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The Forka rested his hand on her knee and squeezed. “What do you say, fancy being my partner in crime for one night?”
Sinead sighed softly and gently removed his hand. “You’re gorgeous, and any other night, I’d jump at the chance, but not tonight. It’s best if I’m on my own.”
He blinked in surprise. “You don’t want company? I promise you’ll have the time of your life. We can try every cocktail on the menu if you’d like. All on me.”
“And what would you like in return for that generous, alcohol-fueled offer?”
“Your company for the night.” His gaze went to her mouth. “I bet you have a trick or two you can teach me.”
She forced a smile and patted the back of his hand. “Honey, I know all kinds of tricks. Right now, I don’t think I’m on the market.”
“How can you not be sure? Either you’re single, or you’re not.”
She shrugged. She might as well be honest. “Technically, I’m not single, but I should be.”
“That doesn’t make sense.” The Forka’s smile faded. “Are you with someone? Am I going to find some huge guy standing behind me wanting to bash my head in because I offered you a good time?”
“Oh, no. You won’t find anyone defending my honor. I have to do that on my own.”
“Well then, let’s not waste any more time. I promise you, a few of those cocktails, and you’ll soon figure out that you’re single and looking for a good time.”
Sinead shook her head as she pushed away her half-finished cocktail. “That redhead over there has been giving you the eye. I bet you’ll have a great time with her. I’m not in the mood tonight, and I’d hate to waste your time.”
The Forka looked over his shoulder at the redhead. “She’s cute, but she’s not you. Are you sure I can’t tempt you?”
Sinead shook her head. “Thanks, but you won’t have much fun with me.”
He leaned over, kissed her cheek, and scooped up his cash. “Enjoy your evening alone, beautiful.” He walked off toward the redhead.
Irritation drifted through Sinead. She was alone, but legally, she was tied to someone who’d left her. What was she doing turning down the opportunity for a great evening with a Forka?
She pouted and stared at her reflection in the mirror behind the bar. She’d felt nothing when he’d flirted. She’d been offered a fun night and had ruined it by being dull and frigid and obsessed with thoughts of Talyn.
Her gaze went around the bar, taking in the couples who laughed together, the people on their own relaxing after work, and even a few hopeful singles dressed up and looking for an entertaining evening. Her shoulders slumped. This didn’t feel like fun. Her heart hurt in a way she’d never felt before. It felt bruised and sorry for itself.
“Are you looking for company, gorgeous?”
Sinead sat up straight and smiled at Holly. “Anytime if you’re asking. Pull up a stool.”
Holly grinned as she sat next to her. “I’ve got the evening off. It feels weird not working in the dining hall at night, but it’s good to have some time out. What are you drinking?”
Sinead wrinkled her nose at the cocktail. “Try it. I don’t think I like it anymore.”
Holly took a sip and grimaced. “That’s got some fire to it. I’ve never been able to handle my alcohol. If I drank that, I’d be on the floor.”
“What do you drink?”
Holly glanced around. “Soda water with ice and a slice of lemon. If anyone asks, I say it’s vodka and tonic. People think it’s weird when you come into a bar and don’t drink, but I’ve never much liked the taste of alcohol.”
“Order us two soda waters,” Sinead said. “I’m not in the mood for drinking either.”
Holly ordered the drinks and looked around the bar. “There are so many gorgeous aliens in tonight.”
Sinead glanced at her. “Are you on the lookout for someone special?”
Holly tilted her head from side to side. “Who isn’t? I don’t know. The guys I find myself with date me because I’m an amazing cook. All they want is a mother who’ll cook great meals and look after them. I’m not complaining. I love a good meal too, but I’m more than what I can rustle up in the kitchen.”
“It sounds like you’re picking the wrong kind of guy.”
