Page 58 of Bastard Bartender

Chapter Fifteen

“Tell it again. And this time, be really descriptive with the way his body felt,” Marie urges as I drive to Lounge 702.

I have her on speakerphone because I’m riding solo tonight.

“I climbed that man like a tree, and he was hard as a rock,” I say with a heavy breath, recalling just how amazing that kiss was, and sigh, “everywhere.”

“Eek!” I can hear her feet pounding on her hardwood floor as she taps them in excitement. “I knew you two were gonna hook up.”

“No. You assumed he was a serial killer.”

“Future husband … serial killer … same difference.”

I shake my head. “You’re insane.”

“I’m just hard up for a good, new romance story. I love my Sammy, but there is nothing like a first kiss or the first bang. Please tell me you let that stallion of a man bring you home and have his wicked way with you.”

While a lady never kisses and tells, that only applies to everyone but her best friend.

“We had a make-out session in the car. I mean, serious lip action. I’ve never in my life met a man who can kiss the way he does. It’s like he tastes and savors every lick. And when that mouth sucks on your earlobe … I have never felt so much intensity on my skin. The pressure was firm enough that I had gooseflesh all over my body yet gentle enough not to leave a mark.”

“Imagine what a mouth like that would do in other places.”

“I wanted to, believe me. But after some heavy petting and the longest make-out session of my adult life, I had to drop him off at home because he had to work.”

“Total bummer. So, now what?”

“I’m on my way to the bar in my sexiest dress.”

“Please tell me it’s the red one.”

I look down at the crimson halter dress that’s cut extra low and hugs me like a second skin. It’s the most daring thing I have in my closet. It screams that I’m out on the prowl and looking for a hook-up. I’d never dare wear it on an ordinary night, for fear of creepers trying to come my way. Tonight is different. I’m wearing it for one man and one man only.

“I am most certainly dressed to impress, my friend. Stilettos and all!”

Marie squeals again as I pull into the parking lot of the lounge. Luckily, there’s a spot available in the far corner. It’s a bit dark and secluded for my liking, but it’s better than parking far away and having to walk the street in this dress.

“I just pulled in. Wish me luck!” I say into to the speakerphone as I check my makeup one last time—cherry-red lips, long brown hair with a blowout, and a smoky eye that’s not too dark, but dark enough to be sexy. I’m feeling pretty damn good about myself.

“Man, I wish I were out with you. My night consisted of Chinese food and a movie. Sammy’s already in bed.”

“Then, go wake him up by giving him a blow job and give him something exciting to do on a Saturday night.”

“Oh, I like your idea! Good luck tonight, and go get your man!”

Marie hangs up, so I slide my phone into my purse and get out of the car. The music inside is louder than usual for a weekend. It’s also later than I usually arrive, so perhaps I never noticed how loud the music gets over the course of the night when I’m inside the bar.

I glance at the time and see it’s almost midnight. With my shoulders back and my chin up, I stroll into the bar.

The place is decently packed. Tonight has drawn in a lot of men. It looks to be a bachelor party with the way the men are crowded around one side of the bar, taking shots and standing very close together. It would be a great night if I were here to meet a man. Instead, I have my eyes set on only one.

Nic is at the bar, doing his thing. He flips a bottle in the air and catches it as he makes a cocktail. He looks different tonight. Taller, darker, handsomer. Maybe it’s because I’m seeing him in this new light. One where I know I can take him home.

I get a few appreciative stares as I walk to the bar. I ignore them as I take my seat. It’s not at the service well, where I like to sit, but it’s on Nic’s end of the bar, where he’ll have to serve me.

Nic’s eyes me instantly, and he does a double take as I brush my hair over my shoulder. His brows rise and then roll into a scowl. I’m not surprised when seconds later, he walks over with a Jack and Seven.

“What are you doing here?” he asks.