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My shoulder lifts in a lopsided shrug. “Casual dating isn’t for me, Abs. Been there, done that, more than ready to break the cycle. I want substance and stability. Someone to plant roots with.”
“Throw caution to the wind, fall without fear, and dive into the unknown?”
“That sounds lovely,” I coo.
“You wanna get pierced by Cupid’s arrow?”
“Um, sure.” But my tone is bordering on suspicious.
“A meaty bone you can gnaw on all night long?” She gnashes her teeth.
I scoff as realization strikes. “Very funny. For a second there, I thought you were being serious.”
“About losing my fellow freaky fiend to coupledom? It’s an adjustment.”
“As if I was ever in your lustful league.” The suggestion is laughable.
Even during the short stint when I let my expectations slip into no-strings territory, there wasn’t a comparison between our exploits. But that’s how we balance each other. Unlike me, Abbie’s needs are thoroughly satisfied by temporary affections. Her motto is whenever the mood strikes with whatever hot stranger that she deems fuckable. I’ll always give her my blessing—along with zero judgment—for doing what I can’t.
“Whatever. I still notice the loss.” Her hair flutters off her forehead when she forces an exhale. “Your mythical mister still has to prove his worth before I’ll approve.”
“I have to find him first.” Without permission, my eyes drift to the roguish flirt currently passing out shots like candy at a parade.
Abbie follows my stare to catch who I’m looking at. A low whistle escapes her. “Well, shit. That’s Garrett Foster.”
The trance he’s indirectly holding me under breaks as she reveals his identity. “You know him?”
“He’s one of the owners,” she replies.
No wonder he appears to be in his element. Each move he makes exudes comfort and control. He belongs behind the bar, shamelessly charming his harem. There’s probably nowhere else he’d rather be.
A determination solidifies in this moment as I continue appraising him. It’s become apparent that his most appealing attribute is how he showers every admirer with equal attention, regardless of her shape and size. That knowledge boosts the comfort I’ve fought long and hard to find in my own skin. It makes him all the more dangerous.
Abbie prattles on while I treat myself to another not-so-sneaky peek. “The ladies love him. It’s no secret that he’s the favorite. Ridge and Drake can’t compete.”
“And they are…?”
“The other owners. Together they’re a trifecta of panty-melting temptation. Garrett is the most visible in the front of the house, though. His charm is like a sticky trap for the barflies. People naturally flock to him. It’s that charisma. Can’t be taught.” Her voice is dreamy as she parks her chin on a closed fist and flutters her lashes in his direction.
“He definitely seems to draw attention to himself.”
“Magnetic,” she muses. “He’s a super nice guy too.”
“Oh?” My lifted spirits munch on that crumb of intel.
She nods absently. “But unless you’re willing to ditch that newfound code of commitment, I’d strongly suggest looking elsewhere. He’s the polar opposite of what you’re in the market to find.”
I suspected as much. That doesn’t stop disappointment from slumping my shoulders. “Oh.”
Abbie refocuses on me. Her expression is warm with understanding. “Bummer, huh?”
“Meh, I didn’t dare get my hopes up. It’s safer to assume he’s not my type until evidence confirms otherwise. But if nothing else, he’s a stellar testament to my willpower.”
“Clench that resolve,” she groans.
Laughter snuffs out the momentary gloom. “You’re ridiculous.”
“Me? You’re the one denying yourself several orgasms, at the very least. That hottie’s talents extend well beyond mixing a cocktail.” She blindly waves at the man in mention, as if I’m not already staring at him.
