He extends a hand, and I shake it, offering him my brightest smile.
The cowboy hat to the right moves closer to us, and Duke plants himself on the stool next to Scott. I grab the tequila bottle and start shaking up a margarita, ignoring Duke until after I’ve poured the drink, garnished it, and set it on the bar for the waitress to pick up.
Finally, I turn to look up at him. I hate that I notice him being six inches taller than Scott, even sitting down.
He’s wearing that damn smirk again too.
“Hey, darlin’, can I get a beer?”
My spine tingles with awareness.
The bridesmaids are trailing behind him like a mother duck with her hens. I grab a clean mug and start filling it with whatever beer on tap is closest to me. His eyes are sparkling with mischief as I slide it over the countertop.
“Thank ya.” And he fuckingwinks.
I stare back at him, trying to decide if he wants to destroy my chance at getting asked out on a date, which is definitely close to happening.
Scott clears his throat, glancing from Duke to me. I jolt out of the staring contest, smiling at Scott.
“Another one?”
He nods. “Sure. You live around here?”
“I live in La Pradera.”
Duke opens his mouth to speak.
Don’t you fucking dare.
“She lives with me.”
I gape at him, cheeks flushing. “No, I?—”
“Well, notwith me, exactly. We’re neighbors.”
Scott looks at him, nodding awkwardly. “I see.”
Duke extends a hand. “Duke Redford.”
Scott shakes it. “Scott Perin. So, you two know each other?”
Duke grins. “Yes, sir, I know Dallasverywell.”
Thankfully, one of the bridesmaids steps up on the other side of Duke to order a drink, interrupting the fantasy I was having of launching the tequila bottle at his head.
“Can we get four lemon drop shots?” she asks, bumping into Duke.
“Sure.” I grab four clean shot glasses.
“Are you two …” Scott’s voice trails off.
“Are we what?” Duke says.
I roll my eyes.
“Are you an item?”
“Oh, ha. No, we’re just friends. Really good friends.”
