Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 65582 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 328(@200wpm)___ 262(@250wpm)___ 219(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 65582 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 328(@200wpm)___ 262(@250wpm)___ 219(@300wpm)
“What?” No. “Leaving so soon?”
“My date cancelled, so I’m going to call it a night and go home.”
“Stay. Drinks on me.” Literally, if I’m lucky.
She smiles and if I’m not mistaken, she’s about to take me up on my offer. Looking at what I suspect is the time on her phone, she acquiesces. “Okay, maybe one more.”
I’m getting a clean glass before the words leave her mouth, and ask, “Boyfriend?”
“Who?”
“The chump who stood you up. Is he your boyfriend?”
“I don’t think I’ve heard the word chump used in person or ever.”
“Eh, I was being polite. Asshole is what I was really thinking.”
While I shake the fresh cocktail, she laughs a little, then with melancholy tainting our good time, she says, “No, he’s not my boyfriend. I wish. This is the second time we’ve tried to get together and he’s cancelled.”
“Asshole.”
“Lawyer.”
“Same thing.” She laughs louder this time, and I like the sound of it. Wanting to see her smile more, I say, “Don’t wish on falling stars. Wish on rising suns. There’s more hope to be found there.”
“That’s beautiful.”
“You’re beautiful. He’s a fool for standing you up.”
I fill the martini glass, then because I find her so damn attractive sitting there with her heart invested in something it shouldn’t, I suggest, “I have this premium gin you should try.”
Tapping the glass, she eyes it. “If it’s not in here, why are you holding back the good stuff?”
I spend more time than I probably should with her when I know there are others waiting on drinks. “Next one. I promise.”
“I’m going to hold you to that.” She takes the glass and sips. “Mmmm. You are a very talented bartender.”
“Bartending’s not my only talent.”
Resting her chin on her hand, her eyebrows rise. “Oh really?”
Constance is quite the conundrum. A Gimlet Girl never blushes like she just did. Then for her to turn around and speak words in seductive purrs. She’s a mystery I want to unravel.
Unfortunately my name is being called back to tend to Sex on the Beach. Since I never told her my name and she’s using it like she’s got stock in it, I’m guessing my reputation brought her in tonight. I’m not sure what’s keeping her here though after making it clear it’s a no-go. I tell Constance, “I’ll be back.” I tap the bar top and walk back down to the other end. “You ready to close your tab?”
She looks offended. “No. I was hoping for another.”
“Sure thing.”
“Yes, I am.”
“I appreciate the offer,” I say, pouring the drink straight out of the premixed batch I made earlier. “But I’m gonna have to pass tonight.” Firm and clear.
She shrugs. “No problem. Now that I know where this place is, I’ll be back.”
I set the drink down and busy myself with other customers. I thought this would be a slower Monday, but apparently the whole city decided to stop in tonight.
Chapter Two
The Hideaway is packed. I look out at a sea of pretty people and smile. It will be a good night for business. It will be a great night for hookups. I’ve got Eddie and Will working behind the bar with me to keep up with orders.
I notice an empty glass a few barstools down and make sure I’m the one that fills it. “How are you doing, Constance?”
“The Gimlets are great.” Her mood has improved significantly, and I like the way she’s looking at me.
She’s funny. “How about you?”
“Feeling . . . crowded in.” She glances over her shoulder before returning her eyes to me while a finger runs over the top of the glass. “I’ve been thinking that I might like a taste of that gin you mentioned earlier.”
“I can arrange that,” I reply, getting closer and making sure only she hears me. “We have a rule here at The Hideaway though.”
Leaning in, she asks, “What’s that?”
“We keep the good stuff in the back.”
A smile tickles her lips and a giggle slips out. “Am I allowed back there? I’d hate to get you in trouble with the boss.”
Fuuuuck. She’s playing a game with me. I knew I liked her. “Could be risky.” It’s good to be the boss right now.
Sliding off the stool, she grabs her purse, and says, “Risks are just dares you were brave enough to take. Are you brave enough to take me, Hardy?”
“I can take you.” Over my knee. From behind. Sprawled out across my desk. Against the liquor locker. My cock pings against my jeans, and I shout behind me, “Cover me, Eddie.”
“Gotcha covered.” He eyes Constance and gives me a look of approval.
I toss my towel in the corner before I walk around and hold out my elbow for her to take. Her slender fingers wrap around my arm and we walk through the crowd toward the hall that leads to the offices. A door is pushed open and the crowds and music fade behind us. I say, “Right down here.” I pull my keys out and unlock the door.