“What’s up, sugar?” Corey greeted a few minutes later.
I smiled. “How’re you doing tonight, Corey?”
“Much better now that I’ve seen your beautiful face,” he replied smoothly, perfect teeth appearing when he grinned.
Did I mention how much these men flirted? All except one, at least.
“Talking like that is going to get you in trouble.”
“Trouble’s my middle name.”
“The usual?” Laughing, I pulled the rag out of the back pocket of my jeans to clean up a spill on the bar.
“Yup, make it five. We’re meeting two more from Rescue Four.”
“I thought you guys were traveling a little light tonight.”
“Us three just got off. Thanks, sugar.” Corey winked once I handed him the first of the three Coronas with lime he requested. He sauntered over to pass off the beers, and again my eyes collided with Eric’s, almost as if he’d been staring at me.
A shiver ran through me when he took the proferred beer from Corey, his gaze still planted on me. His eyes narrowed and I felt as if I were in the crosshairs of a predator. Instead of fear, I felt my lower belly quiver as thoughts of the intentions behind those dark eyes ran through my mind. I finally managed to blink, and when I glanced back, he’d turned, facing the rest of the men at his table. I sighed. Even his profile was beautiful. I licked my lips as I watched Eric’s Adam’s apple bob up and down after he took a swig of his beer.
“You might want to clean up that drool you left on the bar,” Stephanie whispered in my ear.
I snapped her hip with the towel in my hand. “I’m not above replacing you.”
“You wouldn’t fire me. Who else do you have to run this place while you’re fantasizing about the hot firefighter?” She wiggled her eyebrows, and I tossed my head back, laughing.
“Get back to work,” I ordered.
It was a Friday night, andCharlie’swas hopping as usual. Being conveniently located between two fire stations meant that during evening shift changes, we were inundated with burly firefighters and the many female patrons who swooned after them. Coupled with the regular foot traffic we received at times, having two bartenders behind the bar wasn’t always enough. I was grateful for it all. It’s been eighteen months since I boughtCharlie’sfrom its previous owner. I did some construction work on the place to give patrons more room, added a Bluetooth jukebox, offered a few craft beers that were so loved by us millennials, and business was booming.
“What can I do for you, sir?” I asked the man who walked up to the bar. He ordered a rum and Coke. Once that order was done, I moved on to the next customer. It went on like this probably for close to an hour with Stephanie and I so busy we barely got a good look at who we were serving before we were pouring another drink.
“What can I get for ya?” I asked the patron, barely making eye contact.
“The usual.”
A warm sensation moved through my belly at the sound of that voice. I locked eyes with Eric.
“F-five coronas with lime?” I stumbled over my words, internally kicking myself for sounding so lame.
A half-smile formed on those lips and he nodded, leaning down on the bar. I had to keep myself from watching his biceps bulge and strain again the T-shirt he wore.
“Coming up!” I infused my voice with the cheerfulness I gave all my customers. I felt his gaze on me as if he were touching me, while I uncapped the bottles and inserted the sliced limes.
“Thanks, sugar,” I heard Corey’s voice sound off from behind Eric. I lifted my eyes just as he put an arm around a now frowning Eric. “You know, this guy should drink free tonight.”
Raising my eyebrows, I uncapped the final bottle. “Oh yeah, and why is that?”
“Harvard, you didn’t tell Angela you’re a hero?” Corey teased.
Eric just gave him ashut the hell upglare.
But Corey kept on going. “Harvard here saved a little girl today. Climbed a four-story building and brought her down.”
My eyes ballooned. “Seriously?”
“Ye?”
