He dropped into her guest chair with a grin. “Even weirder when I ask about your night, because hot damn, girl, you and Eve looked like you were about to go at it right there in the bar when I left. Please tell me you took her upstairs once you got her alone.”
Josie’s cheeks flushed hot. “I did.”
He whooped, leaning forward to give her a fist bump. “And?”
“And it was great…like,reallygreat.” She sighed as she remembered the feel of Eve’s naked body pressed against hers and all the intimate things they’d shared, both in and out of bed.
“I’m happy for you, Jo. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you this taken with someone. How did you leave things?”
“Well, I told her I wanted to see her again, but I don’t know if she’s going to take me up on it or not.”
“She’d be a fool not to,” he said. “But what’s the hang-up? You like each other. Your gig on her show’s finished. You had a great night together. Why wouldn’t you go for round two?”
She shrugged. “She’s more of the ‘one night’ type, or so she says.”
“I guess I can see that about her,” he said, looking thoughtful. “And believe me, I have nothing against one-night stands. But they’re usually more of a spontaneous thing, whereas you guys were simmering for weeks. Definitely feels like the start of something more.”
“Yeah, well, she’s been hurt in the past, so I think she’s afraid to go there again,” Josie said quietly. “And I can’t blame her. She’s been through a lot.”
“Is she still in the closet?” he asked.
“No, it’s not that. It’s just…something personal I don’t feel comfortable sharing without her permission.”
“Gotcha, but I’ll just add this…sharing deep, dark secrets isn’t something one usually does with a one-night stand either,” he said, eyebrows raised dramatically.
“I know.” She closed her laptop with another sigh. “I really like her, and I’ll do what I can to nudge her in the right direction, but if she truly doesn’t want a relationship, then I have to respect that.”
He leaned back in his seat. “Ugh, you’re so good.”
“I know,” she said playfully as she stood from behind her desk. “Ready to help me open? I’ve got to run back upstairs and feed the kittens first, though.”
“Want a hand?”
“Always.”
So she and Adam fed the kittens together. Elizabeth arrived to work the rooftop bar again tonight. And soon enough, the doors were open. No line waited outside tonight, but by five thirty, they had a handful of customers, and by seven, the place was packed. This was busier than any Saturday night in Swanson’s recent history. And already, she loved Dragonfly’s crowd so much more. Her bar was filled with a virtual rainbow of people. Her people. It filled her with joy every time she looked around the room.
Just after midnight, her gaze caught on a brunette at the end of the bar, wearing skinny jeans and a flowy black top. Josie’s heart gave a weird double beat that made her head swim. Eve had come after all.
19
“Welcome to Dragonfly. I’m Josie.”
Eve stared into Josie’s laughing eyes, unsure what to make of the introduction. Was she trying to have a little fun, or was something else going on?
“House specialty,” Josie said as she set a glass on the bar in front of Eve. “It’s called Midnight in Manhattan, and since it’s actually midnight in Manhattan—and also here in Brooklyn—you should try one.”
“I didn’t order it,” Eve pointed out, reluctant to play along with this game Josie had started. But then again, a little role-play might keep her from having to address other uncomfortable topics…like why she was here tonight in the first place.
“You look like the kind of woman who would appreciate a romantic drink,” Josie said, leaning her elbows on the bar with a satisfied smile.
“Romantic?” she asked.
Josie winked dramatically. “Rumor has it, if you drink one at midnight, you’ll fall in love by the end of the year.”
“Hm.” Eve lifted the glass and gave it a swirl. “I’m not much of a romantic, so I guess I’ll take my chances.” She lifted it to her lips and sipped.
Josie looked delighted. “What do you think?”
