Free Beautiful Disaster (A Pirate Romance book, Historical Romance) by Heather C. Myers

his bedroom door re-close, she stood up and turned around.  Seeing him caused her brow to push up and her mouth to slacken just a bit.  If he had looked like Johnny Depp in sweatpants and a wife beater, he looked even more like the actor in jeans and a nice, dark t-shirt.  The only couple of differences, of course, were the fact that Johnny the pirate was taller and more built.  His shaggy hair framed his face, and his dark eyes looked into Izzy’s, almost as though he was searching for some kind of approval.  He wasn’t used to such clothing, and felt rather silly in these.  Izzy was sure that if their places were reversed and she was wearing a corset-clad gown, she would feel just as he did now.  A smile shone on her face as she took him in, and she nodded her head.  Now, she just needed to make sure that everyone who worked with her believed he wasn’t Johnny Depp, but Johnny Clover.
     
    The walk to the bar was quick and entertaining as Izzy told Johnny of her co-workers, along with amusing stories.  Since she had worked there for four years, she had plenty to tell, and Johnny, for whatever reason, found that he could not stop listening to her if he tried.  The way her voice sounded, the way her eyes shone, the way her lips moved… her actions was subtlety hypnotic, and Johnny would wage the clothes on his back that she was not aware of how she affected anybody who watched her, who interacted with her.
     
    The bar itself was rather small, but it was always packed with the usual college kids, tourists, and usuals.  Johnny immediately recognized the similarities between this so-called bar and every scrag he had frequented back home.  Music was playing from a jukebox, and as usual, all the pool tables were filled.  Izzy looked around for any employees; from what she could see, Brian was manning the crowded bar, while an acquaintance, Brittany, was serving those that chose to sit at tables rather than stools. 
     
    “Brian!” Izzy exclaimed once she had led Johnny through the crowds of people, pointedly ignoring the pirate’s incessant questions about where the music was coming from and what game the people were playing on those funny tables.
     
    “Ah, Izzy,” the man said, obvious relief flooding his features.  “I’m glad you’re early.  Sam called in sick not ten minutes ago, and she was supposed to have stepped in now.  Do you mind working earlier than scheduled?”
     
    “Not at all,” Izzy said before grabbing Johnny’s wrist and pulling him forward.  “Brian, this is my friend Johnny.  He’s staying with me for a portion of time, and I was wondering if he could work here for a while.  He’s a quick learner and knows a lot about alcohol.  Plus, with a face like that, he’s sure to rack in a lot of tips.”
     
    “You like my face, love?” Johnny asked, looking down at her.  He was somewhat surprised at her casual omission, but pleased nonetheless.
     
    “English too?” Brian asked, looking him with squinted blue eyes before fixating his gaze back on his employee.  “You know who he reminds me of?”
     
    “Yes, Bry, I think I do,” Izzy said with a knowing grin.  “But I can guarantee you that he is absolutely not that person.  His name is Johnny Clover, and uh… well, he’s staying with me.”
     
    “What does Zach think about that?” Brian asked.
     
    “Zach and I broke up,” Izzy said.  “But before you ask anything Brian, yes, I am all right, and no, you don’t have to fire Zach.  If anything, I would appreciate it if you could give Johnny a job so he could help me with rent and whatnot.”  She pushed her brow up as her eyes widened slightly.  “Please?”
     
    “Yeah, yeah,” Brian said after a moment.  “Sure.  He can be a busboy.  I need you to get on tables and help Brittany out.  I’ll train the kid.”
     
    “I am not a kid,” Johnny put in firmly.
     
    “You got it,” Izzy said with a grin before looking back up at Johnny.