Page 21 of Company Ink

Adrian briefly scans the drink menu before the bartender comes to take our order. "What're we having today?" The handsome bartender asks, shifting his forest green eyes between Adrian and me. "It's Happy Hour for another thirty minutes." Pointing to a cocktail on the menu, he winks at me while saying, "The Climax is on specialall night."

"Really?" I sing, oddly impressed by his straightforwardness. I can play along. "It's been a hot minute since I've had a Climax. I remember them being very sweet."

The bartender props himself on his forearms. "Oh, they're delicious. The way I make them? People always come back for more."

"For some reason I don't doubt it," I laugh. This guy is a riot.

Adrian clears his throat, drawing our attention. "We need another minute," he states sharply, shooting daggers at Chris Hemsworth's long-lost twin. Bartender-man raises his hands in surrender and turns to help another patron.

Was that jealousy I just saw? Hmm. Interesting.

"Not a fan of The Climax?" I ask coyly, meeting Adrian's curiously opaque eyes. "Is it the—" I look down at the menu. "Amaretto, crème de cacao, or crème de banane that elicits such a strongreaction?"

"All of the above," Adrian says without missing a beat, trying to brush off his curt interjection as nothing but a simple comment. "I don't like sugary drinks." His lips twist up in amusement. "But I'd be more than happy to buy one foryou."

"Are you offering me a Climax?" I grip my chest, feigning shock. "Mr. Cavallero, how inappropriate!" I hold my stupefied expression for a few seconds as Adrian's body tenses and his pupils dilate.He is way too fun to mess with. A vein protrudes from Adrian's forehead which causes me to break down into a fit of giggles.Okay, he's suffered enough.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I'm done! Relax," I laugh, holding up my hands in defeat. "Please!"

Adrian takes a deep breath, closing his eyes, steadying himself. "What do youactuallywant to drink?"

"Cosmo. Always a Cosmo."

"Really? You're not going to order thebartender's favorite?" he asks jokingly, his expression light. Damn, does he have an internal mood switch or something?

"No, I only do that with food not drinks."

"Why not both?" Adrian asks, hailing the bartender back and ordering a Cosmo and a bottle of Estrella.

"Because I've tried a lot of drinks in my life, but I haven't tried every single cuisine," I explain. "Plus, after years of drinking, I've learned that only vodka is my friend."

Adrian laughs. "You only drink vodka? Not even wine? Or beer?"

"I only drink wine at home," I admit with a sigh. Or if it’s free. "It makes my face turn red almost instantaneously."

"That's probably because you drink cheap American wine. Spanish wine wouldn't do that; our vineyards are far superior."

"Not true," I sing, waving my index finger. "I've been to Spain and let me tell you." I motion to my face. "Red for days."

Adrian's eyebrows perk up. "You've been to Spain? Really? Where did you go?"

"All over. Obviously, I went to Madrid and Barcelona, but I prefer small towns. Less tourists and you get a better feel for the culture."

Adrian hums, his eyes full of wonder. "What was your favorite town?"

"Uh—" I bite my lip. So many to choose from. "ProbablySetenil de las Bodegas." Adrian throws his head back and laughs. "What?" I whine.

"Your pronunciation was um—" Adrian playfully cringes. "Not the best."

"I thought it was okay!" I cross my arms. "My roommate told me I have excellent pronunciation."

"Your roommate was just being kind," Adrian grins. "Repeat after me—Setenil."

"Really? We're doing this?"

Adrian shifts his seat closer to me, our knees only a millimeter apart. "Watch my mouth carefully," he says.

Is he fucking kidding me right now?

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