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“Bring them on. Pillow me for days.”
“And I’m going to watch deeply stupid things on Netflix,” I add. “And you don’t have to watch with me, but I don’t want to hear any complaints.”
“Sounds great. As long as you still watchPopping Roundwith me sometimes,” Charlie grins. “Since we’re officially co-presidents of the Higgenbottomheads.”
I rest my hand on his chest, my hand covering his tie. As gently as possible, I say, “And you know I’m not going to be your permanent, no-expectations, live-in girlfriend?”
“I do,” he says, solemn. There’s one, quick beat, and then we both laugh at the accidental word choice. “I’m not saying we hurtle ourselves toward the aisle or anything,” he adds. “I’m just saying: Let’s take another step.”
“This,” I say, holding up the key, “is at least two steps.”
“Well, you’re shorter than I am. Smaller gait.”
I laugh.
“So… Is there a ‘yes’ in there?” he prompts. Is it my imagination or does Charlie Fox, King of Confidence, look a little nervous?
I tug his tie, pulling him down to me. “Yes.”
So much yes.
And I know it’s only just the beginning.
DASH
I takea look at the line stretching out the door, and smile. First night, and already the new bar is one hell of a hit.
“First stop, New York, next, the world.” I toast Flynn and Austin. “Where are the others?”
“Seb’s getting friendly with the new tequila supplier, and Charlie’s… well, Charlie’s somewhere with Grace.” The guys exchange a knowing look.
“Someone needs to get that guy a ‘do not disturb’ sign,” I say, shaking my head. “I walked in on them in the wine cellar the other day.”
“Bathroom,” Austin adds.
“Bent over the beer cask,” Flynn offers.
“I don’t know whether to high-five the guy, or send him to a management training seminar,” Austin says. “At the very least, the health inspector’s going to have a few things to say if he catches them like that.”
“I think it’s cute,” I offer. “Lord knows, he’s been a grumpy bachelor long enough. And Grace is pretty cool.”
“Is that a wistful note I hear in your voice?” he teases. “Don’t tell me you’re going to be the next guy falling head over heels into monogamy.”
I give a wry smile. Maybe if I could find a woman who looks at me the way Grace looks at Charlie… But the closest I’ve ever been is the gleam in a girl’s eye when I pull out my platinum card. “Yeah, nope,” I say, finishing my drink. “Good for Charlie, and all, but I’m happy staying single.”
“Good, because I’m down a wing-man, and the water’s never been finer.”
I look around, admiring the view. He’s right. The bar is packed with patrons, all laughing and flirting up a storm. You can practically smell the sex in the air – in a good way, not a gross strip club way.
That’s the charm of the Mavericks brand. It’s the perfect sexy spot for a hot date, but classy enough for a girls’ night out, too. I know I play it off like the bar is just a fun pastime, part of my growing portfolio of investments, but the truth is, I couldn’t be prouder of what we’ve built. Each of the guys brought something to the table, and with this new bar opening, we’re cementing our status on the throne of New York City nightlife.
At least, that’s what the reviews all say.
My phone buzzes again on the bar, and I grimace.
“Someone’s insistent,” Austin notes, looking amused.
“The most demanding woman I’ve ever met,” I agree with a smile. “My grandmother.”
