I felt nothing.
Yes, she was very attractive. Gorgeous, even. But her hair color was all wrong. Even her blue eyes seemed dull compared to Maria's. They weren't as vivid. As bright. They didn't sear my fucking soul.
Stop.
Maria made her feelings about what she wanted perfectly clear. The fact that she wouldn't get physical with someone until they were on the same page as her told me how serious she was. I couldn't begrudge her for that. I admired her for knowing what she wanted, what she deserved. Maria deserved the best: someone to put her first and meet all her needs. I would be happy for her when she found that. Because there was no doubt in my mind that she'd find someone who would bend over backward to provide what she wanted.
I pictured some fucker holding her hand, cuddling and kissing her. Getting to sleep next to her each night. My hand tightened on the glass I was holding.
James stood and lifted his hand at someone. "My cousin's here," he announced.
A man in an expensive-looking suit with slicked-back blonde hair approached the table. He smiled widely at James, his teeth flashing straight and blindingly white. "Hey, cuz." They greeted each other with a back slap before James went around the table, introducing us all.
"And that's Brian, the boss man. Guys, this is my cousin, Logan."
Logan nodded at us, again flashing his brilliant white smile before he took a seat opposite me.
"So," he shook out his wrist, showcasing an expensive-looking watch. "What are we all drinking?"
"Beers. I have a tab running. You're welcome to have a drink on me," I invited.
"Oh, thanks, man. But I already ordered a whiskey from that hottie up the front." He wiggled his brow.
"Brian has dibs on her," Harry called out. They all cackled around the table when I reached up to lightly slap his head.
"I don't have dibs on any woman who doesn't want it."
"Well, that's good 'cos she clearly does."
More hoots and hollers went around the table, and I held back an eye roll. "Guys, be respectful."
Sometimes, it was exhausting being the oldest in the group. I was also their employer, so I felt doubly responsible for setting a better example. That included not acting like oversexed frat boys.
As if sensing she was the topic of conversation, the blonde materialized to place Logan's drink down. "Here you go." She lingered beside him, her hand clasped on his chair.
Logan tipped his drink to her. "Thanks, doll. Why don't you treat yourself to a drink on me."
She flushed in pleasure, her hand grazing his shoulder. "Thank you," she cooed.
Hmm, I guess her attention was now being turned toward our newcomer. With his pretty boy looks and flashy suit, he seemed like the more suitable choice over someone like me, sitting here in worn jeans and an old t-shirt. It looked like my next potential bedmate was off the table.
I couldn't muster up the energy to care.
Just before she sashayed away again, she turned back to me and snaked her eyes down my front in another appreciative snare. "Anything else I can get you?"
I glanced around the table at everyone's half-drunk drinks. "Another round, please."
"Of course. Anything else?"
I guess I was back in the running. Although I was starting to feel uncomfortable at her obvious persistence.
But this is the kind of woman you want right now, remember?
"Two baskets of fries for the table, please."
"Of course. Anything you'd like," she breathed.
"Jeez, if you don't want that, I'll take her," Logan offered. He turned to watch her wriggle away.
