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“Beer?” Stanley asks as we sidle up to the huge bar.
It’s all polished wood and sleek angles. Three bartenders scurry about the circular enclosure like honey bees, slinging beer bottles, pouring shots, and filling glasses.
I’d be impressed if I weren’t so freaking annoyed.
I wrinkle my nose, trying to quell my irritation and enjoy my date. “Not a huge beer fan. How about . . .” I glance around me, eyeing what everybody’s drinking in the hopes I see something appealing, although I don’t have much experience with booze.
Out of my periphery, I see Jace making a beeline for us, so I hurry. “Whatever the bartender recommends,” I say quickly. “I’ll be right back.”
Stanley nods and turns as I spin around, turning on Jace before he can give me a lecture on drinking.
“Thought you could sneak away without me?” he croons.
“I’ll tell you what I’m gonna do,” I say, my smile tight. “I’m going to have a drink with Stanley. Because he seems nice and because I’m interested in him. I might even dance with him. I know this is a hard concept for you to grasp, but sometimes, when people like each other, they want to get to know each other in ways that don’t involve humping.”
Jace scoffs and crosses his arms. “You drink? Since when.”
“Since now.”
“One.” He holds a finger up in my face, and I swat it away. “One drink.”
This feels like a challenge.
“I’ll have as many damn drinks as I want, Taggart, and you’re sure as hell not going to stop me. Now, go back to yourapartment or whatever bimbo you’re gonna shack up with, but please, leave me alone.”
Spinning on my heel, I storm toward the bar, heading for Stanley in time to see the bartender sliding over our drinks: A beer for him and something amber in color for me.
I snag it from Stanley’s grip just as he picks it up, needing to prove a point as I bring it to my lips, fully intending to down it when it’s ripped right from my hands.
“Didn’t anyone ever teach you not to take a drink from a guy unless you’ve seen it poured?” Jace growls.
I whirl on him, reaching for my cup, but come up empty while Stanley watches us with a frown. “I literally watched the bartender slide it over, you jackass.” Though truth be told, Jace has a point. My eyes did leave the bar.
I place my hands on my hips, and the moment Jace drops his guard, I snatch the drink back and bring it to my lips, taking a long pull, surprised at how delicious it is.
“Ooh, this is good,” I say, turning toward Stanley.
“It’s an Amaretto sour,” he says.
Once again, Jace’s noodle arms reach over my shoulder to retrieve it and my drink disappears. “Nope.”
I protest, grappling at the cup. “Do you really think I’m going to go through all of college without a drink?”
“What do you even know about this kid?” Jace motions toward Stanley, not even bothering to hide the disdain from his voice. “You need to stay clear-headed.”
Stanley stiffens while I grind my back molars so hard it’s a miracle they don’t crack. My resolve solidifies. I don’t even like drinking. After that night, I have little desire to do so, but I’ll do anything at this point to contradict him.
Turning, I storm over to the bar and order two shots of tequila, slapping some cash on the sleek wood surface. Once they’re poured, I grab them, one in each hand, and slam the first oneback before Jace can even react. The burn of liquid hits my throat, swirling through my chest and I wrinkle my nose at the taste. Before I can down the other one, it’s knocked from my hand.
On the inside, I’m secretly pleased because it tastes like jet fuel. But on the outside, I’m enraged. “I can’t believe you just did that!” I gape at him.
I glance around, looking for someone to commiserate with when Stanley chimes in, “Come on, man. It’s just a drink,” he says to Jace. “She’ll be safe with me.”
Jace snorts and his gaze shoots to mine. “Sorry, but I don’t trust anyone. Not with Cupcake.”
Not with Cupcake? What the hell?
“It’s just a couple of drinks, Jace. I can handle it. I’m just trying to have fun,” I say, doubling down, even though I don’t really want more than the shot I’ve already had.
