Page 9 of Bastard Bartender

“Not as brazen as me walking over here to meet you.”

He hands me his phone, and I punch my name and number in.

A security guy from across the room yells out, “Last call! You don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here, so close out your tabs and say your good-byes because it’s time for you to get out!”

I watch as a few people panic and rush to get their final drink orders while others casually sip their drinks like that announcement wasn’t made. This is a huge reason why we prefer to party in North Las Vegas. While The Strip never sleeps, the places in North Las Vegas have typical bar hours, so we don’t fall under the spell of puling an all-nighter that the twenty-four/seven joints have to offer.

I’m impressed that Paul doesn’t try to make any moves or try to take our conversation to another bar or his house for a nightcap in an attempt to seal the deal.

“I look forward to your call,” I say to him before making my way over to Marie, who’s practically clapping as I approach my seat.

“It went well?” she asks, enthused.

I smash my lips together. “His name is Paul, and he’s calling me this week.” With my fingers, I make the check mark sign in the air to Nic, who’s walking toward us. “Thank you for the nudge. I got a date!”

“My pleasure. If you need a recommendation, check out Valducci’s. It’s quick service, so if the date goes south, you’re in and out quickly.”

I laugh as I push my hair behind my ear. “Thanks for the tip. I’ll keep it in mind.”

He swipes my card to close out our tab. “I hope it works out for you.”

I sign the slip, leaving him a hefty tip. “If Paul’s not the one, I have ten more chances.”

“What happens when you get to Z?” he asks.

I lift my purse and slide the signed slip his way. “I fall in love.” This time, I’m the one who winks at him.

Marie links her arm with mine as we walk out the door. It’s much later than we planned on leaving, which means we had a great night.

“You know, it really is a shame you won’t veer off plan. Paul is cute, but a one-nighter with Nic would have been worth losing your inhibitions.”

I turn and take one last glance at Nic. His hair is still as styled as when we walked in here hours ago, and his smile dazzles as he closes out some more patrons. He’s handsome, personable, and dangerously sexy with his words.

Yes, a night with him would be fun. Good thing I have my head on straight.

We get into the Uber Marie ordered for us and drive away. A thought comes to mind that I have to know the answer to. I open my phone and Google, What kind of man drinks a margarita?

Fun. Carefree. Not looking for a commitment.

Yes, that sounds like the man I just met.