I now understand how Cooper felt last night when I got a full look at him in the hallway.
Sure, I might not have been naked in front of him earlier, but I felt completely bare.
The way his eyes lingered on me when I walked out of my bedroom in my new design has been burned into my skin all night long.
Even now, dancing with this incredibly hot guy who has made me laugh with his silly pickup line, I can feel it still.
It feels like he etched his name into my flesh and marked me for life.
Calvin, my dance partner, points toward the bar.
I nod, needing another drink to help keep my mind clear of Cooper and his stare.
He clasps my hand in his and pulls me through the crowd.
I try hard not to think about how his hand feels compared to Cooper’s. They’re not the same, that’s for sure.
Ugh. Stop thinking about him.
We squeeze into a spot at the bar, and he motions for the bartender.
A beautiful blonde with boobs that’d make any girl jealous saunters up to us.
“What can I get for you two?”
“Whatever bottle you have on special,” he tells her before looking at me expectantly.
It takes me a second to realize why he’s staring at me.
He wants my drink order.
It’s weird. I can’t remember the last time I had to tell someone what I want. Cooper always knows exactly what to order me.
“My treat,” he pushes.
I don’t tell him I already have a tab here. Who doesn’t like free drinks?
“A spiced rum and root beer, please,” I say to the bartender.
She tilts her head, studying me with pursed lips.
“What?” I ask.
“Nothing.” She shakes her head. “I’ll be right back with your drinks.”
I don’t have a second to think about it as Calvin dances his fingers along my arm, drawing my attention.
“So,” he says, grinning down at me, “what’s your thing?”
I scrunch my brows together. “My thing?”
“Yeah, like what do you do?”
“For an occupation?”
“Sure. Or a hobby.”
I don’t share my hobby with anyone. In fact, the only people who know I design are Cooper, River, and our other business partner, Maya.
That’s it.
Not even my dad knows I make my own clothes. He still complains every time I talk to him, saying I’m squandering my college degree by working in a “second-rate store,” as he calls it.
“I work at a popular boutique over on Second Street. Maybe you’ve heard of it. Making Waves?”
He nods. “Oh yeah. My ex-girlfriend loved that place. I’ve dropped a lot of money in there. You’re welcome.”
He laughs, and I smile politely, not really liking his joke, like he’s solely responsible for my salary or something.
But maybe I’m just being sensitive and perhaps a tad picky.
“I’m a real estate agent,” he provides. “Business around here is booming with the legalization of marijuana. All those potheads moving here in droves, and I’m the one reaping the benefits.”
Making so much money he’s ordering the cheapest beer on the menu?
He’s either cheap or full of shit.
You’re not here to fall in love, Caroline, just to get laid. He’s hot—stop nitpicking.
“What a lucky business to be in, then,” I tell him.
“Here are those drinks.” The bartender slides our order across the bar.
“Thanks,” Calvin says, handing over his credit card, chugging half his beer in one go.
I take a healthy drink of my cocktail, thirsty from being on the dance floor.
“Good?” he asks, like he’s the one who made it. “Another? The drinks are good here but tiny. Plus, I’m sure you’re warm in that outfit of yours.” He pulls his lips between his teeth, raking his eyes over my body. “Though damn is it hot on you.”
I blush. I am a little warm in my sweater dress. I didn’t think there’d be so many people here tonight when I planned the outfit, but then I don’t ever go out. How was I supposed to know?
“Sure, I’ll take another,” I tell him. “Thank you.”
“No problem.”
He calls the bartender over again, ordering another round of our drinks.
“That’s an odd drink order,” he says when she walks away. “Haven’t heard that one before.”
“Really? You’ve never had spiced rum and root beer together? It’s so good, even better when you add a splash of Irish cream to it.”
He wrinkles his nose. “Not a big hard liquor fan. Would much rather have a good, local IPA.”
“I’m not a big beer fan.”
“You’re missing out. There are so many good local breweries you could be visiting.” He downs the rest of his first beer