“Yep, thank the Lord. I’ve been more than done listening to the yelling,” he says, his attention turned to the main part of the bar where twenty women are painting fall pumpkins. “Can you believe this shit is still going strong? Collin said she sells out every month, almost immediately, and has a waitlist.”
“Definitely crazy,” I comment, not quite understanding it myself. But the women who take the paint night classes always seem to have a good time. From themed drinks, including nonalcoholic options, and snack food, Lizzie does her part to ensure it.
“You here with Oaklee?” he asks innocently, but all I can think about is the conversation I just had with my other brother.
“Yeah.”
He nods and takes the beer Collin sets on the bar. “Is that like…a thing?”
I roll my eyes. “Does it matter?”
“No,” he replies immediately with a shrug. “I like her. I think she’s good for you.”
“Yeah, well, it isn’t like that,” I insist, the truth burning my gut.
He doesn’t say anything else, essentially ending the conversation, which makes me grateful. I’m done explaining to everyone that Oaklee and I are just a “thing.” A fling. Friends with bennies. Whatever you want to call it.
What you wouldn’t call us is boyfriend and girlfriend. Even if we spend a lot of time together in the evening, that’s all it is.
Sex.
And friendship.
Period.
“No?” he asks, watching me closely.
I turn my attention to the ladies—or more accurately, one specific lady—and find those beautiful dark eyes watching me. She offers a smile, and even though it’s small, it lights up her entire face. She’s a fucking angel on earth, and all I want to do is bathe in her goodness and light.
She whispers something to Lizzie, who’s sitting beside her, and gets up. My eyes remain locked on her as she heads toward the hallway where the restrooms are located. Without thought, I slide off my stool and start to move her way.
“The apartment’s locked,” Collin hollers, earning a middle finger as I pass by. I know what he’s insinuating, and even though I’d love to take her up there and have my wicked way with her, now isn’t the time. I’d never want to interrupt her paint night like that, not when she seems to be having a good time.
But that doesn’t mean I can’t steal a kiss or two…
I reach the door to the women’s restroom and stand outside. I’m about to push inside when the door opens and a woman a few years younger than me steps out. “Uhh, hi.”
“Hey. Is anyone else in there?” I ask casually.
She gives me a weird look and replies, “One woman in a stall.”
“Okay, perfect. Thanks,” I reply, leaning against the door as she slowly walks away, giving a quick glance back in concern as she goes.
When she exits the hall, I push the door open and step inside the restroom. I glance under the stalls and only see one pair of legs, recognizing the pants and boots. Then, I reach behind me and lock the door. The toilet flushes and the stall opens; revealing a surprised Oaklee when she spots me standing here.
“This is the ladies’ bathroom, isn’t it?” she asks, a smile on her lips as she walks to the sink and washes her hands.
"It is,” I confirm, stepping closer.
When she dries her hands on a paper towel, she gives me her attention, shaking her head. “You’re not supposed to be in here.”
I shrug, wrapping my arms around her waist and drawing her into my chest. “Needed a quick kiss.”
“And you had to go into the ladies’ room to do that?”
I casually lift a shoulder before pressing my lips to hers. “I have to take what I can get,” I insist.
“Because I hold out on you?”
