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The three of them continue their vacation debate as I slip away on my made-up errand.I can’t find one guy and Becca lands two? Typical.Not that I’ve got a thing for either of her men, it’s just… TWO!
The odds are never in my favor.
I take my time grabbing another bottle, making a pit stop in the bathroom and browsing the shelves for anything that catches my eye. Of course, there’s nothing. Not even a stray candy bar. Well, nothing except the tequila bottle Lennon’s boyfriend Axel has stashed back here for emergencies, like parents letting their kids run around unattended and driving us crazy.
Being so bored I could scream is an emergency, right?
After sneaking a healthy sip I figure I’ve stalled long enough and start to make my way back to the bar. Plowing through the swinging door separating the storage room from the hallway—exactly like Lennon has warned us all countless times not to do—I promptly smack my head on it when it doesn’t fly all the way open.
My startled yelp of pain is drowned out by the deep timbre of the one voice that’s taken up residence in my mind since I first heard it two years ago.
“Fuck, Tiff. Are you okay?” Large hands grip my shoulders, steadying me as they guide me back inside the storage room and remove the wine bottle from my grip. I vaguely register a hallow clang as it’s set to rest on the concrete floor.
Eyes closed, I lift my free hand to probe my forehead. “I think.”
Strong fingers move mine out of the way and take over the inspection. “You’re not bleeding, but you might get a nasty bruise.”
“What happened?”
“I saw the door flying toward me and put my hand out to stop it. I didn’t know you were on the other side.”
The persistent throb in my head is barely noticeable compared to the pounding in my chest as the object of my unrequited crush holds my face in his hands. With a deep breath I open my eyes, and find Deacon’s rich brown ones mere inches away.
Shock robs me of the ability to breathe.
The last time our faces were this close he kissed me like a man starved, then walked away without a word. I’m not sure he remembers it, and if he does, I suppose I should be grateful he’s never brought it up. It was a pity kiss, after all, since I was glaringly alone at the stroke of midnight this past New Year’s Eve. He doesn’t know I was enamored with him even before his lips touched mine, and that my infatuation has only grown since then.
Tall, dark and handsome doesn’t do him justice. He’s also rugged and brash, with muscles for days and a dirty sense of humor that used to make me blush, until I realized that tingle in my belly wasn’t embarrassment but intrigue.Curiosity. A longing to be the sole focus of his dark gaze.
At the moment, I am.
There’s a hint of primal masculinity underneath his concerned expression, which my naïve heart wants to interpret as the desire to stake his claim. Coupled with the determined set of his jaw, and the dark shadow of hair lining it, well, this right here is why theboysin town will never make my heartbeat accelerate. Too bad this is just his face, not a look he reserves for me.
“Tiff, do you know where you are?”
I blink the fantasy away, but he’s too close for me to form any words. I just stare at him, dumbfounded.
“Tiff?”
I can’t breathe with him this close.Spinning abruptly, I reach for the tequila and take another swallow.
“That’s not a good idea.” He grabs for the bottle, but not before I twist out of reach and take another sip, letting the warm burn of the alcohol quiet the butterflies in my stomach.
“Tiff, do you know where you are?” His tone leaves no doubt that he expects me to answer this time, and now that I’ve got some liquid courage coursing through my veins I’m ready to speak. Until those heavenly blue eyes distract me.
“Okay Jane Doe, let’s get you home.”
“Wait, what?” I protest as he takes the bottle and sets it down, wrapping his other hand around my bicep to steady me. “I’m still working.”
“Not with that goose egg. Come on.”
“But, who will get the drinks?” I ask as he guides me to the back door.
“I’m sure Lennon knows how to make drinks in her own place.”
“I can’t just leave.” As the words leave my lips, I wonder why I spoke them. I mean, obviously it’s rude to walk out on a shift, but I’ve been wanting to be alone with Deacon for years, and it looks like it’s about to happen. Even with a bump on the head I’m aware I may never get this chance again.
Deacon pulls a phone from his pocket and types out a quick text. “Now she knows I’m taking you home.”
