When I reach Cole he raises his brows and the bastard starts to laugh.
“So that’s why I can't look at her. Is that also why I’m here? Her?” He asks in an amused tone.Dammit.Cole is a prick, I was hoping he wouldn't pick up on my fascination with a certain brunette. It’s going to give him ammo to be more of a pain in my ass.
“You’re here because the owner needs security for his staff. Now, mind your fucking pay grade. How’s the night?” I ask, pretending I give two shits about how he’s handling his new job. I didn't want to talk to him tonight, but with him working here it gives me the perfect excuse to come in and see her in the open. And the chance to talk to her.
Cole rolls his eyes, straightening his posture. He takes a second to look around the bar before his eyes meet mine. “It’s been fine. Boring compared to last night, which I guess at the end of the day is a good thing.”
“A very good thing.” I nod in agreement. “Let me know if you need anything and call me if something happens.” I turn to walk away.
“I want my new helmet by tomorrow afternoon.” I throw over my shoulder. Seeing Cole curse to himself and rub the back of his neck out of the corner of my eye.
Surely he didn’t think I forgot about that.
Taking a seat at the bar I see Parker is still in conversation with the guy that’s tucked in the corner, who is now starting to slump over the bar. A bit obvious he’s had a little too much to drink.
“Come on Leroy give me the keys, I already called an Uber to take you home. Don't make me come over there and get them myself.” Leroy starts mumbling unintelligible English, produces his keys from his jacket pocket and slams them on the bar. She snatches them off the hardwood topper, tossing them in the cash register.
Her voice is hypnotic. It’s smooth and honeyed, even when she speaks to thisLeroyin a firm tone.
“We’ll settle the tab tomorrow. Your car’s here. Go.” She tells him and he stands to stumble his way out the door. Her gaze follows him until he steps through the door and disappears, hopefully into the back of his ride.
I watch as she looks down to grab the glass that sits in his now empty spot. She blows out a breath of exasperation–-the wisps of hair that hang in her face fluttering out of her eyes. When she grabs the glasses, turning to bring them to the sink that I just happen to be in front of, she freezes. It’s quick, barely noticeable, but I caught it and my lips pull into a smirk.
She’s affected by me.
Parker straightens out and starts my way—shoulders pulled back, chin held high. She’s not intimidated by my presence, that much is clear, but she's reactive. I can see it in the way her fingers fidget around the glass and how she keeps stealing sideways glances at me.
Bad Decisionsby Bad Omens plays over the speakers in the bar. Like the universe is speaking directly to the both of us.
“Hey there, my name’s Parker. What can I get for you, Sir?” She meets my gaze and I’m momentarily stunned by her eyes. I could tell they were light but up close they’re the faintest amber color I have ever seen. Little flecks of green give them so much depth that I feel myself being pulled into them. They’re gorgeous.
“I’ll take a bourbon please, neat.” She nods and spins to pull a bottle off the wall of liquor behind her, standing on the tip of her toes to reach it.Adorable.Placing my glass on the bar with an audible clunk, she pours the golden liquid into the tumbler then slides it to me with a napkin beneath it.
“What’s your name?” Her voice is laced with a hint of intrigue.
I stare into her as I draw in a sip of my bourbon. It’s surprising she isn’t uncomfortable—like she should be. She waits patiently, but I don’t answer her right away and a blush crawls into her cheeks. Just when I’m about to tell her, she pulls out a rag from behind the counter and proceeds to wipe down the bar space next to me.
“Maverick.” This earns me a shy smile.
“Uh, thank you. It’s for your tab. If you want to open one.” Despite the face of confidence, I can see her nervousness.
“No need, I’ll have the one and be out of here.” I reach for my wallet then hand her my debit card. Her fingers lightly touch mine as she takes it, sending a zap straight to my dick.
More. I want more.
Her breath hitches upon contact and she quickly yanks her hand away. Escaping to the register, she works on cashing me out. I stare shamelessly as she leans against the wall, her fingers gliding over the touch screen trying to print out my receipt.
She’s facing the register straight on, but I have an excellent view of her profile from where I sit. Her cheeks are flushed, but the rest of her smooth skin is ghostly pale. Dark circles under her eyes show just how drained she is—on top of her slightly hunched posture.
I’m sorry sweetheart, is something keeping you up at night?I grin.I’m gonna wear you down Parker.
Okay, so I'm a bit of a prick, but I can’t help it. I need to own her. Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Parker Ellis is mine. She just doesn't know it yet, but she will soon.
Parker straightens herself up and walks toward me, shoulders up and head lifted again. Like I didn't just see the ghost of the woman who now stands in front of me. She places the receipt and my card on the bar top as I take my last sip and set the glass down. A pen appears from the cutelittle apron she has tied around her hips. Now, she’s the one watching me curiously, taking me in like a modern marvel, all while I simply sign my receipt. Observant as ever.
Pulling my jacket from the back of the stool, an idea hits me right as my arms slide into the sleeves. Retrieving my wallet again, I open it and pull out a business card, offering it to her, which she confidently takes from me.
“Thank you Parker. Let me know if you have any issues with Cole over there.” Nodding my head in Cole’s direction. She purses her lips, studying it front and back as if the cardstock is going to have the key to all the universe's questions.
