Page 16 of No One But You

“You weren’t as helpful as you’re trying to sound, then you poured your beer and our pitcher of margaritas all over me a bit ago,” Kora answered. Her voice sounded a bit bitter. “You okay, Dar?”

Darlene nodded and wiped her mouth. “So, you helped Kora this morning? She told us about getting a flat tire.”

“Did she? What else did she say?”

“Nothing of any importance.” Kora gave Darlene a death stare. “He also dumped margaritas and beer on me.”

Darlene shrugged one shoulder. “Fine. You owe us a pitcher of margs,” she said. “We like them on the rocks.” She held up the empty margarita pitcher and shook it in the air as their server came to the table. “Hey, Barb. Can you give us a refill? On the new guy.”

Barb, a mid-forties server, turned toward me. “You’re the only one new at this table, handsome. Is Darlene telling the truth, or just trying to get you to buy them a round?”

“Yep. I owe them.” I smiled.

“Sexy dimple.” Barb winked. “You got it, sugar.”

“That’s Barb,” Bryson said. “She’s a sweet single lady always looking for a good time, and I mean a good time. You better watch out. Age has never been a barrier for her, and she seems to be impressed with your dimple.”

I chuckled. “Forty-something is a bit above my limit. I like them a little younger and a lot spunkier.” My gaze darted to Kora, who was working hard to ignore me.

“Dammit.” Bryson had looked at his phone. “Patrick won’t be able to make it tonight.” He glanced at me. “Please tell me you know how to play cornhole.”

“I might’ve thrown a few bags in my time.”

“Great. I need a partner and we’re up.” Bryson clapped me on the shoulder.

“I may be a bit rusty, but I’ll give it a go.” I followed Bryson to the tournament area, and it blew my mind how into the competition everyone seemed to be. The pub’s outdoor area was filled with people. There was the cornhole area and a sand volleyball court, and tables were scattered everywhere. The music from inside played from speakers throughout the outdoor area. It was a great concept, and to keep with the fire department theme, there was a miniature fire truck for the kids to climb on.

We shook our competitor’s hands, and the game started.

It didn’t take long, and there were a lot of cheers and groans, but we emerged as the champs of the night and were headed to the championship round the following Saturday. “Kai, I think Patrick just got replaced. You’re available next week I hope?”

“Sure am.” Not that there was anything else for me to do. Not yet anyway.

“Looks like Triple H will be back with us again next week,” Summer commented as she got up from her seat.

“Triple H?” Bryson questioned.

“Hot, handsome hunk. Not you, Bryson,” Summer replied. She squeezed Kora’s shoulders from behind. “See ya girls later. I gotta run. Triple H, it was a pleasure to see you again.” she said. “You’ve improved the atmosphere around here a bit.” She tipped her head to Bryson and left.

“Excuse her lack of manners,” Bryson said. “She tends to hold grudges and doesn’t like me much.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Kora cut in. “Congratulations, guys. Now, Darlene, we’re out of margs again.” She shook their empty pitcher.

One thing was for sure, the women could drink. I watched Kora as she talked with Darlene. Her face was flushed which just added to her attractiveness. “Do you think you really need another pitcher?”

“What are you, the liquor police? Tomorrow’s Sunday. All I must do is some grading. I have all day to recuperate. I’ll get Trevor to refill us.” She walked to the bar.

I felt compelled to follow. I couldn’t explain why, but I had a desire to stay near her. I couldn’t remember the last time I needed to be near a woman, except for when I had to protect my little sister.

Kora gestured to Trevor for a refill. He nodded and held up a finger.

I leaned on the bar next to her. Even though she was wearing a tequila-soaked bra, she smelled like vanilla and strawberries. Was it her shampoo, lotion, or perfume? I couldn’t tell, but it smelled good enough to eat.

“You hoping to spill something else on me?” she asked.

I shook my head. “Nope. Just need some water.” Trevor placed a new pitcher of margaritas in front of Kora. “Isn’t that your third pitcher?” I asked as I waited for my water.

“Don’t get in the way of her and Darlene and their margaritas. They’ve been putting them back since high school. They were my pretend customers before any of us were old enough to legally drink,” replied Trevor as he placed a glass of water on the bar.

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