The call ends, and I drop my phone onto my bag. I lean against the wall with my head to the sky and my eyes closed tight.
Everything I’ve worked for is at my fingertips once again, and this time, with the help of a friend I know I’ll let down if I don’t pull through.
But the timing of it couldn’t be any fucking worse.
ALANA
We arrive at Donn’s around 10 p.m., thanks to Derek being a night owl and his reckless use of time. He literally spent forty minutes in the shower, followed by almost an hour of getting dressed and doing his hair, blow dryer and all. His prized getup? A pair ofsomewhat-fitted jeans, a tight V-neck shirt under a denim jacket, some work boots, and a pinky ring he swears makes him lookdistinguished.
“It’s like the Monopoly Man’s monocle. It gives character,” he says, spinning the gold ring around his finger.
I roll my eyes. “The Monopoly Man doesn’t have a monocle,” I sigh.
“What?” Derek’s face twists. “The little guy holding the money bag and the top hat? Yes, he does.”
“No, he doesn’t. It’s a well-known Mandela effect. He’s never had a monocle. The brain just added it in there because it fit well.”
“Awhat?”
I straighten in my seat with another heave of my shoulders. “Forget it.”
A smiley waitress with a high blonde ponytail arrives with our drinks and an order of mozzarella sticks at our high-top table. Derek shoots her a flashy grin, his emerald eyes twinkling with interest. The girl blushes, biting her lip as she smiles back, turning away sheepishly. Derek eyes her ass on her walk away from us.
“You’re a pig,” I say with disgust, folding my arms across my chest.
“I’m a man. All men do it.” He dips a mozzarella stick into the marinara before gobbling it whole.
“That’s just an excuseboysmake so they can remain pigs.”
“Well, in that case,oink,oink.” His grin is devious, and the sight of it makes my stomach churn. “Oh, what’s with the sour puss, princess? You jealous I’m checking girls out while I’m with you? She’s just cute, alright, don’t take it personal.”
“What! That’s disgusting. I would never—” I take a cleansing breath. “You know what, I don’t need to explain myself.” I hop off my stool. “I’m going to the ladies’ room.”
“Yeah,” he says through a mouth full of fried cheese and red sauce. “Call your friends while you're there. Tell them to hurry up. I’m not sitting here all night.”
I roll my eyes again as I turn away. “As if you have anything better to do,” I mutter under my breath.
On my walk to the bathroom, I scan the bar for Jake for the very first time. I didn’t want to look earlier in the off-chance Derek followed my line of sight. It’s not like he’s on to me or anything, but I just don’t want Jake involved more than he already is. I don’t want Derek to see him, learn who he is, or know anything about him. Considering I can't help the way my cheeks flush with heat every time I look at the man, I figured it was better if I didn’t look at all.
My stomach sinks slightly when I don’t find him in his usual locations—behind the bar and stocking shelves from the storage closet near the back entrance. My heart flutters and heat fills my veins as that night in the storage closet comes rushing back to me. Jake’s strong, wide hand sprawled against my back, clutching onto my waist as he grinded his hardness against me in the most satisfying way. His soft lips against my neck, his breath kissing my lips before he reached up and—
Warmth circles my wrist, and I’m pulled backward, spun until my palms land on a hard, warm chest.
Jake.
“Hey, beautiful,” he says in a low whisper, but it comes out sexy and seductive, and it sends me spinning. My heartbeat becomes a loud thud, the pulse of it landing between my legs. I don’t say anything for a minute. I just stare at him in wonderment.
“What’d you miss me or something?” he teases, his lips curving into the most endearing grin.
“Yes,” I blurt unexpectedly. “I mean…” I shake my head, trying to clear my brain. Jake’s smile deepens, kissing his eyes. “What are you doing? I thought you said you were working tonight. I haven’t seen you once.”
“I am. Backbar. I switched with Sheryl so I wouldn’t be up front distracting you.”
“You don’tdistractme.”Lie.
“Oh, please. You’ve always been very affected by just the sight of me,” he says with a smug grin.
“I havenot.”
