“Oh my gods. Fuck. I’m so sorry!”
The guy grabs my arm, keeping both of us steady. I freeze as sparks travel from the place he’s touching me throughout my entire body. I feel lightheaded yet in control at the same time. I feel grounded but like I’m lifting off into outer space. I feel everything and nothing all at once.
His eyes widen behind his mask, mirroring my own expression. His eyes are so pretty. Hazel surrounded by black eyeliner and a shimmery green coating on the lids. Despite being covered in my drink, he smiles and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything more beautiful.
“Hi,” I say, my voice soft and breathy.
“Hello,” he says back, just as softly.
Everything else in the room fades away until it’s just me and him. I breathe in. Lavender hits my nose, the same scent that was on my invitation. It surrounds me, leaving me feeling warm on the inside, like coming home after a long, hard day.
This man, whoever he is, is somehow special. My inner wolf is howling, calling out to the man, demanding we learn everything there is to know about him. I’m inclined to believe, but we’ll start with the basics.
“What’s your name?”
“Viktor.”
“Viktor,” I say, not even disguising the way my voice sounds awed to my own ears. “I’m Duncan.”
Viktor’s hand tightens on my arm and my stomach swoops almost violently. I open my mouth to say something else but a voice outside our bubbles finally breaks whatever spell is happening between us.
“Gentlemen? I have a towel here to help clean up the mess.”
I blink slowly, getting my bearings once more. My cheeks heat as I realize we’ve just been standing here, clutching each other,staring into each other’s eyes for who knows how long! I cough and clear my throat, finally taking a step back.
“Sorry,” I say, taking the towel from the bartender and handing it to Viktor. He takes it gratefully, dabbing at his suit. Between the two of us, we get him mostly cleaned up.
Bex hurries behind the bar grabbing a few things and directing her workers. She catches my eye, looking between Viktor and I. Then she smiles and hurries on her way.
With one final swipe, I toss the rag back onto the bartop. I turn to the barkeeper who’s grinning, watching the two of us which doesn’t help my blush even a little bit.
“Another Dirty Shirley?"
I nod my head. “Yes, please.”
“And for you?”
“I’ll try one of your event flavors. The uhh, Festive Fuzzy Nuzzy, please.”
“Coming right up.”
We stand, side by side, waiting for our drinks. I can literally feel him next to me, so close but not quite touching. I keep getting hints of lavender in the air and it makes my heart skip a beat. Who the hell is this guy and why do I feel like this?
I turn towards him.
“So,” I say.
“Did you--” he starts to say at the same time.
Our mouths snap shut. Fuck. This is awkward. Why do I have to suck at social interactions so much?
“There you gentlemen go,” the bartender says, sliding over our drinks. “Try not to spill this time,” he says to me with a wink.
I chuckle and do my best not to show how embarrassed I am.
“I really am sorry about that,” I say softly, taking a sip of my drink.
“It’s okay. Really. Better than any icebreaker I probably could have come up with.”
