Gen chokes on her last bite.“That’s absolutelynothow I remember your skills at shuffleboard, or ping-pong, or any other game or sport requiring hand-eye coordination.Why do you think I want to play you?I need an ego boost after being called Snow all night.”
The nickname Snow White is a part of Gen’s hazing by the veteran waitresses.“Why do they call you that?”
“Who knows—my dark hair?Either way, one of them stared at Mason the entire time he and I shared our dinner break.Mason’s gotta be at least ten years younger than most of them, but they don’t seem deterred.”
Gen and Mason had dinner together?Nice.Maybe she’ll change her mind about this friends-only business.
“If I were their age and single, I’d go for him too.So yes, I believe it.”
I flex my fingers like I’m doing digit stretches.“I wouldn’t be so cocky about table shuffleboard if I were you.My dexterity and speed have improved dramatically after long hours of dealing cards.”
Gen rolls her eyes.“Uh-huh.”
I shouldn’t have goaded her.Gen gave me a Shuffleboard Smackdown of five-zip in under an hour.
By the time we return home, I’m not sure who’s more nervous about her future dating adventures—her, or me as her wingwoman, thrust in front of tempting, attractive men.
Or just one attractive man.
ChapterThree
Iam officially the card-dealing samurai.I’ve gotten so good these last two weeks that I can multitask while I work and scope out the action.And it’s like watching Casino Real World.
Right now, the sweet brunette swing-shift waitress is flirting with the tall, dark-haired cashier behind the cage, while two other waitresses—who I’m pretty sure have a thing for each other—chat by a row of slots.
Over in Gen’s lounge, two youngish executives with loosened ties troll for women.Their game is that they are there for an end-of-the-day drink, but I can tell they’re looking for a hookup.
One of them has been tracking Gen’s every move, and it’s making me nervous.I don’t get a good vibe from him.
I deal my next hand and glance into the East Bar, where Gen’s safely ensconced, chatting up Mason.
My heart warms at the sight.I’m like a proud mama duck watching her duckling venture into the world.
Gen and Mason have been casually flirting for a couple of weeks.Well, okay, I can’t tell if the banter is friendly or flirty, but at this point I don’t care.Gen’s laughing and smiling more, and that’s all that matters.This is the happiest I’ve seen her in months.
Jaeger swaggers up to Mason’s bar, and my heart pumps an extra beat.
Am I going to have this reaction every time he’s around?
He’s in a black T-shirt and dark jeans, and my mouth goes dry just looking at him?—
“Hit.”
Crap, I missed a customer signal.Too much casino-watching.
The woman glares and I quickly deal a card, shoving my head back in the game.But when I can no longer stand the suspense, I glance at Mason’s bar.
Jaeger is smiling at Gen, his forearm on the counter, body angled toward her.I can’t look away.Corded muscles in his arm flex under his weight, his hand casually curled.
Damn those hot hands.Visions of them grasping my flesh and skimming over my body hijack my mind.
Eric hasn’t called, and Jaeger’s effect on me is inconvenient.I was hoping Eric would visit and remind me why we’re together, because I’m not feeling the love.
I shift my feet, gaze shooting now and then to the trio at the bar.Gen laughs at something Jaeger says and jealousy spears my chest.
This is ridiculous.IwantGen to have male attention.Why does this particular guy’s attention have me so upset?
He was my brother’s friend, and for all I know, he’s still in touch with Tyler.I should call Tyler and get the scoop.
