I didn’t expect her tonight. That face. That energy. That pull. I definitely didn’t expectthis. This magnetic feeling I feel towards her.
I don’t know what it is yet. But I already know one thing.
I want more.
“Please tell me you’re gonna stay mate. Don’t just ditch after you’ve eaten like you normally do.” Tyler teases.
He’s not wrong. I normally always leave early. When I have a weekend off, I’d rather spend my time doing pretty much anything else but this. Going out drinking is not something I add to my agenda very often. But with it being Tyler’s birthday, I know he’s not gonna let that slide. And I’m starting to admit that I really did need a night out, especially now my curiosity is peaked by Camille. Maybe I will stay.
“Fine. But I’m not getting drunk. I can’t be hung over tomorrow and I need to drive my ute home, but I’ll stay for a while, alright? That make you happy?” I chuckle.
“Fuck yeah it does.” He says as he sips his beer.
Theo—our apprentice from work—shouts out to the group while holding up his phone, “Let’s play a game ofPicolo.”
I look over at the bar again, taking another look at Camille. I definitely plan to stick around tonight.
8
Dirty fingers
I’m restocking the lemons when Tyler slaps his hand on the bar, startling me. He’s flushed from the dancing, grinning like a man with no regrets and one too many drinks.
“Cammie,” he says with exaggerated importance, “Can I have two shots please?!”
I glance up. Lucas is with him. He’s got that brooding energy. He watches me closely, like he’s already figured out what I’m about but isn’t ready to tell me.
“Hey Camille,” he gives a slight nod. “The hair magician and bartender. Told you I’d be back.” He gives me another panty-dropping grin as he puts some cash out on the bar. “I’ve got our drinks, I can’t let the birthday boy shout, can I?”
I look over at Tyler, “It’s your birthday? You didn’t tell me!” I laugh, then arch a brow at him. “And, you told him about me?”
He nods, grinning.
I look back at Lucas as he sips his rum, his eyes still on mine. “Enough to know you told him he’d look like a sad Viking if he grew a man bun.”
Tyler groans. “You’re never gonna let that go, are you?” He elbows Lucas and looks back at me as I put their shots on the bar.
“Cheers to twenty-five!” He picks one up and takes a quick swig of it. Pulling a sour face as he shoots it down.
“At least he listens to someone.” Lucas’s lips twitch, like he’s amused but trying not to show it. “He said you give brutal advice. I like honesty.”
Something about the way he says it makes me blush.
Tyler looks between us. “You gonna have your shot mate?”
We both look at Lucas, daring him. He picks it up and kicks it back, his face poker straight.
Tyler claps his hands. “I’m off to embarrass myself at pool. You joining?”
Lucas shakes his head slightly. “In a bit.”
Tyler shrugs and wanders off, leaving me alone with the mystery man who makes my stomach flip.
“So,” I wipe the counter in slow, lazy circles, “How do you know each other?”
Lucas leans in just enough to make it feel like a secret. “We work together.”
My stomach flips again. I don’t let it show. I love a tradie. “Oh, you’re a builder too?”
