“No.Caution.Actually, I’ll have Miranda stay.”
She was more dangerous than Uncle Jay, but also had a better nose.
“‘Kay.Let me know if you need me,” he said.
I nodded and continued serving until the crowd died down enough for me to return to the tables.Once the numbers thinned, I clocked out and let Erika handle the rest so I could hang out with Miranda.
“You smell anxious,” she said.“Why?”
I glanced at the bar and saw Mr.Angel was gone.
“The hot guy from last night was here again.He didn’t even flinch when I told him I’m transitioning.He said it was the person, not the gender, that attracted him.I haven’t been hit on by a bisexual yet.It threw me off.”
She grinned at me.“Is he breaking through your ‘hell no’ wall?”
“No, he’s pushing my ‘do I have my shifter friend walk me to my car tonight?’button.”
She immediately lost her humor.“Absolutely.I’m sorry for laughing.”
I shook my head.“No, I get it.It’s not like me to get spooked by a guy.Something about him is just…a lot.”
She nodded and looked at the spot where he’d been sitting.I could see her thoughts spinning.
“By the way, Uncle Jay said you’re welcome for a free drink any time,” I said to distract her.“It always seems to pick up after I post pretty people drinking.Thank your friends for me too.”I looked around, but they were already gone.“Who were they?”
“Other pack members.They liked it here.Smells decent.Your uncle keeps it clean.So they’ll probably be back on their own.”
“I never thought of bar smells being a deterrent,” I said.“You never seemed bothered.”
“The company always outweighed the smells.Plus, we have similar tastes and pick decent places.”
“Very true.”
She set her drink aside.“Let’s talk about what I should tell your admirer to start earning a handbag.I was thinking about rules for engagement.Not coming on too strong is a given.”She waved her hand at where Mr.Angel had been sitting.“It’s also not personal enough.”
I considered my turn-ons and turn-offs.
“Guys who give things with the expectation of reciprocation are a big turn-off.I’m not saying I’m into freebies or anything, but giving should be just giving.If there are strings, the strings should be put out there upfront.”
“Meh, I think that’s a pretty universal turn-off.I’ll pass it on, but it’s not handbag-worthy.At least, not the one we want.”
“I like honesty, which is ironic coming from a girl who shuts guys down with a lie, and I appreciate a guy who doesn’t flaunt his emotions.”
“Oh, this is getting interesting.Go on.Give me examples.”
“Like, it’s okay to get angry about something, but it’s not okay to take it out on other people, either physically or mentally.I think the silent treatment is the biggest red flag there is.It’s okay to need a minute of peace to calm down, but it’s not okay to use silence as a weapon.”I smirked a little.“Although that weapon doesn’t work well with me.Their silence is usually a blessing and a sign to send them on their way.But I also don’t like a guy who explodes.Explosions usually have casualties, you know?”
“What about positive emotions?Like affection?”
I made a face.
“So no PDA?”
“That’s not what that face was for.I was imagining affection outside of the bedroom.I think it would freak me out and send me running.”
“Okay.Affection is fine, but not until you’re ready for it.”
“I’ll never be ready.”
