Two patrons left the bar and Carly and Maverick slid onto the stools.
“Be right with ya,” called the bartender.
A man sidled up to Carly. “Hiya, beautiful.”
Maverick gritted his teeth. Here we go. He was not okay with this situation. No way would he hang around while some dude got it on with her. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.
“Hey, guys,” said the bartender. “Sorry for the delay. What can I get you?”
“Top-shelf whiskey,” said Maverick. “Make it a double.”
“Ma’am?”
“A Manhattan?” Maverick asked Carly.
“Please.”
Maverick addressed the bartender. “A Manhattan, but make it a little on the sweet side and two cherries.” He knew how she liked her drink because he knew a lot of things about her. The chump beside her knew nothing and Maverick would keep it that way. Dropping a protective hand around Carly’s shoulder, he stared the guy down. “How you doing?”
“Hey, man. Good. You?”
“I’m doing all right.”
“I was hoping to spend a little time with this lovely lady.”
Maverick flicked his gaze to Carly. “Natasha is lovely. She’s breathtaking, really, but I’m biased.”
Her smile was subtle, just a brief upturn at the corners of her mouth. No way would this dude put his grubby paws on her.
The bartender set down their drinks. “Wanna start a tab?”
Maverick handed him cash. “No, this’ll do us. Extra’s yours.”
“So, Natasha,” the guy said. “Interested in sharing a table with me?”
Not happening. “Can you give us a minute?”
“No problem.” The guy’s gaze lingered on Carly before he wandered away.
“I don’t like the idea of you jetting off with the first guy who wanders over,” Maverick said.
“Playing things chill works for me.” Her gaze hovered on his while the air between them hummed, the undeniable attraction swirling around them.
He wanted to kiss her. No, strike that shit. He needed to kiss her. His aching balls would hurt no more if they both surrendered to their pent-up passion. Maverick raised his glass. “Here’s to whatever the night brings us.” They toasted and he tossed back a mouthful.
“Good?” she asked.
“It hits the spot. You like whiskey. Try it.”
She sipped the amber liquid. “Mmm.” She licked her lips and his cock stirred. “Try mine.”
Maverick sipped the cocktail. “Exactly how you like it.”
Carly pressed the glass to her mouth and drank. Her sultry murmur was a direct hit to his libido. He was about to tell her he didn’t want her playing with anyone else when the woman from earlier appeared.
“Hi, again. I’m Jane. This is my husband, Harry. We’ve never seen you guys before. Are you new?”
“First time,” Carly said.
