Page 10 of Never Say Never

I raise a brow. “How would I know?”

“I don’t know. You guys are family or whatever. I thought maybe you’d have talked to him.”

“I have better things to do than keep tabs on Tucker,” I huff, and it comes out sounding more defensive than I had intended.

Briar gives me an amused look, but thankfully we are interrupted by someone at the table next to us who says something about hot sauce. When my eyes lock with his, I’m momentarily at a loss for words. The guy is gorgeous.

“Daisy, the hot sauce,” Briar says, coming to my rescue.

“Oh, right,” I stumble. “Hot sauce. Sorry. Here you go!” I quickly grab the bottle from the table and shove it toward him.

Hot Guy smirks, then takes it from my hand, lifting his chin in a nod. “Thanks,” he says. “I’ll give it back. I promise.”

I watch him twist the cap off the bottle with his large hands and nicely manicured fingers.Why is that so attractive?I’ve always had a weakness for guys with nice hands.

When I realize that I’m staring, I reluctantly rip my attention away from Hot Guy and his hands, which honestly deserve to have their own Only Fans page. I shove a chip in my mouth, trying to regain my composure. Clearly, I need to release some tension. When my gaze lands on Briar, her mouth falls open.

“That guy is so hot,” she whispers. “Holy fucking shit… you need to make a move.”

“What if he has a girlfriend?”

“What if he doesn’t? Just go for it. Make eye contact and hold it. If his gaze doesn’t immediately snap back to his friend, then it’s a sign he’s interested. Trust me, the eye lock works every time.”

Briar is right. What’s the worst that can happen? Well, his equally hot girlfriend could show up and interrupt my pathetic attempts at flirting. I shudder with anticipated embarrassment. It’s been averylong time since I’ve even thought about picking up a guy at a bar.

“Hey, thanks,” Hot Guy says from beside me, interrupting my thought spiral. I take the bottle of hot sauce from him. “With how busy this place is tonight, I thought it would be quicker if I just borrowed yours. Is it always like this on a Monday?”

“It’s not. It’s the hockey game. Gets people off their couches, I guess.” I nod my head at the big screen. “You haven’t been here before?”

“First time. Just in town for the week at a hotel conference. We’re from Lake Tahoe. My name is Will, by the way,” he says, then nods to the guy sitting beside him. “This is Cam. And you are…”

“Daisy. My name is Daisy… and this is Briar. It’s nice to meet you.”

Briar echoes the sentiment and the four of us settle into easy conversation, chatting about our jobs, the restaurant, where to find the best coffee in Reed Point. Before long, the two of them are sitting at our table and ordering us a round of drinks.

My face feels hot from the sexual tension crackling in the air between us. Looking at Will, I find myself thinking that maybe what I need is a couple of hours in bed with a hot guy. No strings. Forget the feelings. Just a good time and a release from all of the stupid thoughts I’ve been having about Tucker.

This guy could be the distraction I need to finally get Tucker Collins out of my system.

Will stretches his arm across the back of my chair, the tips of his fingers grazing my shoulder when he does. “We gotta get going,” he says, sounding reluctant to leave. “Daisy, um… any chance I could get your number. We’re in town for most of the week, maybe we could meet up for a drink? I had a good time with you tonight.”

Without thinking too hard on it, I agree and watch him punch my number into his phone.

When they’re gone, I turn my attention to Briar, who is staring at me with her eyes wide. “I am screaming inside for you, girl!”

“Don’t get too excited. With my luck, he won’t even call.”

“I saw the way he was looking at you. He is going to call.

By the time I’m back home and hopping into bed, I have convinced myself that a steamy night with Will is exactly what I need. A little adventure before I leave.

But when my head hits the pillow, it’s not Will who comes to mind as I drift off to sleep, but a honey-haired, sapphire-eyed football coach I’ve known all my life.

FIVE

NO-STRINGS SEX

Tucker

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