“Talk soon,” she sing-songs before disappearing into the crowd.
Just like that, Eddie and I are alone. Normally, that would be fine. We’ve hung out plenty of times. Shared numerous drinks.
But this time is different.
I give Eddie a wide-eyed wary glance, jerking my thumb at the door. “Well, that was Billie.”
“She’s a wild one.” Eddie chuckles, leaning next to me at the bar. He could sit. There’s an open stool, vacated by my cousin, but he chooses to stand between the stool and me.
And his presence feels closer. Bigger. More intoxicating.
How the hell am I supposed to hold a normal conversation with the man?
Maybe focus on the fact that he’s likely hooking up with your cousin at some point.
Thanks for that one, brain.
I glance up at him, noting the intensity in his gaze. “I thought you were heading to your friend’s place to watch the game.”
“Canceled. You’re more important. You only turn forty once.”
I roll my eyes, heat creeping up my neck. “Oh, great. You came to laugh at how old and decrepit I am. Fabulous.”
He snorts—beer and all—choking a little as he turns away, coughing into his hand.
“Jesus,” he mutters, wiping his mouth. Then he looks back at me like I’ve lost my mind. “Have you seen you?”
“Many times.”
He gives a defeated shake of his head. “The whole bar was watching you dance.”
“I don’t know if that’s supposed to make me feel better or worse.”
A slow smile pulls at his mouth. “Trust me. It’s good.”
I shake my head, taking a sip of my drink. “The idea that there was a bar full of people staring at my ass does not make me feel better.”
Eddie clears his throat before motioning for another beer. “Kiki, promise you won’t hit me for what I’m about to say.”
“That is never a good lead-in.”
“It’s not bad.”
Not very reassuring, bud.
I pivot toward him, resting my head on my hand. “See, that’s what people say right before they say something bad.”
Eddie chuckles, thanking the bartender as he sets down the drink. “Just… promise me.”
I’m entirely uncertain I want to know what he’s going to say, but the man seems determined to tell me.
I relent, waving a hand in his direction. “Go ahead.”
He exhales, gripping the edge of the bar. “You have the best ass I’ve ever seen.”
I stare at him, dumbfounded. Did I hear him correctly or has the booze gone to my head? “What did you say?”
Eddie clears his throat, running a hand along his jaw as a hint of color climbs his neck. But then he meets my gaze, unblinking. “Best. Ass. I’ve. Ever. Seen.”
