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“Well, tequila is always a good start for solving your problems.” He slides a shot glass, lime wedge, and salt shaker towards me. But I down the shot plain, not needing the lime or salt. I like the burn of the tequila as it slides down my throat and pools warmly in my stomach.
“I’ll be back in a little while for another,” I tell him, grabbing my rum and coke and taking a sip.
“I like a woman who can handle her tequila.” His voice dropped a few octaves, and it vibrates through me in a way I wish turned me on like it would have before Ryan.
“I bet you do. But you can’t handle me.”
“You could let me try. I’m sure you’d see otherwise.”
“Thanks, but no. I’m not really getting involved with any men right now.”
“Ah, so your drinking has to do with a man, then.”
“Maybe. But not because I got my heart broken or some shit like that. They’re just fucking assholes.”
He smiles wide, showing off his perfect, white, straight teeth. “Assholes are the most fun, baby.”
“Oh my God.” I roll my eyes. “You’re hot, Alex, I’ll give you that. But I’m not in the market for a man, or a fling. Just alcohol and my friends.”
“Alright, let me know if that changes, though.” He winks. “I can help you forget your problems for an hour or two.”
Laughing, I grab my drink and step away. “You’re relentless. I’ll let you know if I need your services, slick.” I know I won’t, though.
Nodding, he winks and moves down the bar to help someone else.
Courtney wags her eyebrows at me when I sit back down. “So, Alex?”
I wave her off dismissively. “Oh, he’s a harmless flirt who wants to show me how assholes can rock my world or some shit like that.”
“What?” she sputters. The sip she was taking dribbles down her chin, and she quickly reaches for a napkin to blot it away.
“Yeah, but I turned him down.”
“You did?” Ally asks, sounding incredulous. “Why?”
“What? You think I have sex with anyone who gives me attention?”
“Don’t get defensive. I just thought you may want a distraction while you’re here.”
“Oh, she has one already. Right, Ashley?” Courtney’s eyes dance with mirth. Shit. I forgot she saw what happened earlier in the café with Ryan.
Ally’s confused eyes dart back and forth between Courtney and I. “What do you mean?”
“I mean,” Courtney continues, “that Ashley has her eyes on another Pine Cove hottie.”
“I do?” I ask innocently.
“Who?” Ally asks.
“No one.”
“Who?”
Sighing, I lean back in my chair and sip my drink. I didn’t plan on spilling this secret tonight–or ever.
“Ashley?” Ally asks again.
“Ryan,” I mumble.
