“No.” He caught up to her, blocking her path. “You didn’t finish your drink.”
“I’m going to my room.” She stepped sideways but he mirrored her movement, cutting her off.
“Still early yet,” he said. “Besides, I’ve got to beat you at something.”
She’d spent enough time with him today—more than enough—but her competitive nature wouldn’t allow her to walk away. “Like what?”
“I don’t know . . .” He dragged a hand over his beard, considering. “Do you shoot pool?”
She lifted her shoulder. “I’ve played a few times.”
“Perfect.” He leaned in a fraction, his voice dipping lower. “Let’s see if you’re any good.”
She took out her phone and searched for billiards nearby, noting the reviews and reading the comments. She passed on the pool halls with red felt on their tables, as AJ had claimed they were an abomination. “I’ll call an Uber.”
The cold DC air whipped through her leather jacket as they waited outside for their rideshare. He offered to lend her his coat, but she decided to endure the chill instead since the wait time was less than a minute.
A Prius pulled up to the curb and rolled down its window. “Diana Prince?” the driver asked, and she nodded.
“Diana Prince?” Clayton asked.
“The secret identity of Wonder Woman.”
Ten minutes later the car arrived at Atomic Billiards. The narrow brick building looked kind of sketchy but its ratings were solid. Regardless, she liked dive bars, having grown up in them. Even though she was underage, AJ had brought her along.
Clayton opened the door and stepped aside. “After you.”
Jamie hesitated. Stepping into this place felt like a bad idea—like walking straight into a trap. But refusing would make her look weak and she’d be damned if she’d give him that satisfaction. Chin high, she crossed the threshold.
Just off the landing a flight of stairs led into the basement. The geometric wallpaper and modern chandeliers gave it a funky vibe, but something about the enclosed space sent a prickle down her spine. Footsteps echoed as Clayton followed, too close behind her, and she stopped on the last stair.
“Relax, darlin’,” he drawled. “I don’t bite.”
Jamie shot him a glare over her shoulder. “I don’t believe that for a second.”
The pool hall wasn’t too busy—only three tables were in use. Despite its seedy exterior the inside was clean and bright, with colorful Christmas lights strung along the bar, reminiscent of the Bluebird.
“Vodka soda?” Clayton asked, already heading to the bar.
“Ketel One, if they have it, please.”
“Coming right up.”
As he got their drinks she racked the balls with practiced ease. She’d downplayed her skills, claiming she’d only played a few times, but AJ had taught her the game back in childhood. Though she’d considered hustling Clayton by letting him win the first round, she decided to run the table and end the match fast instead.
“Here,” Clayton said, handing her a tumbler with a short straw. “Ketel One and soda.”
“Thanks.” She took a sip and nodded. “Do you want to break?”
“Ladies first.”
“So you’re going first?”
He laughed and took a sip from his bottle. “I wouldn’t want to embarrass you.”
She chalked her cue and drew it back, then struck the cue ball and watched as the stripes and solids scattered across the table. Two striped balls dropped into the pockets. “I’m highs.”
“That’s okay,” Clayton said. “I like solids.”
