Page 77 of Love or Tequila in Unexpected Places

Swallowing hard, she took in the scene. There were so many people. Too many people. Allison suddenly regretted her decision to come out instead of staying in, reading with a glass of her favorite wine and a face mask.

No, she corrected herself.There’s a reason I chose to go out—I deserve it.

She stayed in every night; her birthday should be different. She should enjoy herself, even if it was just for a little while.

Although, I would have enjoyed myself if I’d been reading with my vibrator in hand.

Maybe I should just—

“You in or out, sweetheart?” a deep voice interrupted her thoughts.

She turned to apologize to the person she was blocking, only to be met with a six-foot-something guy with blonde curls and a creepy smile plastered on an unfortunately attractive face.

“Excuse me?” Disgust was evident in her voice—and she was sure it showed on her face, too—as she glared at the man ogling her chest.

“You’re blocking the door, baby,” he said, still staring at her boobs. “If you’re waiting for a friend, you could join me for a drink until she gets here,” he added with a wink.

I think I just threw up in my mouth.

“No, thank you. And my face is up here, asshole,” Allison snapped, stepping further into the bar before he could respond.

The crowd, overwhelming as it was, became her shield, and she was thankful for it. She hoped the throng of people would keep Slimy Guy from finding her again.

Hopefully, he gets rejected enough times that he’s gone by the time I finish my drink.

Allison weaved through the crowd, praying in her heart of hearts she could find an empty seat at the bar.The Olivehad been gaining popularity ever since it opened. Its sophisticated vibe set it apart from other bars, and the steady beat of the music was loud but good—not overwhelming. She appreciated that, considering she still wanted to have her hearing intact when she went home.

Spotting an empty bar stool, she hastily made her way over, silently pleading that no one else would take it. Her heels were pretty, but they were not made for standing.

She sighed in relief as she finally sat down.

“What can I get ya, honey?” A sultry voice, sweet with a hint of a Southern drawl, asked.

Allison looked up from her lap, where she’d been fidgeting with her rings. She always did that when her anxiety kicked in. Her social battery wasn’t very big, and depending on her mood, she could be either a social butterfly or a hermit crab—no in-between.

Why can’t I just be comfortable in a crowd like all these people? I’m twenty-eight years old, for fuck’s sake.

“No overthinkin’ in my bar, gorgeous,” the woman behind the counter said, snapping Allison out of her thoughts.

The bartender was stunning, with fiery red hair and a confidence that radiated from her like a beacon. She wore a black, skin-tight, low-cut mini dress that highlighted her curves, and her presence commanded the attention of everyone around her.

“Wow. You’re beautiful,” Allison said, the words slipping out before she could stop them.

She didn’t believe in holding back compliments, especially not to other women. It was obvious in the woman’s movements; her confidence. It was oozing out of her, radiating such a glow thatpulled in everyone around her like winged insects flying towards a fire.

“Thanks, hon. Right back at ya,” the woman replied with a wink that made Allison blush. “What’s your name?”

“Allison,” she said, captivated by the bartender’s charisma. She wanted tobeher.

“Lovely to meet ya, Allison. I’m Sandy,” the woman said with another wink, and Allison’s cheeks burned even more. “So, what can I get ya?”

Allison hesitated. Her usual drink for unwinding was a glass of red wine, but it was her special day. She didn’t want to stick to routine.

That would defeat the purpose of going out.

“I’m not sure,” she finally said. “I usually drink wine, but I don’t want my usual tonight.”

“Tough day?” Sandy asked, her eyebrows coming together and painting her face in a picture of worry—although her perfect features still looked flawless.

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