“Pretty much,” I admitted. “I didn’t hate it, though. I learned a lot from her. She gave me a good life.”
“Your mother is good people. She’s always been nice to me. Probably because she doesn’t really know about my penchant for foul language. I’m certain she wouldn’t approve of our cussing and drinking ways.”
“My mother would probably send me to the altar over the amount of alcohol I’ve imbibed since I moved here.”
We laughed until tears of mirth fell. “Drinks are good for the soul. However, I’m sure that comment won’t age well when we wake up in the morning.”
“That part.” I held up my glass. “Well, to hangovers and blow jobs.”
“Now, that’s a muthafuckin’ toast!”
We took our shots, no chaser. “Woo.” I blew out a harsh breath. “That was good.”
“Hell yeah, it was. Now,” she turned to face me, “what is up with you and Juke?”
With narrowed eyes, I said, “Did you give me tequila to learn all of my secrets?”
“No, but you two looked super cozy when the clock struck midnight. Did you finally get your kiss?”
I snorted. “No.”
Frowning, Brooklyn ordered two more shots—one more than I should’ve had. “What? You look hot. He should have been kissing your ass all over this bar.”
“Except he didn’t. All I got for my trouble was a forehead kiss.”
Brooklyn choked on the water she’d drank. “What the hell was he thinking? This isn’tThe Best Man. Forehead kisses are not what’s up.”
“Right? Especially since I am dressed to get some. It’s like he can’t catch a hint. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong. I keep trying to switch to the fast lane of friends who fuck. And he’s firmly stuck in the slow lane of friends who… just friend.”
Brooklyn cracked up, dropping her head on the bar. “You’re hilarious.”
“It’s not funny.”
Yet, the joke always seemed to be on me. I wouldn’t consider myself the best flirt, but I thought I was throwing out good hints. Juke and I talked every single day, whether on the phone, via text, or in person. We had dinner at least once a week. Shit, I even joined the bowling league so I could show him I was good with balls. And tonight? My dress was a whole sexy vibe, my skin was glowing andshowing. Full cleavage on display.
“I mean, what do I have to do? Throw myself on his dick?”
Brooklyn’s smile fell. “Uh oh.”
“He’s behind me, isn’t he?”
She nodded.
Damn.
I let out a heavy, embarrassed sigh and turned to face him. “Hi,” I croaked. “So, you heard me.”
Juke’s gaze dropped to my mouth. “I did.”
Steeling myself, I went with bad ass bravado. “Good. I meant that shit.”
Then, I walked away.
Chapter Two
Long Island No Tea
JUKE
