bar. Avery sat back down, and that’s when Carl moved in, taking a seat across from her without asking for permission.
If looks could kill, Carl had no doubt he’d be toast right then and there. Avery didn’t say a word as she lifted her fruity drink and took a sip from the straw, her eyes like daggers, her body language anything but welcoming.
He leaned back and grinned, glad he’d decided to speak to this woman. He had a feeling it was going to be one hell of a conversation. He’d been ticked at her for weeks — but also, strangely drawn in. The plot had thickened tonight, and he wanted answers. Maybe he was making it a new mission. He wasn’t exactly sure what the heck he was doing, but he was excited, whatever it was.
When he didn’t say anything, he saw surprise in her eyes. He could tell other men had tried to pick her up in bars before, and he was pretty sure all she had to do was give them the death glare and they went scampering away. She obviously hadn’t met a real man yet.
Before their silence was broken, her mother was back, a huge grin on her face as she looked from her daughter to Carl. Carl broke eye contact to look at Avery’s mom.
“What can I get you to drink, sugar?” she asked. He finally was able to read the letters on her name badge — Bobbi.
“Hi, Bobbi, my name’s Carl. How are you?” he asked with his most charming smile. Women had told him all he had to do was smile and it made them want to drop their panties.
He loved women — all women. They were beautiful, fun, soft and sleek, and great to speak to . . . and very easily interchangeable. Why wouldn’t he love women of all ages, races, and bodies? Life would be boring if he stuck to one type. Having a new woman as often as most people cleaned their floors was like taking a new adventure multiple times a year.
Before she replied to his question, he answered her original inquiry, noting the glare coming from across the table, “I’ll take a double rum and coke on ice, please. I’ll trust your decision on the rum,” he added while giving the woman a flirtatious wink.
“Are you going to be eating?” she asked. Carl heard the exasperated sigh from Avery across the table. He could practically feel the heat coming off of her as anger built. She was feeling betrayed by her mother for not kicking this strange man from her booth, and ticked that this man was at her table. But not only was Bobbi not escorting Carl away, she was befriending him. Carl instantly liked Bobbi, and Bobbi obviously liked Carl — a big advantage in his mission to break this woman into talking to him.
“I’m starving, and there’s nothing better than some good bar food,” Carl said.
This time Avery huffed outloud, drawing the attention of both Carl and Bobbi.
“Are you hungry too, dear?” her mother sweetly asked.
“He’s not with me,” Avery said through gritted teeth. “I’ve never met him before. I don’t know why he’s sitting at my table, and I really don’t know why you’re catering to him!” Her voice rose in the middle but then tapered back down. Carl learned another weakness of Avery’s. She obviously didn’t like creating scenes. He, on the other hand, didn’t mind doing that one little bit.
“Well, that wasn’t very neighborly.” Bobbi scolded her daughter, and Carl had to fight not to laugh. He could see himself coming to this bar again. He was enjoying Bobbi’s wit and company.
“I’m not trying to be friendly, Mother. I’m trying to decompress after a long day of work,” Avery said, her cheeks having a physical reaction as they pinkened.
“Well, sometimes we do both at the same time,” Bobbi told her daughter. She then turned back to Carl. “What’s your full name, sugar?”
“Carl Schwartz,” he said, standing to show her respect as he shook her hand. “It’s very nice to meet you.”
“I’m Bobbi Klum, and the pleasure’s all mine,” she said with the slightest giggle that made his grin grow.
“Are you flirting, Mother?” Avery gasped. “He’s half your age.”
Bobbi didn’t even blink as she smiled at Carl, then turned and winked at her daughter. “Oh, baby girl, that just means he’s more fun,” she said with a laugh. “I’ll get those menus.” She turned and sashayed away, her hips swinging. Carl let