Hey, I didn’t make the rules.
I poured the drink, the bottle heavy and smooth in my hand, then slid the glass across the polished wood. His fingers brushed it, deliberate and steady.
“Thanks,” he said. Then, after a beat, “Landon, right?”
I stiffened for half a second before recovering. Wiped my hands on the bar towel. “How’d you know that?”
Nathan shrugged, the corners of his mouth curving like he was in on a joke I hadn’t heard yet. “I make it a point to stay informed about who’s new around here. Comes with the territory.”
I didn’t feel it appropriate to point out that I wasn’t exactlynew.
“What territory’s that?”
He swirled the glass in his hand; eyes still locked on mine. “Not important. Besides, it looks like you’ve got your hands full now anyways.”
“What are you?—”
I cut myself off mid-thought, my words dying in my throat as the door swung open to let someone inside.
Kira.
“Good luck,” Nathan said, shooting the drink down his throat. I’d never admit it, but it looked pretty damn cool.
He stood, slipping his blazer back on with practiced ease. The kind of movement that said,I’ve got my life together, and you don’t.He tossed a crisp fifty onto the bar without breaking stride. “Looks like you’re going to need it.”
There was something off about this guy. I hoped I’d never see him again, but something told me our paths would collide more than I’d like.
Kira waltzed toward the bar like she owned the room, every step measured, her black heels clicking against the hardwood. She wore a short navy dress that hugged her in all the right places, paired with black stockings that left just enough to the imagination. Her hair was down, silky waves framing her face like she’d stepped out of a vintage film reel.
And then there was her face—God, her face. That same soft curve of her jawline, those deep, coffee-dark eyes that could disarm you in a heartbeat.
My pulse kicked up a notch. I couldn’t help it. Her beauty made everything else fade into static. Not great when I was supposed to be working.
I reached for the rag on the counter, mostly to give my hands something to do. If I didn’t, I might accidentally say something monumentally stupid like,I love you, will you please do me the honor of ruining my life?
Kira made it to the bar and leaned in, her elbows resting onthe polished surface as she met my gaze head-on. Her sharp, observant eyes feasted on me.
“Landon,” she said, her voice smooth and familiar, like the opening chords of my favorite song.
“Kira,” I replied, trying to sound nonchalant, as if my heart wasn’t currently staging a rock concert in my chest.
She glanced backward toward the door, then faced me again. “You should be careful with Nathan.”
I froze. “You know him?”
“Not well,” she answered. “Macey is dating his cousin.”
“Noted. What can I get you?”
“Whiskey sour.” Her tone was casual, but there was an edge to it.
“Coming right up.”
Kira kept her eyes trained on me the whole time. It was intimidating, like she was searching for a flaw or an explanation. I finished making the drink in silence and handed it to her, along with a cup of water.
She wrapped her fingers around the glass, her grip just a touch too tight. “Thank you.”
I glanced at Raul, the third bartender, who had just clocked in and taken over the rush at the other end of the bar. That gave me a few extra minutes to focus. I crossed my arms, leaning slightly against the bar. “What’s wrong?”
