look set a fire coursing through my veins, as I set the bottle on the bar to answer.
“I’m here tonight because for once I don’t want to think about anything. I don’t want to worry about the bullshit that goes along with emotions; I just want to have fun.”
“So, why didn’t you come with friends?” Corey asked; placing his elbows back on the bar. Matching his posture, I did the same.
“Because the kind of fun I’m looking for, isn’t the kind where I need a group of my friends around.” As our conversation became more intense, so did the look he gave me. Smoldering blue eyes held mine captive, as I forgot about the crowded tavern surrounding us.
“Is that so?”
“That’s so.” My head gave a single nod. “How much of that twenty do I still have left?”
“All of it,” Corey smiled. “I put your drinks on Johnny’s tab, after I kicked his ass out.” The first real laugh since leaving New York burst out and boy did that feel good. My mood was only improving as the night pressed on and I wanted to do what I could to keep around the reason for the smile on my face.
“Then why don’t I use that twenty to buy you and I a shot. You can take those at your own bar, right?”
Corey’s eyebrow raised up. “As long as it isn’t some girly-ass one.”
“Tequila. We’ll do the whole thing, lime and salt too.” Corey cringed at my words.
“Fine. Let me get those two chicks in the corner another round, then we’ll take it.” The desperate looking females Corey was referring to were caked with make-up, slutty clothing, and looked completely pathetic. God—I really hoped I didn’t look like that! Sure my clothes were a little sluttier than I usually wore, but I didn’t pack on every piece of make-up I owned the way they had. I purposely kept it natural, highlighting my blue eyes with earthy tones, some eyeliner and mascara. They both looked me up and down with disgust on their faces; obviously they had been hoping to receive the sole attentions of the sexy bartender.
Corey was just about to walk away when I reached out and grabbed hold of his wrist. He turned back, glancing at my hand on his arm before looking up to me with question in his eyes.
“Do I look like them tonight?”
Corey’s eyes took in my appearance again, before shooting a glance in their direction. “Not at all.” He gave me a wink and I released him, so he could do his job. The beefcake bartender continued helping behind the bar while the other, a short balding man, waited on the tables. All of them seemed to know what they were doing but I noticed that even with Corey taking time out to talk with me, he seemed to know everyone’s orders by heart. He knew how to work the crowded bar, making each person feel they were the only one he saw.
Everyone had a new drink just as they emptied their old ones, and I had to admit the more I watched Corey—the more attractive I found him. The way his toned, tattooed arms stretched and flexed made my mouth water. Not to mention those delicious lips and the way his blue eyes lit up when he smiled. No longer did I care about the other guys in the bar; tonight I would either end up with Corey, or go home ‘empty-handed.’ Not only was he down right sexy, but he also looked like a man that knew how to show someone a good time. A good no-stringsattached time.
Corey showed up with a small plate holding two lime slices, the salt shaker and two tequila shots.
“Just so you know, I haven’t had tequila since my 21stbirthday,” He said with a grimace, as we both readied our hands and limes.
“Well, I am honored you’re taking it with me.” Corey smiled wider than I had seen him smile all night.
“The last tequila shot I took was with your grandmother, so it seems only right.” My mouth dropped in surprise.
“My Grandma!”
“Yup—now let’s go, princess, before common sense kicks in and I change my mind.”
We both licked our hands, poured on the salt and each took a breath.
“Cheers.” I said with a smile. We clinked glasses. Licked up the salt. Shot down the tequila. Bit into the lime and cringed at the harsh, but delicious mixture.
Corey’s face was still screwed up with disgust, as he reached out taking a