Page 7 of Magnetic God

“Let’s sit at the bar. I feel weird just standing here.”

I would have suggested sitting at a table, but there aren’t any empty ones to grab, so the bar it is. Hopefully, the bartender doesn’t ask to see our IDs. I mean, if we just order soda or water, he shouldn’t. Right?

I slide onto the wooden chair, scooting my butt around until I’m comfortable. Jess doesn’t have the same problem and perches on the chair next to me, looking like a model posing for a photo. Or, in this case, for the guy across the bar who’s flirting with another woman.

The bartender stops by and asks, “What can I get you, ladies?”

“Diet Coke,” Jess answers.

“Just water for me, if that’s okay?”

He winks. “Sure thing. Be right back.”

He delivers our drinks a moment later before moving on to help someone else. Jess is so preoccupied watching Matt that she doesn’t attempt to make conversation. Okay. Guess it’s time to mindlessly scroll on social media. I bite back a yawn. God, I’m so ready to go to bed. Tomorrow is going to suck so hard.

A commotion from the other side of the room has me glancing over my shoulder. My breath solidifies in my throat.

Oh. My. God.

Brooks the Body McGruff walks into the bar like he owns it. He’s changed into jeans and a black button-down shirt that makes him look like sin incarnate. His gaze moves around the room, as if he is assessing who’s around. When it lands on me, I have to resist looking away. He watches me for a beat before going to a table and taking the empty seat next to his friends. Right away fans swarm him, asking for photos and autographs. He seems irritated but agrees to a few selfies.

“I bet that gets annoying,” I say to Jess.

“I bet so, too.”

I turn to face Jess. “So, how long are we going to hang around and watch Matt and Peter flirt before we get an Uber and go home?”

She glares, and I hold up my hands.

“Easy. It was just a question.”

“I’m sure they’ll come over in a few.”

But an hour passes by, and they’ve barely even glanced our way. I’m fighting yawns left and right. Heck, even thinking about yawning makes my mouth open as another one escapes. I’m about to tell Jess that I’m leaving when I make eye contact with Brooks again. Somehow, I’ve turned in my chair so I’m sitting sideways. From this viewpoint, I can see the entire bar. More importantly, I can see all the patrons. Like Brooks. Totally not on purpose either. He’s watching me with a bemused smile, which means he likely just saw me yawn. Dammit. My jaws ache, but I refuse to yawn again while he’s looking. Instead, I grab my water and take a sip, which helps.

Once I’m sure I’m not going to yawn again, I glance his way. He’s still staring. Hasn’t anyone ever told him it’s rude to stare? The look in his gaze is almost a challenge to see if I’ll look away. Well, I’ll be damned if I lose. So, I stare back.

Brooks looks pleased, but suddenly there’s a glint in his eyes that wasn’t there before. His gaze burns into my skin, much like it did after his match. He lifts his drink, bringing it to his lips. My mouth waters as his throat works as he swallows. He’s playing dirty, and I’m not sure what his goal is.

Jess grabs my arm. “Can you believe those guys?”

I drag my attention from Brooks.

“What?”

“My dumb-ass brother and Matt!” She nods her head to the left. “They’re still over there talking to those girls like they actually have a shot.”

I snort. “Those girls are smart. I’d do the same if I were them.”

“What do you mean?”

“Your brother is paying for their drinks. Think about it. If guys do that for them after every show, then they never have to pay for a drink.”

She laughs. “Okay, that makes me feel a bit better.”

Suddenly, her eyes widen, and her cheeks turn pink.

“Oh, my god!” She says the three words so rushed that it sounds like one word. “He’s coming over here!”

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