Page 33 of Worth the Risk

“Trust me.” I smile, not wanting to seem too eager to ditch my best friend. “You guys probably need a night together more than you and me. He can give you things I can’t.” She giggles, her face flushing a touch.

“It’s been over two weeks,” she says softly. “I’m about to go insane.”

Any other night I probably would have selfishly been upset that she’d suggest bailing on our martini hour early, but I know I’m not the best company to be around tonight. I can only fake that I’m excited to be single for so long and by the time this second martini is gone, so will any attempt to hide my sadness.

“Two whole weeks?” I fake gasp. “How are you ever going to survive!”

“Ugh, I know, I’m sorry.” There’s the pity head tilt. “Anyone in the Rolodex you can call to just get him out of your system?”

“Oh yeah, you know me, I’ve got a roster on the back burner just waiting.” We both launch into a fit of giggles, remembering some of the guys we dated over the years. “I don’t, no, but I’ll be okay. I’m not sure I’m in the headspace for casual sex yet, but when I am, I’ll be sure to hit you up for Clay and Zane’s numbers.”

“Ohh, both, huh?” She bumps my shoulder with hers. “Eiffel Tower?”

I glance up from my drink just as the bartender reaches us, his eyes locking with mine with a chuckle. “I hear Paris is lovely this time of year.”

“Oh my God.” My cheeks burn in embarrassment. “No, no Eiffel Towers for me. Ever.”

“That’s a shame.” He smirks. “Can I get you ladies another round?”

“I’m okay for now,” I say, savoring the last two sips of my drink.

“And I’m about to head out so you can cash me out.” Becca reaches for her wallet, retrieving her card and handing it over to him.

“You’re not cashing out?” he asks, not looking up from the computer screen he’s tapping on.

“Not yet.” I sigh. “Think I’ll drown my sorrows a little longer.”

“Have a nice night.” He places Becca’s card down in front of her. “I’ll be back to check on you shortly.” He tosses me a wink before stepping away.

“He’s cute.”

“He is,” I confirm, taking a moment to appreciate his alternative appearance. His mostly tattooed skin and gauged ears isn’t the look I typically go for but maybe that’s exactly what I need. I allow myself a few more seconds of admiration while his attention is on the couple that just sat down at the other end.

The thought of bringing him back to my place for one night of sweaty, no strings attached sex flashes briefly through my mind before I push it aside, reminding myself that messing around with a bartender at one of my regular spots probably isn’t the best idea.

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay?”

“Yeah.” My overly enthusiastic response is a dead giveaway that I might not be okay but I’m doing my damndest to convince myself and everyone else that I am. “Yes,” I say a little firmer this time when she eyes me. “Go home to Hector, get some of that headboard-breaking sex we both need. I’m just going to finish this, then grab some very greasy, disgusting food on the wayback home where I plan to park my ass on the couch for the rest of the night and watch some trash reality TV.”

“Honestly, I could really use one of those nights myself soon. Between Hector’s insane schedule and school starting, I’m exhausted and we aren’t even a month into the school year.” She slings her purse over her shoulder, giving me a quick hug. “Tell me again why I thought teaching fifth grade was going to be easier than second?”

“Your first mistake was thinking that anything involving educating children was going to be easy.” I hold her by her upper arms when we disconnect from our hug. “Just remember how you cry at the end of every year when they leave your classroom. There’s a reason your kids always stop back by your room year after year to tell you they miss you and that you’re still their favorite teacher. Now go surprise Hector and let me know if you need me to bring you some Gatorade and Arnica cream when you two finally come up for air.”

“Sounds like my kind of night,” the bartender mutters with a low chuckle.

Becca giggles, pulling me in again for a second hug. “And you better let me know if you end up leaving here with him tonight.”

Before I can protest, she releases me and spins around to head out of the bar.

“You sure you don’t want another?” He nods toward my glass that holds one single sip of room temperature martini.

“Yeah.” I shrug, sitting back down at the bar. “Why not?”

“Exactly.” His smile grows wider as he reaches for the shaker. “We all need to let loose once in a while.”

His intentions are about one shade away from obvious. The look he flashes me letting me know that if I offer, he’s absolutely going to say yes. A sizzle of excitement shoots through my belly at the thought. Not at the thought of him per se, but at the realization that I have the option if I want.

The option tolet looseas the bartender just said or maybe just focus on myself for a while. For so long I’ve been someone’s “other half,” bending my life to fit their demands and needs while mine went unmet. Now, my job is stable and I’m about to hire on another attorney, allowing myself to have more free time.

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