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The irony was not lost on Hannah that after an entire year without going on so much as one single date, she now had not one, but two, hot men stopping by the bar to chat her up every chance they got. Instead of being flattered, she was on edge.
Glancing over her shoulder in her most nonchalant move, she tried to get a glimpse to see who was visiting. Was it the muscular bad-boy in jeans with colorful tattoos, Dylan, or the suave businessman in his designer suit, Jake? She supposed the disappointment at finding Jake staring at her with those icy-blue eyes of his was a hint of which of the two she’d been hoping for.
Figures, you always go for the bad-boy types. Maybe it’s time you give the man who has his collective shit together a fighting chance.
Even as she thought it, her sixth sense sounded the same damn alarm bells she’d heard going off during each of Jake’s other visits to the bar. On the surface, he’d been nothing but a gentleman, but she couldn’t shake feeling like she’d met him before, and considering the low-lifes she’d been surrounded by most of her life, that wasn’t a resounding endorsement.
After dropping off the check for a couple preparing to leave, Hannah took a deep breath and headed towards the man staring at her as if she were the entree on the expensive gourmet menu. His unwavering stare unnerved her as he tracked her approach.
His chilly silence forced her to speak first. “Mr. Davenport. I didn’t expect to see you back so soon.” She was proud of how calm she had kept her voice. “What would you like this evening?” Hannah busied herself, placing a cocktail napkin in front of the too-handsome man with the mesmerizing eyes.
“I’ve told you what it is I’d really like. I’ve come to see if you’ve changed your mind.”
Her heart rate picked up realizing he wasn’t going to dance around tonight like he had in the past. He was going direct to the hard-court press.
“If you’re referring to going out to dinner with you, I’m afraid I haven’t changed my mind. It’s against hotel policy to date guests.”
His smile displayed his perfectly white teeth. “That’s great. I’m not a guest. I’m a local.”
She wasn’t sure why this revelation shook her, but it did. It was one thing to have a frequent traveler, most likely lonely while away from home on business, trying to make a connection with her. It was another thing entirely to have someone who lived in the Bay area asking her out.
“So… I mean… why…”
Jake reached to grab a handful of the small cocktail pretzels from the bowl closest to him. Casually popping a few in his mouth, he leaned closer. “Let’s just say you caught my attention and I’d really like to get to know you better.”
She tried to keep from wilting under his intense stare as she mumbled a lame answer. “I’m the most boring person, trust me. There is nothing fun to know.”
“Oh, I disagree.” Jake Davenport lowered his eyes to look up and down her utilitarian uniform before returning his penetrating gaze to her. “I suspect there is a very interesting young woman hiding under that boring uniform.”
Hannah’s insecurities helped her resist the temptation of dabbling with a man like Jake Davenport. With his designer suit, expensive watch, and the convertible he’d boasted of owning—he was completely out of her league, and that meant he couldn’t possibly want anything from her that she was willing to give.
“I’m sorry. I just don’t have much time to date. I work two jobs, and…” she purposefully held back sharing her most personal secrets, opting to add… “I’m still wrapping up my schooling.”
“Why don’t you pour me a shot of your top-shelf Whiskey and tell me more about your schooling. After all, that’s really what drew me to you in the first place.”
Hannah had just turned to grab the bottle of Hennessy whiskey she remembered him ordering on his last visit when she froze, spinning back to look at him again.
“Say that again? You knew I was in college?” She was sure she’d never mentioned it to him before, so how would he have a clue?
“An associate of mine is a professor at your university. I often ask him forreferenceswhen I’m looking for new employees for one of my many businesses.”
“One of my professors recommended me?” Hannah hated how her voice squeaked.
Jake hesitated briefly before replying. “Let’s not get bogged down by the details, shall we? Just know that I understand you’re earning your degree in accounting and as luck would have it… I’m looking for a new accountant.” When Hannah was too surprised to speak, he added. “Don’t you think it’s time for you to get a real job… one where you can use your education? That will allow you to stop working yourself to death at two jobs?”
She felt foolish. All this time, she’d thought he was flirting with her. Wanting to go on a date. But no, he was looking for an accountant. She turned back towards the shelf of booze, grateful she could hide her reaction from him while she poured a shot into the rock glass. She should be relieved. Excited even. It had taken her years to fight for a better life.
So why does this feel all wrong?
Schooling her reaction, she spun and delivered the drink to the waiting cocktail napkin in front of the most handsome man at the bar.
Jake downed the amber liquid in one gulp, slamming the glass back to the napkin before leaning forward across bar, closing the distance between them until she could smell the liquor on his warm breath.
“You’re a beautiful woman, Hannah. You’re intelligent. You deserve better than pouring booze and arranging flowers.”
Had she told him about her second job?
“Let me take you to dinner. You can ask me more about the job, and I can enjoy that beautiful smile of yours while I pamper you for a change.”
