When I get to the bar that’s connected to the restaurant, I sit alone and watch Riley take a seat on the opposite side while bartenders bounce between customers in front of us.
I order a whiskey neat, something quick and to the point, so I can forget just how delicious Riley looks.
Propping my elbows on the marbled counter, I glance back at her. Bottles of liquor are propped on a floating shelfon the wall above an opening. I can see everyone sitting on the other side.
Riley’s painted red lips can grab any man's attention as she purses them in concentration, scanning the drinks menu. I don’t look away when she focuses her gaze on me.
I raise my glass toward her, giving her my signature wink that I know she adoressomuch. She flicks her attention back to the menu and fiddles with the diamond stud in her ear. If there’s one thing I love to do, it’s getting under her skin.
She knows I’m flirting with her; I’m not hiding it. Sure, I told her I loved her at eighteen, and I wanted to be with her, only for her to push away from me. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to pretend my feelings vanished.
They never did.
And she knows I know that she can’t hide her feelings for me forever. But I’ve let her step back from me. I’m letting her handle whatever it is that’s inside of her until she feels confident with whatever decision she makes.
I’m not throwing in the towel. I’d sail a million storms just to get to her.
“Drinking without me already?” Beau claps a hand on my shoulder and sits down next to me. He gestures to the bartender. “I’ll have what he’s having.” The bartender places Beau’s drink on a white square napkin. “Thank you, sir.” He picks up the crystal glass before turning to me and raising it.
Lifting mine up, I go to clink his glass, but he pulls it back. “I’m not doing it, Beau. We did it once, and that was enough.”
“August,” Beau drags out my name with a firm tone.
“Fine,” I say with an eye roll.
He straightens his posture and narrows his eyes slightly,wanting to come off serious. It’s hard to do so when he’s wearing a Hawaiian shirt and khaki pants.
We’re not in Hawaii.
I’m forced to stare into his dark gray eyes while he stares into mine. If he comes any closer, he might just kiss me on the lips.
“To goodwill and good sex.” He cheers then taps his glass on the counter before taking a drink. “Ahh. See? That wasn’t so bad.”
Wait for it…
“You know, you have the most beautiful eyes.”
“Okay.” I slap my palm on the counter and stand. “We’re done here.”
Beau follows me. “What? A man can’t express how incredible your eyes are?”
I stop and turn to him with a hand on my chest. “I’m afraid if I accept your compliment, you’ll take me to your room and have your way with me.”
Beau places his hand on my shoulder. “Sorry, bud, but you’re not my type.”
“I’m sorry?” I scoff. “I’m not your type?”
He shrugs. “Unless you’re covered in tattoos and have a sexy attitude, you’ll never be.”
“Hey, guys,” Ellie says.
“Damn, she looks good,” Beau whispers, his focus only on Hailey.
Hailey’s wearing a black bodycon dress, matching her long black nails, and her dark hair is swept up in a messy, yet styled, bun. A bit of icy white hair frames her face. She reminds me of modern Morticia Addams: gothic and a little intimidating.
Beau always had heart eyes for her. It’s not subtle whenhe flirts with her, but I don’t ever see Hailey reciprocate it. She’s either oblivious or uninterested.
“I’m freaking starving,” Ellie whines.
