time her pulse spun out of control. He was not only amazing, but his actions had been downright sexy. A major turn on. But, she didn’t want him to think she couldn’t take care of herself. He walked toward her, bent down, and placed his hands on her shoulders. Her limbs melted at the concern in his eyes. Kelly hurried away.
    “You okay?”
    “Yeah, yeah I’m fine.” Her eyes misted up and her throat scratched. She blinked in quick succession. The delayed reaction to near disaster boiled over then spilled out.
    “Now you understand why I wanted to be here?”
    “Thanks, but I would’ve been fine.” Her chin trembled and she ran her hand up and down her thigh. A break down in front of Judson wasn’t high on her list of things she wanted to do at the moment.
    “I can take you home if you want.” His soft tone would be her undoing. Whenever she was on the verge of tears, and someone spoke to her in a soothing voice, she wanted to cry.
    “I don’t want to go home,” she snapped, digging her fingers into her palms. Her words came out sharp, not what she’d intended, but she was fighting to keep her control.
    The set of his jaw indicated he didn’t like her decision.
    Instead of arguing with her, Judson turned to Benny. “Is this a normal occurrence? Where are your bouncers?”
    His commanding voice caused Benny’s jaw to drop as his gaze skimmed over the crowded bar, looking for the man on duty. “He was here a—”
    Annoyed, Sunny stood then took a step forward. “Leave Benny out of this. I can take care of myself. I admit I didn’t have it under control at that precise moment, but I would’ve if you hadn’t jumped in.” When she inhaled and smelled the light scent of his cologne, her anger was almost forgotten. He smelled fresh, woodsy and delicious. Her hand rose to her pendant and she twisted it on the chain.
    “Really? You expect me to believe you would’ve been able to talk your way out of trouble?”
    “Trouble? There was no trouble.”
    “Not yet, but