Page 1 of The Best Number

Prologue

Cassidy

“The best way to get over someone is to get under someone else,” I tell my friend, Mel, as we sit and drink fruity cocktails. We’ve come to a singles’ night at The Thirst Trap, a bar close to my new apartment.

“After years of being married to one guy, it’s terrifying to think about getting under someone else.” She grimaces. “I’m sure I’m too old to be here. I’m a mother to an almost eighteen-year-old, for goodness’ sake.”

“Nonsense. You’re only forty. And you’re a smoke show, Mel. Trust me, I don’t think we are going to have any problems finding someone that wants you under them, or on top of them when you decide you’re ready to move on.”

She tucks a strand of her sandy blonde hair behind her ear as her gaze flickers around the room. It’s busy. There’s music playing as the people around us chat. Tables and chairs arearranged around the sides of the room to make space for a dance floor.

“I’m not sure I’m ready yet.” She licks her lips and swallows.

“I promise I’m not going to push you into anything. Let’s just stay curious. If an attractive person comes along and offers to put us under them, let’s at least consider the offer.” I give an encouraging smile.

“Okay, I’ll stay curious. But first I need another drink.”

“I’ll go. You stay here and keep the table. Same again?”

“Let’s try something different. Surprise me.” She smiles. It’s a promising sign. I’ve been worried about her. Mel and I have known each other for years, but our friendship grew a few months ago when our marriages failed. It’s been a godsend having a friend going through it at the same time as me. I’m glad she came out tonight. I’m on a mission to make her realise what a catch she is, and that she deserves to be happy.

I push through the crowd and lean on the bar, looking for the bartender. The hottest guy I’ve ever seen is serving someone further down. He. Is. Ripped.I wouldn't mind getting under him.He’s got to be over six feet tall. His dark hair is shorter at the back and sides, with natural waves on top. His corded arms flex as he pours a pint, and a honeycomb-shaded tattoo sleeve on his forearm catches my attention. I can’t stop myself from staring.

“Be right with you,” he calls over the chatter as he throws a wink in my direction. He charges the previous customer and heads towards me just as there’s a strong nudge from behind me as a guy tries to jump the queue and get served before me.

The barman frowns. “Back up. Give the lady some space. She’s next, then I’ll serve you.” The pushy guy grumbles, but space opens up behind me as the barman stares him down. Fair enough too—it’s clear he means business and would haveno problem leapfrogging across the bar and evicting pushy guy. “What would you like?”

I blink, clearing my impure thoughts about what I want to do with this man, and smile at him. “Two mojitos, please. And some water—I better hydrate myself before I start dancing.” He smirks at me before mixing the cocktails. I bite my lip, appreciating the veins on his hand as he crushes the mint, noting the lack of a wedding band.Should I see what time he gets off his shift?

He places the drinks on a tray in front of me, adding a bottle of water and two smaller glasses. I hold out my bank card to pay and he offers me the card machine, leaning closer so I can tap it. “Enjoy your evening. And your dancing.”

I pull in a deep breath. Warmth rises in my cheeks as I stare into his hazel eyes. “Thanks,” I respond breathlessly. He gives me another wink before switching his commanding gaze to the guy behind me.

I make my way back over to Mel. She’s scrolling on her phone but puts it back in her bag as I lay the tray on the table and hand her a drink.

“I went with mojitos. Mixed by the hottest man I’ve ever seen. Tall, dark, tatted and ripped.” I place the back of my hand on my forehead, feigning a swoon. Mel stretches her neck to see past the crowd to the bar.

“Dammit, I can’t see him.”

“You can get the next round and see for yourself. Although I’m tempted to call dibs.”

“I thought you wanted me to get under someone?”

“Yeah, butIwant to climb him like a tree.” We clink glasses with a giggle.

Twerking like my life depends on it, I try to do my best slut drop as a rap song plays on the speakers. As I raise a hand in the air and dip down low, I get lower than I ever thought possible. The fabric of my skirt gives way at the back and rips.Shit!Panic rises. I look over at Mel, but she’s chatting with one of the two guys we’ve been with for a while. His friend reaches out his hand to help me up.

“What happened? You okay?” he shouts over the loud music.

“Yeah, just gonna head to the ladies. I’ll be back.” I give him a wink, trying to cover up my embarrassment at the wardrobe malfunction.

Shuffling around the edges of the dance floor, gripping the two sides of my skirt together, I move towards the back of the bar to the illuminated sign for the toilets and disappear into the ladies to assess the damage.

There’s a split in my skirt from the waistband down to the back slit. It’s now a waistband and two bits flapping at the back. With the thong I’m wearing, there’s no way I’ll be able to get home without flashing my backside.Fuck! Why is this happening to me? Why can’t things go smoothly?

I stand there, unsure what to do. Tears well in my eyes, but I refuse to let myself cry.Mascara running down my cheeks and a split skirt? No thanks.I try to twist the skirt around so the split is at the side, showing an eye-watering amount of thigh but still better than flashing my thong to the whole bar. I head out of the bathroom, sucking in a deep breath. As I walk back to the bar, a door to my left opens, and out steps the hot barman.

He looks over as I approach and gives me a smile. “Alright?”

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