I take a deep breath and walk into the only bar in my rugged ranching town to meet my date. Beneath my tough exterior, I'm not so sure about getting back into the dating scene. Especially given what I went through with my horrible ex-husband. But little do I know, walking into this bar will change my life forever…
"You must be Cody."
I slide into the booth opposite the man I met on the Timber dating app.
"Remind me again why you wanted to meet in the middle of butt-fucked-Egypt?"
I bristle at his rude comment.
"This is Yongin-si, South Korea. I live here."
He looks around at the bar with a sour expression.
"Why would you ever want to live in such a shitty little ranching town?"
This guy is already getting under my skin.
"If that's how you're going to talk to me, then you can leave." I glare at him.
"Woah, calm down, baby. I'm just playing." He tells me with a chuckle.
"There's no need to get nasty about Yongin-si. I've only lived here a few months, but it's home." I sternly tell him.
"You could live anywhere. Why here?" He asks while looking everywhere else but at me.
"Because I used to live in Daegu with my ex-husband. He was...terrible. I live here with my brother now, and the open country is calming to me."
A small smile creeps up on my face.
"You never mentioned in your Timber profile that you were damaged goods."
"Damaged goods?!"
I wanted to reach across the table and punch his lights out.
"It's okay, baby, I love damaged girls. They're great in bed."
I'm about to go off on this dickhead when a shadow covers the table, and I feel a large calloused hand on my shoulder. A hand that makes my heart stop.
"Is this city boy giving you trouble?" The man asks.
"And who the hell are you?"
"I'm Changbin. This is my bar you're sitting in, and I wasn't talking to you."
The gruff bar owner stares at me with concerned eyes as he looks between Cody and I. He's older than me, and his built shoulders and calloused hands make him look more like a wrangler than a barkeep.
"Are you okay, miss?" Changbin asks again.
"Oh, um--"
"Hey, I'm the guy she's going home with tonight, so back off, cowboy."
Changbin's eyes go dark, but I jump in first.
"Excuse me...I'm not going home with you tonight or any night." I stare daggers at Cody.
"You'll come around, sweetheart. You girls always do. You said on the dating app that you wanted to have fun." he smirks.
"I do."
"So let's have some drinks, and then we can go back to my place and get nasty."
Changbin slams his hand on the table, his eyes like fire.
"Don't talk to her like that."
"What are you, her guard dog?"
Cody's eyes follow a pretty woman's ass across the bar, completely distracted.
"Are you seriously checking out another woman right now?" Changbin growls.
"Cody, you are the worst."
Both Changbin and I couldn't believe what we were seeing right now.
"You need to leave." Changbin demands pointing at the door.
"That's up to (Y/N)." Cody smirks.
"Say the word, (Y/N), and I'll kick this asshole to the curb."
Cody gives me a smarmy smile as his gaze lands on my breasts, making me want to vomit.
"Don't you want to keep getting to know each other? You really are a fine piece of ass."
At this point, I don't feel safe with this asshole.
"I've had enough. Get the fuck out of here!" I yell.
"What? I thought we were having fun."
"You were having fun. I was listening to a self-absorbed city boy stroke his own ego."
Changbin laughs as Cody's face falls.
"You heard the lady. Get out."
"Fine. Who needs this ranching town bullshit anyways?"
Cody gets up and throws his drink in my face before storming out the door.
"Ah!"
I wipe the beer from my eyes. Shock, anger, and disappointment all coursing through me.
"Come on, I'll get you cleaned up."
Changbin leads me to the bar's back room. He grabs a clean towel and stands intoxicatingly close to me. He's surprisingly gentle as he dabs the towel against my cheeks, cleaning off the sticky beer.
"(Y/N), was it? That guy was a tool."
"You're a man of few words, Changbin, but you get your point across."
Changbin looks at me with a half-smile, making my breath catch in my throat.
"Where did you even meet a boy like that?"
"On Timber. It's a dating app." I explain.
"Hmm. I don't know about that. You deserve to have a man court you like a real cowboy, not text you winky faces."
My heart races as Changbin studies my face.
"How many dates have you been on since you moved to town?"
"Just a couple, but they've all been pretty bad. No one has been as bad as my ex-husband, though. That piece of shit can rot in hell."
Changbin finishes cleaning the beer off me and throws the towel in the bin.
"What happened with your ex? If you don't mind talking about it."
"Jackson Wang was my first boyfriend, and we got married as soon as I was 18. But he was a bad guy. He was controlling, manipulative, and he beat me constantly. I was a prisoner in my own home. After my second attempt to escape, he started locking me up in our basement. That's where my brother found me."
"Jesus, (Y/N). That's terrible. After going through all that, are you really sure you're ready to be out dating again?" He asks with concern.
"Jackson is in prison for life for what he did to me. It's time I let go of the past and start living."
Changbin looks at me with an unreadable expression, and I find myself leaning towards him. His eyes are electric as he subtly gazes down at your lips, making my heartbeat gallop. I've never had a man look at me like this before.
"(Y/N), if you're serious about dating again...maybe--"
We hear a rowdy group of ranchers burst into the bar, breaking the spell between Changbin and I.
"I should probably get home, Keeho will be waiting for me."
"Wait. Keeho is your brother?" he asks with a shocked look on his face.
"Yeah, why?"
Changbin stiffens and starts to back out the door.
"Uh, no reason. I'll see you around."
My heart deflates as Changbin hurries out the door and over to the ranchers.
The next morning, I think about Changbin as I'm getting ready for work at the senior home. I wonder why he ran off like that when I mentioned Keeho? I eye the clock and panic when I see how late I am.
"I better get dressed and get out of here! I can't get fired, I need this job to get into nursing school!"
I grab my purse and keys and head out the door. I practically run to the senior home, but I'm still late. My boss trudges over to me, checking his watch with a scowl.
"(Y/N)! Your shift started three minutes ago."
"Sorry JYP. I still don't have my driver's license, and my brother left the house early today, so he couldn't drive me." I apologize.
"Do you want me to fire you?" he glares.
"Obviously no, JYP."
"Well if you want me to sign your work-study papers to get into nursing school, I need to see some changes."
JYP slides his fingers up and down my arm, making me recoil.
"Maybe we can discuss this over a nightcap at my place?"
"Stop touching me, JYP. You need to keep things professional." I demanded him.
"But it would be so much more fun to be unprofessional." he smirks.
"(Y/N), come here, sugar!"
I rush away from JYP and follow Bang Chan, my favorite patient in the low-care ward, into his room.
"Was that snake of a manager giving you a hard time again?"
"I have to put up with him until I get into nursing school, you know that."
"You'll make a great nurse, (Y/N). Now, enough chit chat. Tell me about your date yesterday!"
"Cody was a huge douchebag. I ended up having to kick him out of the bar. You're lucky you're not dating."
"Who says I'm not? I'm old, not dead! And those dating apps are no good. You can't tell if a man is a good love through a screen."
"Bang Chan!"
"What? There's no point in dating a man if he can't give it to you good and make you see stars."
"Yongin-si is a tiny town. Dating apps are the only way I'll be able to meet a man"
"Just promise me you'll give the old-fashioned way a chance."
(A/N I know Yongin-si is not a small town but it's Changbin's home town.)
Just then, another patient at the senior home, Ryan Reynolds, walks by and tips his hat to Bang Chan.
"Afternoon, madam...sir."
Bang Chan gives him a sultry smile as he walks down the hall.
"Bang Chan, it seems like the old-fashioned way is working for you."
"I can tell Ryan can make someone moan. Just look at the way he walks."
I stifle a laugh at Bang Chan's bluntness.
"You need a man who knows men to help you navigate that dating app."
My thoughts start to drift to Changbin when JYP suddenly sticks his head in the door.
"(Y/N)! The police are here to see you."
I ran outside to the courtyard and see my brother, the town sheriff, waiting for me with Changbin at his side.
"I told you I handled it, Keeho. This isn't necessary, she's fine." Changbin tries to tell Keeho as they keep walking to me.
"Keeho? What's going on?"
"(Y/N)! You went on a date yesterday? Are you okay? Did he hurt you?" Keeho asks while looking over me to see if there are any marks.
"Sorry about this, (Y/N). I told Keeho about last night, and he dragged me here with him." Changbin apologizes.
"How do you two know each other?"
"Changbin here is my best friend. Has been since we were kids. He's been out of town since you moved in with me, so I haven't gotten to introduce you two yet."
Changbin's behavior last night is suddenly making sense. I'm his best friends little sister, I'm totally off-limits.
"Well, (Y/N)? Tell me you're okay, please!"
Last night was triggering, for sure. But Keeho getting worked up would only make me feel worse.
"I'm completely fine, Keeho. There's nothing to worry about." I reassure him.
"Changbin said that boy was all kinds of rotten to you."
He looked at Changbin then back at me.
"He called her damaged goods and threw a drink in her face."
"He did WHAT?"
Keeho is pissed.
"Keeho, it's okay. That guy was no good, but they won't all be like that." I tried calming him down.
"Why didn't you tell me you were dating, (Y/N)? Do you not trust me enough to talk to me about this? I know we didn't grow up together, but I thought we'd grown closer over these last three months."
"I knew you would get worried and overprotective if I told you."
Keeho huffs and starts to pace the courtyard.
"I went looking for you as soon as I found out I had a sister. And when I found you...you were bruised and beaten at the hands of that monster, Jackson. I love you, (Y/N), and I don't want you to get hurt again."
"I know, I love you too."
He chews on his lip as he considers me.
"Keeho, maybe you would feel better about (Y/N) dating if you two came up with some safety rules." Changbin suggests.
"Changbin, that's a great idea." I agree.
"That would definitely put my mind at ease."
"Just as long as we come up with these rules together. Jackson controlled my whole life when we were together. Now that he's in prison, I don't want someone new controlling me." I tell Keeho with a smile.
"I hear you. I want you to have your freedom, too, (Y/N). I just also want you safe." Keeho smiles back.
"Keeho is right. You two should come up with some safety rules together, for both of your sakes." Changbin says.
"What do you say (Y/N)? Should we work together to make dating safe for you? If you can agree that you'll do this safely, then I can support you in this."
Keeho is the only family I have. I want to start dating again, but I need him on board!
"Okay, Let's work together to make some safety rules."
"Thank you, (Y/N)." Keeho smiles.
"I'd better get back to the bar, so I'll give you two some privacy."
Changbin gives me a smile as he goes. I turn my attention back to Keeho.
"So what's your biggest concern?" I ask Keeho.
"I want you safe when you're meeting these men for the first time." Keeho says, clapping a hand on my shoulder.
"Okay, how about I agree to have the first dates at Lumberjack's?"
"Changbin's bar? I love that idea. He's like a second big brother to you, so he'll make sure you're safe."
I definitely don't see him as a brother. Keeho sees your expression and misinterprets it for sadness.
"I know Changbin can be rough around the edges sometimes, but he's really sweet and fun once you get to know him."
"What happened that made him so gruff?"
Keeho's radio buzzes and he talks back before looking at me.
"Duty calls. There was another assault last night. This victim also didn't see who attacked them." Keeho informs me.
"That's the second attack in two days. I thought small towns were supposed to be safe." I wondered.
"Yongin-si is small, but it's definitely not cozy. Make sure you're careful until I catch this guy. I'll see you at home."
The next day, I'm waiting for my date at the bar, watching the minutes tick by.
"Did your guy get lost?"
"Lumberjack's is the only bar in town. He's not lost."
My phone buzzes in my pocket.
-Something Came up, I'm not going to make it.-
I start to type a polite response when another text comes through.
-Be there in five, baby. You better not be wearing any underwear.-
-Sorry, Wrong number. I'll block you to make this easier for both of us.-
I throw my phone down in frustration. Changbin looks at the screen and lets out a low whistle.
"That's rough, (Y/N), I'm sorry."
"Changbin...am I doing something wrong?" I ask rubbing my temples.
"Of course not, (Y/N). You're perfect."
His eyes bore into me, and I struggle to take in a breath.
"I know what will help."
Changbin starts mixing liquids together and turns the blender on, presenting me with a pina colada.
"My favorite! Thanks, Changbin." I cheer with a smile.
"I'm only making these girly drinks for you, so don't go telling anyone." he chuckles.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone that you're secretly a sweet softy."
"Much appreciated."
Changbin grabs a knife and starts cutting lime slices for the bar. I can't help but admire his strong hands as he works.
"Hey, how come you told Keeho about my Timber date?"
Changbin's hand slips and he curses as the knife slices his palm.
"Ah!"
"Changbin!"
I rush behind the bar to inspect his wound.
"It's no big deal." Changbin says while grabbing a bar towel.
"We need to get a bandage on this. Do you have a first aid kit?" I ask.
"Yeah, right under the bar. But you don't have to do that, (Y/N)."
"Practice makes perfect. Now stop your stalling and let me take care of this." I say looking for the first aid kit.
"If you really don't mind, I could use the help."
Changbin grabs the first aid kit and steps closer to me, holding out his hand.
"Show me those nursing skills and work your magic on me, (Y/N)."
This is my chance to show Changbin that I'm more than just Keeho's little sister. Changbin gives me a tender smile, making my knees go weak.
"The nurse will see you now."
I open the first aid kit and take his large, calloused hand in mine as I disinfect the cut. This is the closest I've ever been to Changbin.
"You're pretty good at this." he smiles at me.
"I hope I am, considering it's my dream job." I tell him.
"Hey, I'm sorry I told Keeho about you dating. We both just want you to be safe." He confesses.
"I'm glad he knows. I really wasn't sure how to tell him, so you actually did me a favor."
"I'm glad you see it that way. I was worried you would hate me."
I set down the disinfectant and start searching for a band aid that's the right size.
"But my dating career might be over before it starts, anyway. I clearly have no idea what men are looking for."
Changbin looks at me with a clear gaze, his smell of leather and whiskey making my stomach flip.
"I could tell you. If you want."
There's a hint of something in his eyes, and whatever it is makes my skin tingle with excitement.
"What are men looking for?"
My breathing quickens as Changbin gives me a flirtatious half-smile and leans in even closer to me.
"I can tell you what I love in a woman."
He waggles his eyebrows, and I struggle to take in a breath. I would kill to know what gets Changbin's engine revving.
"Tell me, Changbin. I want to hear about what you love in a woman."
Changbin studies me for a moment before leaning in even closer.
"I love when a woman is herself." He replies with a smile.
"What does that mean?"
"It means, I like when she's not afraid to show me every part of her. The good, the bad, everything."
I'm glad he feels that way, given the trauma I've been through.
"So...you like honesty?" I smile at him.
"Exactly. Just be yourself, (Y/N), because who you are is perfect." he saying looking into my eyes.
"Anything else?"
"Well, a pair of cowboy boots never hurt anything, either."
He gives me a wink, making me laugh.
"Honesty and cowboy boots. Got it."
I find the right-size bandage and expertly affix it over his wound.
"You're all done."
Changbin flexes and clenches his hand, testing out my handiwork.
"Wow, that's perfect. Thank you, (Y/N)."
"Anytime."
I go back to the other side of the bar and sit back down across from Changbin. My phone buzzes, and I pull it out to see a notification from a boy on Timber.
"I wouldn't pick that guy."
I look up to see Changbin's eyes on my phone screen.
"Why not?"
"Guys like that are just boys playing at being men."
Changbin looks me up and down, his eyes both tender and intense, and my heart gallops out of my chest.
"They don't know what you need."
I stop breathing as Changbin's handsome face inches closer to mine from across the bar.
"I know exactly what you need, (Y/N)."