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Deciding he’s definitely talking to me and I’d look like some loser if I didn’t answer, I think of something sensible to say.
“It’s been one of those days.” I attempt a polite smile.
“Ah, I see. Well, if it helps, things are never as bad as they seem at first.”
It doesn’t help to hear that given my situation is dire on many levels, but it’s nice to listen to his sexy voice. It’s a momentary distraction I’m soaking up like a sponge.
“You sound wise.” I straighten, resting my hands back on the counter.
“I’ve been told I know a thing or two.” He winks at me and lines of heat race over my skin.
Duke returns with our drinks and sets them before us.
He smiles at our new friend, but when he looks at me, he shakes his head.
“That’s your last one.” He tried to say that under his breath, but as nothing about Duke is quiet, my handsome strangerandeveryone else at the bar heard him.
I don’t answer Duke, but he leaves us knowing I got the message. It’s times like these when it completely sucks beyond measure to be here.
I was so happy when I went to UCLA, but I dare not think of those days for fear of feeling bad about Grams again.
“Never figure you for a whiskey drinker,” lulls that voice again. I look back at my handsome stranger, who is tipping his beer bottle to his lips while staring at me beneath hooded eyes.
“What did you think my drink would be?” I’m interested to know.
He takes a sip of his beer and sets the bottle down. “A sexy cocktail.”
I stare back, completely enthralled, and realize it can’t just be me who feels that intense pull of attraction.
“A sexy cocktail?”
“Yeah, something like…” He thinks for a moment and gives me a wicked smile. “A margarita. Or Sex on the Beach.”
I’m not sure which woman could hear this man say the wordssex on the beachand not think of having sex on the beach withhim.
I’m about to answer when Hazel, Duke’s skanky barmaid, comes up to us and steals Mr. Handsome’s attention away from me.
Dressed in a low-cut tank top which shows off the depth of her cleavage and surgically enhanced breasts, she looks like she’d be more at home in Hooters.
She tosses her dark tresses over her shoulders and flashes my handsome stranger a seductive smile.
I went to school with Hazel, so I’m well versed in that smile. She was born with it. That smile is the same one she uses to lure many men away from their wives and girlfriends, and it looks like she’s got her eyes set on our newcomer.
“I just thought you should know I finish in an hour, if you want to hang out,” she coos in her deep Southern accent most men find sexy.
I don’t have that accent even though Grams does.
“I’ll bear that in mind.”
“You should.” She pushes out her breasts. “I’m the girl who will definitely show you a great time.”
Great.What a fucking bitch.
Feeling defeated, I grab my whiskey and take a few gulps. The alcohol gets to my brain quicker this time, and I feel a cheerful buzz wash over me, making me feel like I could fly. My mind numbs, and I no longer remember how terrified I am of Conrad and his threats.
But rage washes through me when I look at Hazel flirting her ass off with my handsome stranger. She’s always done shit like this, but this time, I’m so infuriated I want to rip the hair off her head and claw out her eyes as she bats her lashes at Mr. Handsome.
“See you in an hour, handsome.” She gives him a little wave, issues me a filthy look, then walks away with her hips swaying as if she’s got a tune stuck in her head.
