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“Got it. Anything else?”
Those burning pools of caramel were pinned to my face, causing a flush of warmth that had the rest of my body tingling. His expression wasn’t exactly friendly.
More like he was examining me, waiting for something. Only I wasn’t sure what because I was the one needing his response so that I could get his order. I felt uncomfortable because he wasn’t from here.
That was evident the minute I’d laid eyes on him, which made me wonder if he realized there had been a time when I wasn’t from here either.
Didn’t want or need that.
“You can bring the bottle. Probably need to pay for the entire thing to make up for the space I’m taking up.”
“Probably. Be right back.”
He nodded as his phone lit up, so I turned to leave, desperate for that space. I wasn’t sure why because he seemed unaffected or maybe I was too caught up in own lustful thoughts to acknowledge the potential for his.
That one thought had me peeking over my shoulder as I neared the bar and damn if I didn’t regret it.
Those eyes were on me. Even with the distance and the bodies between us I could feel the blaze from his penetrating stare. My body tingled with awareness that he wasn’t simply following to ensure I returned with his drink order.
His loaded gaze traveled across my curves, limiting where there was exposed skin from the racerback tank top that hugged my upper body.
When I reached the bar, I leaned my elbows on the top of the sleek surface, needing something to ground me. I desperately wanted to peek over my shoulder again but didn’t need to to know if he was watching me because I could still feel his eyes on me.
“He’s hot and not from around here. If you don’t want him, I damn sure do.” Val’s back was to the bar again, watching the beautiful stranger. I sucked my teeth before yelling out to Del.
“Don’t we have a few bottles of Hennessy XO?”
She dumped two glasses before frowning over her shoulder. “Maybe one, who the hell wants that?”
“Definitely not a regular.” Val grinned at her mother before pointing to the booth where her attention had been the past few minutes. “Looks like we have a visitor.”
“Yeah well you stay away from him. That’s Cadee’s section anyway.”
“Cadee isn’t looking for a hard body to keep her warm at night. I am. I’m sure she won’t mind swapping a table with me.”
The strange thing was that normally I wouldn’t but the minute she offered it as a suggestion, I realized I did mind.
“Leave him alone, Valarie Marie Brown. I mean it.” Del bent at the waist, coming up a few minutes later with a brand new bottle that hadn’t been opened. She kept it out of sight because nobody from around here would waste their money.
“Don’t even know how to price this because these cheap assholes won’t drink it.” The bottle hit the bar with a thud as one of the other patrons presented a theatrical offense.
“You make more out of us with that cheap stuff you got up there on the shelf, Del. Takes more to get the job done which means more money in your pocket.” He winked and she shook her head before turning back to me.
“Bottle retails for two hundred. Maybe forty per shot?”
“Damn, Del that’s highway robbery. Almost triple the price of the bottle.” The guy grunted before tossing back what was left in his glass.
“That’s called good business.” She winked at the guy and I frowned at her.
“He wants to the whole bottle since he’s taking up the entire booth by himself.”
“Then tell ’im four hundred. Looks like he’s got it.”
“Oh he’s definitely got it,” Val added before saying, “But I’m gonna let you have this one. He doesn’t just want that bottle. He wants the woman holding it and that ain’t me. He’s already got his eyes on you, Cadee.” She popped my thigh with the towel she was holding before ducking under the small opening to join her mother behind the bar.
“Thank goodness. Last thing I need is this one laid up with another man.” Del tossed her thumb toward Val.
“Don’t knock it ’til you try it, old lady,” Val teased before she began clearing empties from the bar.
