Page 24 of No One But You

I toasted Darlene, and we took our shots and sucked on our lemon wedges dipped in sugar. The sour and sweet taste, mixed with tequila was always perfect.

Trevor filled our shot glasses again. “On the house, again.”

“Thanks, Trevor. You’re awesome,” I said.

He winked as he strutted across the bar to take care of paying customers.

“Told ya,” Darlene said as she cocked her head to the side and raised one brow.

God, I hated it when she acted all smug and for no good reason. “What’s the big deal? We get a couple free shots out of him weekly. I don’t think that’s anything but friendship. We’ve known him forever.”

“Keep thinking that, Kor.” Darlene shot her tequila and sucked the lemon.

I did the same. “I better go slower, or he may just get what he wanted years ago. We might have dated for almost two years, but we never did the deed.” I studied his profile as he served beers to a couple men down the bar. “He was sweet then. Now he looks much sweeter.” I noticed. “He keeps in shape, that’s for sure.”

“As a fireman-slash-bartender, I’m sure it comes naturally,” Darlene said.

“What comes naturally?” Trevor asked as he cleared away the shot glasses.

“Nothing,” I said with a grin.

Trevor scrunched his eyes like he wanted to question me but luckily, he didn’t. He shook his head instead. “Can I get you ladies anything else?” he asked.

Darlene poured our drinks. “Nope. I think we’re good, Trev.”

“Well then, have a good night.” He smacked the bar twice and left to assist other customers.

Darlene held up her glass and grinned mischievously at me. “If he doesn’t get lucky, maybe someone will. Here’s to an amazing Friday night.”

“Your toast lacks luster.” I brushed her away and lifted my glass. “Here’s to good drinks, amazing friends, and hot guys.” I clinked my glass against Darlene’s.

“Looks like they’ve already started.” Bryson’s arms wrapped around Darlene, and he kissed her neck.

“We’re only two shots in and just started our margs,” Darlene said. “You’re earlier than usual.” She gave Bryson a deep kiss.

“Come on, y’all,” I said. “Don’t get all mushy already. We’ve got a lot of drinks to get through, and if I have my way, Bryson, you won’t get lucky tonight because she’ll be passed out.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time. When she sent me a text that it was a Margarita Friday, I knew that would be a possibility,” Bryson said. “Let’s grab a table.”

I grabbed my glass and the pitcher.

“Here, I’ll get that.”

Goosebumps crept across my skin at the sound of the deep, sultry voice behind me. I turned and there was Kai, his pants paint-splattered and his gray shirt tight against his chest. He wore a baseball hat backward, just like the first day I met him, and his face was smiling. My mouth suddenly went dry. Luckily, I had my margarita, and I took a big mouthful, then cleared my throat. “You sure you can handle that? If I remember correctly, carrying alcohol isn’t one of your talents.”

“Maybe not, but I do promise you there are many things I do well,” Kai answered as he picked up the pitcher and walked toward the table Bryson claimed out on the patio.

My interest perked up—or was that my nipples? I glanced down to make sure my headlights weren’t on, and surprisingly I got the all-clear. My eyes never left his ass as he led the way to the patio.

Yeah, I think I’d enjoy finding out what else he did well. Maybe the tequila was already taking effect.

I leaned against the table and looked up at him. “Why don’t you share with us something else you do well? We hardly know anything about you?”

Our eyes met. “I’m great with a jack and can change a mean tire.”

A smirk pulled at the corners of my lips, and I nodded. “I agree. But there’s got to be something else we haven’t seen yet. A hidden talent?”

He raised his brows. “Sweetheart, I have many hidden talents you haven’t seen yet.” His gaze held mine and was smoldering.

---