Page 13 of Loki

Val nodded and ushered him in.

“Wow, it’s so different here when it’s quiet,” he mused.

“Yeah. It’s a relief when I close the doors at night.” She locked the door and turned off the open sign.

“Do you not like working here?” Benjinn pulled out a stool.

“It’s a job.” She put away the last of the glasses and ensured everything had been put in its place before turning back to him.

“So. Give me something amazing.”

She smiled. That comment could go so many directions. “Tell me your tastes. Do you want something spicy, sweet, mellow, smooth, or holy hell firewater?”

He grinned from ear to ear and raked his hand through his wavy blond hair. “I don’t know if I’m ready for holy hell firewater. Why don’t we start easy? Something smooth or mellow.”

“Okay.” Val reached for one of the bottles of Pappy Van Winkle Frigg kept under the bar for the high-spending customers. She placed two whiskey glasses on the wooden surface and dropped in a solid ball of ice before pouring them both a drink.

Benjinn held his glass to hers and clinked it before sipping. She waited, watching him. His eyes closed as he held the amber liquid in his mouth for a moment before swallowing.

Benjinn opened his eyes and nodded. “Remarkable.”

Val smiled and sipped her glass.

“I see why you don’t pull this out during the day for those rich college boys. They might be able to afford it—”

“But they wouldn’t appreciate it,” she finished. “You would, though.”

“Is that the fifteen-year reserve, the twenty-year reserve, or the twenty-three-year reserve?”

Val’s gut clenched. She glanced at the stairs leading down to the portal and noticed Loki leaning against the wall. His white shirt opened almost to his navel, and his blue suit coat slung over his shoulder.

Why did he have to be so dang tempting?

Val capped the bottle and placed it back under the bar.

“Not so fast.” Loki approached them, his dress shoes clicking on the hardwood floor. He pulled out the stool next to Benjinn and sat. “I’ll take one of those.”

“This is a private party, friend,” said Benjinn.

Loki flashed him a smile that didn’t meet his eyes. “Private meaning two? Or private, meaning the owner’s relatives are invited as well?”

Benjinn stood. “I’ll let you two work this out.” He gulped down the rest of his bourbon.

“Wait,” said Val. “That’s it? That’s all you wanted?”

Benjinn’s gaze went to Loki again. “Nope. But it’s all good. I’m patient. I’ll see you again, Val, for Valkyrie.” With a small wave, Benjinn unlocked the front door and disappeared into the night.

Val wanted to go after him, to tell him to come back and have another nightcap... but something inside stopped her.

“So, can I taste the bourbon, or is there something else you’d like me to taste?”

Val’s eyes slid back to Loki’s smug smile.

“I’d be happy to help your face taste the bar.” She tossed him her best smile.

Loki clucked his tongue. “There you go again, irritating me.”

“I’m irritating you? You’re the one who came up here to irritate me. Did you want something, or can I go to bed now?”

---