As I covertly watch him, I see his face sober, and then a noticeable wince crosses his features as he grabs the back of his neck. Whatever they’re talking about, it’s not a pleasant conversation. The two men he’s with both seem sympathetic, but moments later, they turn and leave. And in that second, the mystery guy acts as if he isn’t in a crowded bar. His shoulders slump and his chin drops down. It’s raw, vulnerable, and it pulls me toward him. I’ve never been able to resist someone so clearly in need of cheering up.
I’m up and moving, weaving around people and tables before giving it a second thought. Marisol's knowing giggles barely register, aside from propelling me through the crowd. Maybe it's the caretaker in me, or maybe I'm just horny from months of small-town celibacy, but I need to know more about this guy. Mostly, I need to know if I can make him smile.
“Did you know Scotland’s national animal is the unicorn?”
Rich brown eyes lift to meet mine with a confused stare. “What?”
I grin and nod. “It’s true.”
His eyebrows draw together. “That’s, ah, interesting?”
I put my hand out for him to shake. “Just call me the source of all things random and obscure. Or Sage. That’s my actual name.”
“Brady.” He shakes my hand, a bemused expression on his face. “Do you always greet people with random facts?”
“Only when they look like they need a smile.”
His lips thin slightly. “I’m fine.”
“You are now, because I’m here and now you know what Scotland’s national animal is.”
“You’re pretty sure of yourself, aren’t you?”
My hand goes to my hip as I smirk. “Is there a reason I shouldn’t be confident in myself?”
Now those eyes trail down my body with undeniable interest. “Not from where I’m standing.”
Damn, that’s a good line. And a clear indicator that the attraction I’m feeling is mutual.
“So, Sage-who-knows-all-the-random-facts. Can I buy you a drink?”
I nod. “You absolutely may.”
He gestures for me to go ahead of him to the bar. When his hand lands on my lower back, I feel the imprint of it like a brand.
While he orders our drinks, I lock eyes with Marisol, who gives me a thumbs-up. Then, we find our way to a slightly quieter corner with an empty high-top table. Brady leans against the wall, his eyes locked on mine as he tilts his beer toward me. “Cheers.”
I clink my fresh margarita with his bottle. “Cheers.” We don’t drop our stare as we both take a sip.
But then silence starts to drag between us. Brady looks away for a second, then flashes his gaze back to me before dropping it down to the table. His brow furrows ever so slightly, and I think I see his jaw clench.
Crap.
“You look like you’ve got a lot on your mind,” I say. “That or you’re wondering how to get out of this conversation.”
Brady’s eyes flare wide as he shakes his head, then nods, then chokes out a laugh at himself.
I raise my eyebrows, and he lifts a hand to cut off anything I might say.
“Sorry. No, I definitely don’t want to get out of the conversation, and yes, I do have a lot on my mind. But you’re distracting me from it all.” He seems flustered, and I get the feeling if the room was a little brighter, I might see a slight blush on his cheeks.
Taking a chance, I step closer, slowly raising my hand to rest it on his upper arm.Hello, biceps…“As long as it’s a welcome distraction.”
His smile is endearing. “Very. I’m just a little rusty at all this.” His gaze drops to where my hand is touching him.
“At what? Talking to women?”
“Beautiful ones, yes.”
