Addison released a heavy breath, ruffling her bangs. This was the last conversation she wanted to have. Actually…the second to last. The one she dreaded slightly more was with Cleo and having to explain her abrupt departure from the party the other night. She’d gotten away with texting for the last day, but Cleo had been insistent they get together soon.
“Hello!”
Addison blinked open her eyes, staring up at the entrance to Barry’s.
“I’m here.”
“Where? At your job?” Hannah’s disgruntled groan only added to her own impatience. “What the hell is going on?”
“It’s not permanent, obviously. It kind of fell into my lap. I was getting dinner here, and the owner needed a bartender. It’s only a few shifts, gives me some cash, and occupies my time when I’m not hanging out with Cleo.”
There was a long stretch of silence.
“But you’re coming home, right?”
“Yes, I’m coming home.” Addison rolled her eyes. The idea she’d stay was ridiculous. “But I’m going to be late for my shift if I don’t head in now, so I’ll call you later, okay?”
“Alright, bye.”
Addison hung up, shoved the phone in her bag, and walked into the bar. As expected, there were only a few customers. The locals as she’d come to know them. She gave a small wave and received an enthusiastic greeting from the two older men at the corner of the bar.
“You’re late!” Barry threw the towel on the bar and winced, cupping his casted arm.
“By two minutes.”
“Still late,” he snapped, scowling.
She tucked her bag under the bar and rested her hip against it, folding her arms.
“Well, you could always fire me.” She shrugged. “And if that’s the case, can I get a cheeseburger, onion rings, and a beer?”
His glare hardened. “Get your ass to work.”
She pressed her lips together, holding back her smile. It would only agitate him more. She restocked the shelves, made four drinks, and bullshitted with the locals. While it wasn’t hard work, it left time for her thoughts, which wasn’t something she wanted.
I had sex with a man who hates me on a dirty couch where he’s probably banged hundreds of other women.The first of many that night, according to keg girl.
This might be a new low for me.
At least the sex was good.Good, really?The corner of her mouth curled, and heat rushed from her chest to her cheeks. Best sex she’d ever had would’ve been a more accurate description. This wasn’t her first one-night stand. She’d indulged once or twice. An equal attraction, no strings attached. Great, hot, meaningless sex. So why did Cross feel different? Theattraction was a no-brainer and obviously mutual. Even if his desire was clouded by hate, there was no denying it. Hell, he’d instigated it. Maybe it was the passion? There was something in his touch, soft at the beginning and rough when she wanted it. As if he could read her thoughts and gauge what she needed.
And the kissing. His mouth was constantly on her. Even the few times she’d pulled away to take a much-needed breath, he took her mouth again as if he couldn’t get enough of her.
Settle down, girl!
Addison softly snorted, shaking her head. She may have been romanticizing and was reading into this way too much. They fucked. He came. She came. It was over. There certainly wouldn’t be a repeat. If Cross had any interest in her beyond that night, he could’ve gotten her number from Cleo and called. Even if he wanted to keep it discreet, he knew where she worked. Cross could’ve shown up. Wouldn’t be the first time. Or at the absolute least, not told her he’d come find her and then have another woman in his room ten minutes after they’d been together.
Addison wasn’t expecting anything from Cross. But a little decency and respect would’ve been appreciated. She couldn’t even get that courtesy.It’s official!Her sexy, hot, sex-stache one-night stands were over.One and done!
The creaking of the door had her heart picking up the pace. She casually turned to the entrance.
“You’re fucking late again!”
Addison eyed Barry, who was glaring toward the front door. Ava was walking through the room. She didn’t acknowledge Barry or even look his way. Addison had to batten down her snicker when Barry’s face burned red.
“Ava!” He slapped his hand on the bar.
She glanced over her shoulder and smiled.
