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“Hi, Matt,” I finally say. “Same as usual, or should I add a shot of tequila?”
“Just the Corona, thank you.” His gaze trails off, scanning the bar. “Slow night?”
“Yep. Slow, boring… take your pick,” I respond, placing the beer in front of him. I look at the equally empty tip jar, then frown because Matt doesn’t come this often. “Not that I mind seeing you today, but… you never come twice in the same week—or month.”
He leans forward and crosses his arms. “My schedule has changed. I’ve decided to travel less and spend more time with my favorite bartender.”
My knees wobble. It’s the sexy crinkle in his eyes and that grin. God, the dimpled grin melts me every time he serves me with it. I shake my head and move my gaze from the irresistible, beautiful man in front of me. Unfortunately, there’s not much to do as the beer glasses are stocked, same with the wineglasses.
“We should find you a few more customers tonight.” Matt drags my attention away with his husky voice. He’s tapping on his phone and grinning. “There, you’ll have a few locals within the next half hour.”
I look at the clock. “It’s eleven o’clock, Matt. I doubt many will stop doing whatever it is that they do on a Tuesday night to swing by the bar.” He sips his beer, shrugging.
“We can bet.” He places the empty bottle on the counter. “If you’re right, I’ll take you out to dinner—anywhere you want. If not, you’ll take me out to dinner—anywhere I want.”
I take an exaggerated look around the bar, then stare at the door. Sounds like an easy bet, but the stakes are the same: going out with Matt. Twisting my mouth, I shake my head. As lovely as it is to swoon for him, I know better. Neither one of us is interested in dating. We both have different reasons to keep ourselves from the courtship game.
“Another beer?” I offer, pulling a Corona.
He nods. “Of course, you’re deflecting the conversation, afraid I’m going to win.” He winks at me. “Did you get my message about the gig?”
“Yeah, not sure if I want to add more to my plate.” I rest my arms on top of the counter. “But tell me about it.”
“It’s simple, I swear. You’ll be typing and editing books,” he explains, while I sanitize my area. “Have you heard of the Nexus Point series?”
My body stops moving, my eyes meet his. My interest perks up. “Do I know about it?” I give him an annoyed glare. “I’m secretly dating Wyatt Ackerman.”
That’s one of the main characters and who I like to call my book boyfriend. The author describes him as a strong, tall, dark-haired, blue-eyed man with striking facial features that make anyone’s heart beat hard. A gaze that, if directed at you, would make your limbs weak.
“Secretly dating him?” He smirks and shakes his head.
“We’re talking about the Sci-Fi books, right?” He nods, rolling his eyes at me. “The ones by J. M. Hurst. I love them.”
I can’t help but give a shriek because maybe, maybe I might get to meet the author. “Do you know him? J. M. Hurst? Can you get me a signed copy?” Then I freeze.
My mind comes down from the fangirl moment and realizes I don’t have the time to add yet another activity to my already busy calendar. Dropping my gaze, I have to decline the amazing offer to be a part of something like The Nexus Point series. “I wish I could, but I really can’t.”
“What else do you do, Butterfly?”
I tell him about my three gigs. Explain to him that I need my counseling license and what I want to accomplish within the next year—obtain my license and start counseling.
“So… you create all those dangling things you wear?” He grabs my arm and checks the bracelets I’m wearing today. The touch of his fingers on my skin sends sparks throughout all the limbs of my body. “Cute. Give me the website so I can send the link to your page to my sister. She likes this stuff.” I release my breath as he says those last words. Our eyes meet, and I’ve come to realize I’m going to have to work twice as hard to fight the attraction.
Shit,I’m in trouble.
ChapterTwenty-Six
Matthew
My heart beats fast,as it usually does when I’m around her. This time, though, it’s different. It’s as if I’m finally opening myself to what I knew was inevitable, falling for her.
Thea’s eyes flare, her breathing hitches.
It’s good to know that this won’t be one-sided. We’re both affected by some kind of energy that sent a crazy surge toward my heart. There’s a primal urge to wrap her into my arms. Her soft skin makes me want to touch more, and I do. Lifting my hand, I trace my fingers over her delicate face.
Pushing myself out of my seat, I kiss her cheek. “So, are you going to work for me?”
Her body shivers, and I can’t help but grin with satisfaction. She’sjustas affected as I am.
