Free Rekindling the Spark by Bridget Hollister Page B

figured out."
    "No need to," a purely masculine voice boomed from behind Hank. "I'll have my security team take over for the night."
    Maggie's heart rate quickened as she noticed Rhett standing in the doorway of the bar, looking as handsome as ever. At well over six foot, his broad shoulders tapered down to a slim waist, showing off the strong muscles of his torso through his tight black shirt. His dark brown hair, trimmed short, hid beneath a baseball cap. He was clean-shaven, his strong jawline and pouty lips begging to plant a trail of kisses across her smooth skin. 
    Rhett shot her a seductive smile. Almost as an automatic reaction, heat pooled between her thighs. Cursing mentally for allowing her body to respond to his presence, Maggie scowled. "I don't think that's really necessary."
    "Of course it is," he replied with a dimpled grin. "Sam and John will watch the door and check IDs for the rest of the night." Almost as soon as the words had left his mouth, Rhett's men were standing in position.
    Not in the mood to argue, Maggie waved off Hank's confused expression. "Seriously, go. It's fine." 
    As she watched her employee shrug, turn around, and leave the bar, she wondered what Rhett's motives were. Why come see her now, especially after so many years?
    They said nothing for a few moments, an uncomfortable silence enveloping them while the rest of the crowded bar carried on. Finally, Rhett managed a smile. "You look good, Mags."
    It was tough for Maggie to ignore Rhett's charm. He was once important to her—the center of her world, in fact. They'd only dated for a few months before randomly tying the knot, with dreams of babies and white picket fences clouding her judgment. When it all went south and she'd caught him cheating, her whole world had shattered to pieces. 
    As much as she wanted to rekindle the spark and welcome Rhett back into her life, Maggie knew that if she allowed herself to get close again, she would end up hurt. 
    Rolling her eyes, Maggie turned on her boot-clad heel and walked back to the bar. After five years, that was all he could manage to say to her? "Consider your tab free tonight for helping with the door. But, don't think this changes anything else."
    "Missed you, too!" he called after her, his voice laced with sarcasm.
    If Rhett Lucas was in the house, she was certainly going to spend her whole evening staying as occupied as humanly possible.
    Thankfully, the rest of the night continued as busy as it began, but without a single fight amongst patrons. When last call came around, Maggie snuck into the back room and propped her feet up on her desk. 
    She was exhausted and ready to go home. With any luck, Rhett and his guys would be gone by the time she emerged to do the close out books for the night. 
    Listening to the sounds of bottles being discarded in trashcans, brooms sweeping the painted concrete floors, and the murmur of staff taking care of closing duties, she drifted off at her desk. In fact, Maggie didn't even notice that she had fallen asleep until a knock at her office door woke her up.
    "Hey, I'm heading out. Go home and get some sleep, boss lady!" Nick demanded with a smirk. "Another big day tomorrow."
    Maggie simply smiled and nodded, forgetting all about Rhett in her sleepy state. Yawning, she stretched and stood up. The sooner she got things taken care of, the sooner she could head upstairs to her apartment above the bar and her warm bed.
    When she came out of the back room, she noticed Rhett standing near the old jukebox, flipping through the available selection. An instantaneous frown spread across her face. She'd hoped he'd already have left.
    "You really shouldn't be here," Maggie grumbled, going about her duties.
    "You know, in some places, a machine like this is considered archaic." He looked up to see her leaning against the bar. "They've replaced 'em with these new contraptions that let you play music from your cell phone straight into the sound system."
    "Well,