“Oh, no, um, it’s not like that.” I was going to melt if my cheeks got any hotter.
“Shot the poor guy down, did you? Was it because of the nose?”
“Nose?” I glanced toward Jack, but his back was to us while he took someone else’s order. “I like his nose.”
“Do you?” Caleb sipped his drink.
Luckily, the band spoke into the microphone, pulling our attention that way, where they introduced themselves before they jumped right into the music.
Jack had been right. They had a different feel, high energy with sort of an electric sound, but it was still a lot of fun. I didn’t like it as much as the last two bands, but I enjoyed listening anyway.
Caleb didn’t try to talk while they played, but each time I glanced at him, he was watching me. When the band took a break after their first set, he leaned in closer. “So, you have a boyfriend, but you’re also looking for hookups? And flirting with bartenders?”
“Flirting?” I glanced at Jack, who wasn’t quite far enough away not to have heard. “I wasn’t flirting.”
Caleb smiled. “I was teasing. Can you explain your situation a little better? I want to make sure I wouldn’t be stepping on any toes if I take you home tonight.”
He wanted to take me home? My heart pounded while I stared back at him. “S-sure. I’ve been with my boyfriend for a while. His parents keep bringing up marriage, and we both keep hesitating. When we talked about why, we decided we wanted to try seeing other people for a while.”
His forehead wrinkled. “Like testing to make sure what you have is the best fit?” he asked.
I was already starting to nod when he leaned even closer, his breath brushing over my ear. “Or testing out things you’d like to try during sex that he’s not into?”
The hair raised on my arms, and I shivered. He moved back, searching my eyes.
“Oh, um, I—” Reaching for my glass, I downed the rest of my drink.
Caleb chuckled. “You’re so cute. I take it, it’s the second one. No need to be embarrassed. I won’t push you for details yet, but know I’m very interested in anything you want to try.” His hand reached for mine on the bartop. The way he played with my fingers made me shiver again.
“How are we doing?” Jack asked. I blinked, feeling like I was in a haze.
“I think we’re ready for the check?” Caleb asked it as a question, his eyes on me.
Did that mean he wanted to leave with me? Now? I wasn’t ready!
“Could I have one more?” I asked.
Jack nodded. “Of course.” He glanced at Caleb.
Caleb shook his head. “No more for me.”
Jack started making my drink.
Caleb’s hand was still on mine. He linked our fingers, moving closer. “One more won’t be too much for you?”
“Too much?” I asked. It was his touch that I was enjoying a little too much.
He laughed again. “Alcohol. You’re not too tipsy?”
“No, I’m okay.”
He nodded, slipping off his barstool. “I’m going to use the bathroom.”
My eyes followed him as he made his way to the back of the bar.
“You okay?” Jack asked, setting my drink in front of me.
I blew out my breath. “No. I like him. Why is the idea of leaving with him so hard?”
