Page 9 of Love Her

What’s that like? To live a life that is about good times with maybe an opportunity to be a little bad at the end of the night. I wouldn’t know. I’ve carried burdens and responsibilities on my shoulders for most of my life. Until now. Moving to Lexington rid me of a lot of what has weighed me down. Not sharing your location with those that want to suck the life from you will do that.

“Another draft?” Mel asks, and I nod my head without thinking, never taking my eyes off the long-haired beauty on the dance floor. The lyrics tell her to shake it and she does. Her moves causing me to shift my position so as not to embarrass myself.

Spinning in my seat, I reach for the frosty pint set in front of me when someone bumps my arm, sending a splash of the lager onto the bar top. On instinct, I turn my attention to tell him to fuck off. Instead, I’m stunned stupid as a pair of cherry red lips set in a smirk greet me.

“You plannin’ to stare at my ass all night, Cowboy?”

“Not a cowboy.”

Throwing her head back in a throaty laugh she captivates me. Mesmerizes me. What the fuck am I saying? I’ve never once used those words to describe anything, let alone myself when it comes to a woman.

“But you’re plannin’ to stare at my ass?”

I shrug and lift the glass to my lips. “It’s a fine ass.”

“I’d have to agree. I’ve not seen you around here before. Are you new to town?”

“Why? Are you the Welcome Wagon?”

Her hand settles on my leg, pushing it to the side. I allow her to move me so I’m facing her direction. Taking a step, she leans forward, and my mouth goes dry. I’m not new to hooking up. Hell, I work in a bar and rarely go home alone most nights. Case in point, my black eye.

That’s why I’m here tonight. Three towns away from Lexington where I’m not the bartender and nobody knows me. Anonymity is my friend here, and I like it that way. No complications and no morning after awkwardness. I probably should have found this place before I started hooking up with chicks where I work.

“Honey, you couldn’t handle me. Have yourself a good night.”

With a giggle she places a kiss on my cheek and steps away. Against my better judgment, I call after her.

“Hey beautiful, what’s your name?”

Without a response, she steps out the door. Maybe she saved me more grief down the road. If I’ve learned anything lately, it’s that I’m not exactly the lucky type.

Those legs though.

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