Kaleb opened the door, letting me walk in first. “That it is.”
We both stepped inside to find the bar packed. There was loud music playing from the surround sound. The front of the bar was packed with people. Most of the booths were already taken, and I was questioning where we were going to find a spot to sit.
“I’m not seeing anywhere to sit.”
As I looked around a second time, I realized everyone was staring at us. My stomach dipped just like it had at the restaurant.
“Well, I think we could slide into the bar. I think it has space.”
Kaleb and I walked a few feet when a man turned toward us. He looked us up and down, confused. “Kaleb? Are you guys really dating?”
“We are,” Kaleb said, hooking me closer. “Nora, this is Logan. He works with Westley and me on keeping the perimeter of the pack clear. And that’s Patrick. He works with us as well. They are both top-notch soldiers.”
Logan was a little older than Kaleb. He had a thick beard and dark brown eyes. You could tell he was muscular underneath his jacket, while Patrick was thinner with wiry glasses. You could tell his mind was his tool rather than his muscles.
“Nice to meet you both,” I said, offering them a smile.
“What brings you two here?” Logan asked.
“Date night,” Kaleb said. “We were just down at West Point and came here to end the night.”
Logan’s eyebrows went up. “You’re having date night here?”
“It was actually my idea,” I offered. “They have good desserts here.”
“And pool,” Logan offered, nodding his head over to the pool table. “You guys want to play? Looks like it’s free now.”
Kaleb nodded. “Sure, you want to set up? We’re gonna order.”
Logan and Patrick offered their seats, and I sat down with Kaleb. I felt my heart flutter as he leaned close.“So, how was the salmon?” Kaleb asked, his leg brushing against mine.
I smiled, glancing down where his skin brushed against mine. He had occasionally taken my hand at the restaurant, and my heartbeat quickened each time. Even now, I felt like he would be able to hear it. I swallowed, trying to act normal. “It was wonderful. A really good suggestion. Thank you for thinking of it.”
Just then, the bartender paused in front of us. “What can I get you guys?” My head turned, taking in Hazel. She had her dark black hair pulled up in a tight pony. She was wearing a short-cut shirt and popped gum. She always gave me that badgirl vibe. I didn’t realize she was a bartender or that she even worked here.
“A brownie,” Kaleb said. “I didn’t realize you worked here, Hazel?”
She gave Kaleb a smile, but not in a flirty way, but in a respectful way. “I started a couple of weeks ago. Thank you for the reference.”
Kaleb gave her a nod, and her eyes looked at me. She gave me a smile. “Love that outfit on you.”
I blushed, chewing on my cheek. “Thanks.”
Kaleb chuckled, his hand brushing against my leg once more. A wave of heat went over me as Hazel moved around. “Do you guys want anything to drink?”
“Not right now.”
A brownie was placed in front of us. “We only have one left, it looks like. Do you guys want anything else? We have some carrot cake.”
I frowned, staring at the brownie. It looked amazing, but I also saw the way Kaleb’s eyes lit up when I explained how good the brownie was on the drive here. “You can have it. I can order something else.”
“No, you were the one who wanted to have the brownie.” Kaleb slid the plate toward, a charming smile on his lips.
“We can share it,” I offered.
Hazel smirked, looking between us. “You guys really are dating,” She popped a bubble in her gum. “That’s cute. I was wondering if it was true or not.”
Kalek didn’t break his eyes from me. “Yep, we’re dating.” My eyes looked down at his mouth as he said the words. I squeezed my legs together, feeling that sensation forming below.
