“And you don’t anymore?” It’s my turn to prop an elbow on the bar and lean close. I didn’t expect to learn about him today, and I’m all in.
He shakes his head. “I discovered that big groups can lead to bigger problems.”
“I see…” I don’t, but I want to. “What happened?” I ask.
“So let me tell you about the first drink,” Mak says, interrupting whatever I might have learned about Lucas, but I tuck away the information to ask again at a more appropriate time. “I named it The Touchdown.”
“I like it already,” I tell her, excited to taste.
She laughs. “What makes this drink special is also what takes the longest to prepare. I toasted black sesame seeds ahead of time. You do them over medium heat until they’re fragrant and begin to pop.” She brings a container from beneath the bar toshow me. “Then, while they’re cooling, I combined equal parts Jamaican rum and a rye blend, leaving some space for the seeds. Seal it and shake well. Then leave it for three to five days so it infuses.”
My eyes are wide as I listen to the preparation that’s gone into the drink. “Thanks for explaining. I’ve never thought about what goes into mixing drinks, but I admit to being fascinated… and impressed.”
“Mak here is a Western US Speed Rack Champion. It’s an all-female high speed bartending competition,” Lucas says, pride in his tone. “We’re lucky to have her working for us.”
Mak waves off the compliment. “What’s most important is that the competition raises money for breast cancer charities. But winning is awesome too.” She laughs. “Now, as for the drink, I combine the ingredients in a mixing glass, including the seeds.” As she pours, she names each ingredient: banana liquor, demerara gum syrup, orange bitters, a pinch of salt, and lemon and orange expression. “Add ice,” she says, as she does just that, continuing to explain the process while she works. “Stir until chilled and diluted, strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass, and garnish with lemon and orange peels.” She adds the topping. “Here you go!” She pushes the dark brown drink toward me.
Picking up the lowball glass, I take a sip and the nutty yet tropical taste explodes on my tongue. It’s a bit sweet along with the depth of the rum. Delicious. “Your talent is incredible to watch and taste,” I tell her. “This is perfect for a signature drink!”
“I know,” she says with a grin.
“She’s modest, too.” Lucas laughs.
I take another sip. “I could finish this whole glass, but I know we have two more drinks to go, and I don’t want to drink and drive.”
Lucas leans in close once more, the warmth of his body and spicy scent of his aftershave a reminder of all the ways I’m attracted to him. It takes all my restraint not to lean back against his broad chest.
“I’ve always got you,” he says in a gruff, rumbly voice. “But in this case, I think you’re right. Let’s move on to drink number two.” He straightens his posture and I miss his closeness.
He strides around the bar, joining Mak on the other side.
“Okay, next up is the Sports Star Martini,” she says.
“Nice name,” Lucas says.
I nod in agreement.
Mak pours water from a tap and slides a glass to me. “Take a couple of sips to clear your palate.”
I do as instructed and wait eagerly for her next creation.
Again, she explains as she prepares the drink, the same way she did for The Touchdown, then slides what she calls a coupe glass toward me. “Give it a try.”
I lift it by the top, careful with the long stem. From the bright yellow color, I know there’s going to be a citrus flavor. Sure enough, I taste a tangy, juicy yet bubbly drink, picking up the hint of vanilla and ginger spice, which I know from her description.
“Yum. Our guests will have a difficult time choosing, that’s for sure.” I run my tongue over my top lip, enjoying the hint of orange, and I moan at the flavorful, zesty tang.
My gaze lands on Lucas, only to find his eyes dark and his stare locked on my mouth. Warmth rises to my cheeks at the heat in his gaze, and between my thighs, a tingle of arousal reminds me there’s nothing simple about being around him.
“Don’t forget there’s one more drink, with what I think is the best name. Thunder and Lightning.” She sweeps her arm with a flourish and I’m grateful for the interruption.
I clap, because her specialty drinks have exceeded any expectations I had or hoped for. With each thing I nail down, my optimism for the Thunder anniversary grows stronger.
Mak repeats her presentation as she mixes the last drink, a yellowish green margarita. I’m fascinated as she floats what she says is a layer of high proof alcohol on top, lights it with a long lighter, then quickly extinguishes the flame with a mug over the top. It’s a show stopper, for sure.
I take a sip and find it’s ultra spicy with a hint of decadent chocolate. In fact, it might be my favorite. I meet Mak’s gaze.
“Well?” she asks.
