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“Too strong?” Finn asked with concern. “I can ask Gina to get something lighter, maybe a margarita?”
“No way. This is my first night in New York in a dive blues bar. It’s time to go local.” She took a bigger sip this time, trying not to cringe. Maybe a margarita wasn’t a bad idea.
CHAPTER 12
COLLEEN
One incredible hamburger and two margaritas later, Sean—who had joined them an hour after he said he would—wiped his mouth and took a quick look at his phone. “Shit, I’ve got to get back to the office.”
Colleen picked up her purse, preparing to leave.
“You don’t have to go because I’m leaving,” Sean said. “Finn can take you home. You’re in good hands. See you two later.” Sean gave them a final wave and took off.
Colleen kept her eye on Sean as he made his way to the exit. The piped in music had been replaced by a live band with a female singer. Even though Colleen was in a crowded bar, she felt totally alone with Finn. She folded the corners of her cocktail napkin, trying to keep her eyes off of him and control those damn butterflies in her stomach.
“Do you listen to much blues music?” he asked with a tilt of his head, trying to catch her eye.
“A little.” She’d been to a few blues clubs, but she didn’t know a lot about the blues.
“Do you want another drink?” Finn asked, leaning in close to be heard over the crowd. His eyes searched hers, waiting for her answer.
“No, thanks,” she said, trying not to be ensnared by his extraordinary blue eyes. “I should head back to Sean’s apartment.” Colleen’s alcohol buzz lowered her defenses just enough to admit she really wasn’t ready to end this night.
“Already?” Finn stood. “Let’s go somewhere else.”
“Where are we going?”
“It’s something I owe you.” He tossed some bills on the table. “Come on.”
Colleen followed Finn as they left the bar. He stopped to wave to the bartender and waitress before they left.
“How are your feet?” Finn asked, glancing at her sandals.
“They’re a little sore,” Colleen answered, wiggling her feet in her heeled sandals.
Finn took out his phone and punched a few buttons. “We’re taking an Uber,” he said, pointing to the Prius that pulled up out of nowhere.
Finn guided Colleen into the car and slid in beside her, giving the driver the address.
Colleen fastened her seatbelt. Now what? She kept her hands in her lap as she took in New York at night. Los Angeles was a busy city, but she grew up there and knew it like the back of her hand. Every block of New York was new to her. “Where are we going?”
“It’s a surprise.” His tone was playful.
“You said you owe me something. Is that the surprise?”
A smile played on his lips. “If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise, would it?”
“I guess not.” Colleen gave him a small smile and settled back to watch the local night scenery when a familiar song played on the car stereo. It was a bittersweet memory because it reminded her of Finn’s last summer visit.
It was the song Finn caught her singing when she was in the kitchen, arranging a platter of cut watermelon on a platter. He’d said she looked like a model in her new yellow bikini. Later that night, he’d kissed her like no one had before or since. Thinking about it made her lightheaded with excitement.
She peeked up at Finn, who kept his attention on the front window with a wry grin. Maybe he remembered the same moment.
He reached over, his finger barely brushing against her hand, saying in a deep whisper, “You still look like a model.”
Colleen studied his face. He wasn’t making a sarcastic joke, he was serious. What else did he remember from that last day together?
The car made an abrupt stop at a curb, taking her attention away from him.
