She still couldn’t believe she had been so stupid to drink to the point of passing out last night. At least it was Parker who had taken care of her.
Both of her old roommates, Karlie and Sam, had known Parker since starting college two years ago. They, along with Sam’s husband Dean and Karlie’s boyfriend Max, had gotten to know the tough-looking bartender fairly well. She had even tagged along occasionally last year when they all went out. He was always nice, even flirty as most good bartenders are. But he had never interacted more than called for.
Astrid still had no idea what made her decide to come to that particular bar to drown her stress. She was glad she had though. Waking up in Parker’s bed had certainly been better than the alternatives.
Dropping Liam and Ronan off at one of the fast-food places in the open shopping center, she located a restaurant where she could watch them walk to the movie theater. They weren’t stepping out of line on her watch.
She shuddered at the thought of an angry Parker swooping in to deal out his idea of retribution. Although, if it included him pinning her against the wall like this morning, she might have to reconsider. That would be a whole different type of shudder.
Choosing a seat by the window, she ate her dinner slowly. The group of laughing kids emerged from the café to walk to the movie. Her mouth dropped open, noticing Ronan holding one of the girl’s hands. Did Parker know his shy younger brother had a girlfriend?
She had learned about his brothers on the twenty-minute drive to the mall. Liam had told her about how he hoped to join the military. Ronan was an artist that wanted to illustrate graphic novels someday.
Both twins were smart. When she found out that Liam was most likely going to graduate at the very top of his class, she was impressed. Nowhere in their visit, however, did the mention of Ronan’s girlfriend come up.
When the young girl pulled Ronan into a kiss outside of the theater, Astrid groaned. She guessed she’d have to let Parker know about this. She hated to be a snitch. But he would need to keep an eye on the budding relationship. Teenage hormones tended to get away from you quickly. When they disappeared into the theater, she pulled out her phone and sent him a quick text.
Astrid: They just went into the movie. I’ll wait a couple of minutes to make sure they stay then I’ll wander through the shops until it lets out.
Parker: Thank you. I’m sorry that you got stuck doing that when it’s my responsibility.
Astrid: It’s the least I could do after the way I acted last night.
Parker: I told you last night wasn’t a big deal. I’m a little surprised you showed up after I was a complete asshole at your apartment this morning.
Astrid: Weird, I don’t remember this asshole you speak of. I do remember a big, strong man concerned for my safety. It felt nice.
Well, that just crossed the line, she decided when he didn’t respond right away. He was too beautiful for her, but for just a moment when she was trapped between him and the wall, she could feel how exhilarating being with a man like Parker could be. Her life would be filled with hot, dramatic passion instead of the mundane world she seemed to be headed in. With a sigh, she picked up her phone again.
Astrid: Sorry, too much. I’ll let you know when they get out.
Sliding her phone into her pocket, she paid her bill. She window-shopped the dress shops before walking into the bookstore. She could lose herself for several hours here. Feeling her phone vibrate in her pocket, she fished it out.
Parker: Not too much. I was just too busy pounding my chest like Tarzan. I don’t like that apartment.
Astrid laughed. Who would have thought the growly bartender could have a fun side? Then again, he had always been a little bit of a flirt.
Astrid: So, during this pounding, was your shirt on or off? Asking for a friend.
Astrid started to worry again when he didn’t answer for several minutes. She really did stink at this whole flirting texting thing.
Parker: I had to give the guy sitting across from me a free beer for spitting water on him. Fully dressed, but I’ll take requests. For your friend of course.
Astrid: Of course, we wouldn’t want my friend to suffer.
Crap! What was she doing? She had no business flirting with someone like Parker even over text messages. She really stunk at this. Damn it, they really should teach a class on adult relationships at school. And not just the sex ed classes taught by an embarrassed gym teacher.
Astrid: Sorry, I’m not very good at this. I have no idea what to say next.
Parker: I thought you started out pretty well. You just need more practice text flirting.
Astrid: I’ve never tried flirting with a guy through text. Ever. Obviously, I’m as bad at it as I am in person.
Parker: Wait a sec. What does that make me?
Astrid: Oh you’re a guy. Possibly the most guy I’ve ever met.
Parker: I was just asked to stop doing my Tarzan yell.
