“Perfect. Just reserve some nice weather. I hate fishing in the rain.”
I snicker but consider this good `ole boy has probably done it before. “Talk soon.” Hanging up the call, I take a sip of my coffee and realize I’ve inadvertently been scrolling for gifts for women on the internet while I was talking to Zach. I can’t remember the last time I bought anything for a girl.
Oh yeah, a ring. That’s what I bought.
* * *
“Hey, man. Glad you could make it,” Jason greets me from the bar as I walk into Pour Decisions.
I’m late arriving, playing will I or won’t I all afternoon. Looking around the place, it’s buzzing with people. Are all of these patrons here for Addison? It wouldn’t surprise me. Little Miss Sunshine seems like she’d be popular enough for the whole damn town to turn out.
“She’s not here yet,” Jason says.
Fuck. “Who?”
“Oh, come on, Trev. She’s hot as hell and has her eyes set on you. What’s wrong with you, man?”
Pulling up the stool beside him, I make eye contact with the bartender, who holds up an amber bottle in question. Another great thing about small towns. He’s already got my usual figured out. With a quick nod, I place my forearms on the countertop in front of me and drop my head when I recall Jason’s question. “I’m just not sure I want to risk it with another stunner like her. I fell hard and fast for the last one. I had a fucking ring, Jason. And she ripped my heart out. I’m worried if this one goes south, I’ll be so bitter I’ll never date again. I’ll have to stick with Tinder to get off. And I don’t think anyone who uses Tinder is within an hour of Sycamore Mountain.”
He brings his bottle to his lips and chuckles. “You’re probably right.”
“How do you do it? Where do you meet women here?”
He turns to face me, giving a quick nod and a wink to someone behind me in greeting. “Oh, once you’ve lived here long enough, you’ll meet more. But if I had someone like that barking up my tree…” He dips his head in the direction of the front door.
I follow Jason’s line of sight over my shoulder when my gaze instantly connects with sparkling, bright blue eyes. My breath catches and I have to forcefully push a breath into my lungs. Her long dark hair is down cascading about her shoulders, her cheeks are pink to match her pouty lips, and her deep blue V-neck dress clings to her gorgeous body like it was painted on. I can’t stop my eyes from traveling the length of her. Right down to the open-toed black stilettos she’s wearing. My dick twitches as I picture them wrapped around my shoulders.Well shit.This night isn’t starting off well. I’ve already lost control, and she’s barely got both feet in the door.
“There’s the birthday girl. Trying to make a grand entrance? I would’ve thought you’d have been here by now,” Jason teases as he pulls Addison in for a hug.
“Oh, I was actually. I came straight from work and filled up on Sam’s food. His barbecue is good, but a sticky mess. So I decided to run home to clean up and come back. Thought it might wake me up a little.”
“Another early day at the bakery?”
“Yeah, they all start that way. But I feel better now that I’ve had a shower.”
Fuck. Now that image is all I can picture.
“Oh, I got you something.” Jason stops to pull a gift bag up from beside him. “Hope you like it.”
“You didn’t have to do that.” She giggles as she pulls out the tissue paper concealing the gift and wraps her arms around his neck in appreciation after seeing the bracelet inside. “That’s so thoughtful, Jase. I’m putting it on as soon as I sit down.”
I watch as she walks away, headed for a corner table where Alden and Cece sit, awaiting her arrival. Wow. Other than the arousing conversation our eyes had when she walked in, I didn’t get a word in. Maybe she’s over whatever this game is she’s playing. I should be relieved, but I have to admit I feel more than a little jealous of Jason’s reception.
The two of us shoot the shit about nothing. He points out new arrivals to the bar he’s known for years, and I try to keep my attention on our conversation and my beer. I manage fairly well, given how many people are crammed in the place.
Almost an hour of sitting at this bar passes before I see Addison approach in the mirror’s reflection before me. I’ve just reached for a fresh beer when she asks the bartender for a margarita.
“What, no tequila shot tonight?” What the hell am I thinking asking her this? Do you remember what happened last time she ordered one of those?
Yet, that’s precisely why I’m asking, and I know it.
“Yeah, I think I’m getting drunk enough without adding that to the mix.” She giggles. Her hand suddenly trails from my shoulder down my arm. The current her touch evokes startles me. I silently lecture my cock to stand down, knowing the effect her proximity has on my body. “So, you don’t have anything for me?” She pouts.
Hell, I’ve got something for you, all right.“As a matter of fact, I do.”
I can’t help but return her grin when she beams at me in surprise. Reaching into my sports coat pocket, I retrieve the card I bought on the way here. It’s a generic birthday card. Nothing too funny or sentimental. Just packaging for her gift, really. I study her face carefully as she opens the folded printer paper with the gift card confirmation.
“Clone-A-Willy? Is this a make-your-own dick kit?” she blurts.
