This whole thing doesn’t make a lot of sense. I can only pray that from here on out he doesn’t ask too many questions. I’m pretty sure I have just as many as he does.
“Well, that’s great,”Brett offers, his voice betraying him as it says the exact opposite. “I’ll uh, let you get back to your night, then.”
I’m flooded with relief as we all wave and say our goodbyes.
“So, boyfriend,” I manage, my voice and dignity somehow making a comeback as I turn to face the stranger. “I’m not sure whether to thank or slap you for touching me without my permission.”
My gaze drops to his arm that’s still wrapped around my middle. While he’s kept it pretty PG, his hand is hovering a little too close to my ass for my liking.
“Damn. I didn’t know my girlfriend had such violent tendencies, but if slapping is your kink, who am I to say no?” He smiles, an annoyingly adorable set of dimples popping onto his cheeks as his arms fall from around me. “But I suppose a thank you will suffice, or your phone number. Either works for me.”
My mouth falls open before I somewhat recover with a disbelieving, amused smile.
This guy has some balls. I’ll give him that. Too bad he’s wasting his time.
“Yeah, no—sorry. I’m not sure what all you overheard,” I say, placing a finger on his chest, becoming even more aware of the strong muscles underneath. “But before you decided to insert yourself into my life, and just like I told him, I’m not interested. Dating and boys are the last thing on my mind. I don’t have the time, nor do I plan to make any.”
“But I’m your boyfriend. We’re already together. Pretty sure that makes you legally required to spend time with me. It’s the law,” he smirks proudly as he leans against the bar.
Despite being taller than my friends at five foot eight, he somehow still manages to tower over me by a few inches as I gaze up at him. While I’d normally find his charm attractive—and okay, maybe I still do—I refuse to be swayed. I’m too smart to fall for an abnormally attractive man just because he knows how to spout a couple of slick lines. I can’t be that pathetic. I need to keep some of my morals intact.
“Okay then boyfriend, what’s my name?” If he’s going to try and play this whole “fake boyfriend” card, he should at least know a few things about me.
“Babe,” he says casually, leaning in even closer, “or good girl, but that’s usually reserved just for us in the bedroom,” he teases, those same disgustingly adorable dimples appearing yet again.
I somehow manage to keep a straight face as I fight the blush creeping up my neck. “Nice try, but no. I despise those cutesy kinds of nicknames, and myrealboyfriend would know that,” I say with a smug smile.
It’s obvious he’s not done, so needing an escape from those piercing dark eyes of his, I turn and flag down the bartender. So much for not going overboard tonight before my new job tomorrow. Between Brett and this relentless stranger, I need another shot—and I need it now.
“Fine. Then what do you want me to call you?” he asks.
“See, that’s the thing. I don’t want you to call me anything,” I say, my gaze locked on the bartender, who’s currently busy mixing drinks for others as Candice not so helpfully cuts in, betraying me for a second time.
Geez, Judas much?
“Hollis. Her name is Hollis.”
“Candy!” I shoot her the dirtiest look I can muster.
“What? He’s hot, and come on. You need to have a little fun while you’re here, and he...” She waves a hand up and down his body. “Looks like fun.”
“Oh, I’m definitely fun,” he adds with a wink.
“Well, I’m decidedly not fun, so I’m not so sure this is the best use of your night.” I twirl to face him, since the bartender still hasn’t picked up on my desperation. “I’m sure there are plenty of other women in this bar who would be interested in your kind of fun, so I suggest you stop wasting both our time and chase after them instead.”
“And what if I only want to chase after you?” He lifts a brow. “I mean, why wouldn’t I aim high and go for the hottest woman in this fine establishment?”
I do my best not to roll my eyes at his obvious line.
“Then I’d say good luck, because sorry, well, actually no...” I start, tired of playing nice in order to protect a pushy man’s feelings—again. “I’m not sorry, and it’s just not happening. There was a reason you had to jump in and save me tonight. And I can assure you, I’m not the type who gets a sick thrill out of playing hard to get, and you know what?” I add, my confidence growing as I stand even taller. “If I were going to say yes to anyone, it wouldn’t be to a pretty little fuckboy like yourself in search of a one-night stand.”
“Aw, so you think I’m pretty?” He places a hand over his heart, looking and sounding both flattered and amused. “And who said I was only after a one-night stand?”
A teeny tiny part of me wants to give in. It’d be so easy to let go and surrender, especially as he continues to peer down at me as though I truly am the hottest woman in this bar. But thankfully, I know better.
“Nobody. But they didn’t have to. I know guys like you. It’s obvious when a man thinks he’s God’s gift to the world and assumes any woman would feel blessed just to be given his attention, but you chose the wrong one tonight, buddy. So it’s probably time you stop embarrassing yourself and move on,” I say, flicking my hand as I attempt to shoo him away.
Will I regret this tomorrow? Maybe. But over his shoulder, I see Brett exiting the bar, which officially means this bit is over. Mason here, is free to go and truly flirt it up with anyone he wants—and preferably not me.
