Page 3 of Hunting for Acceptance

The guy flags down the bartender, ordering himself a mixed drink. “It’s been awhile since I’ve allowed myself a drink,” he murmurs, taking a deep pull from the glass. Then he looks at me again. “Let me start again,” he says with a smile. “My name is Dorian.”

“Okay,” I say slowly, “I’m still confused. Out of everyone in here, why me?”

“Because you lookdifferentthan everyone here,” he says like it’s obvious. Dorian looks over his shoulder, scanning the room. “Everyone here knows each other. Those two are a couple, those two are best friends. The bartender has been talking to everyone at the bar about their lives. Every single person here is accounted for by another person.” Dorian looks back at me. His eyes are blank in a way that makes a shudder run down my spine. “Everyone except you.”

I take a sip of my beer, giving myself a moment to process this. The back of my neck burns and I look over my shoulder, finding Cooper sitting in a corner booth, staring at me. With him here, I feel just a tiny bit better. Dorian follows my gaze.

“Ah,” he murmurs, his smile taking on a self-depreciating edge. “It seems I was wrong about you. You’re accounted for as well.” Dorian puts his hand on my shoulder, squeezing. His eyes flash again and gods, I wish I knew what the fuck that meant. “Is there any way I could persuade you to leave with me?”

Everything inside of me is screaming that this guy is suspicious as hell, and yet, I can’t make myself question him, I can’t leave here with him to see if he’s our guy.

There’s something about him. His smile might look natural but there’s a look in his eyes that says this is all a facade. His eyes tell me there’s something else going on here. Despite everything, I want to save him from whatever is giving him that wrinkle in his brow.

“No,” I tell him, trying to keep the gruff out of my voice. “I’m sorry, but I’m just not interested.”

“I have to admit I’m not used to being told no,” he says, letting out an amused snort. “Actually, I’ve literally never been told no before.”

I raise my brow at him. “Sure, you’re handsome but you gotta admit that not everyone could possibly be into you.”

“You’re right,” Dorian says, taking the last of his drink and swallowing it down. He reaches over, touching my shoulder again and I shiver despite myself. “It was a pleasure meeting you,--” there’s a long pause as he waits for me to give my name. I simply stare back at him until the silence is too much. Dorian finally sighs. “Right. I’ve had my fun. I think it’s time for me to head home. Have a good evening, tall, dark, and handsome.”

I snort into my beer, shaking my head as he goes. I pick at the label of my beer, waiting. It doesn’t take long before Cooper is sliding into the seat beside me.

“What the hell wasthat?” Cooper sounds equal parts surprised and like he’s holding back a shit eating grin.

“What? Can’t believe someone so beautiful would be interested in talking to me?” I know that’s not what he meant. Fuck. Why can’t I keep myself from poking at Cooper? Why do I have to do everything in my power to keep him at arm’s length?

“Jesus Christ,” Cooper murmurs, gesturing for the bartender’s attention. I don’t blame him. I’m always being an ass to him. It’s my way of keeping myself from getting hurt. It’s best if I never get my hopes up of having Cooper as anything more than my annoyed fellow hunter.

Cooper orders himself a beer before turning in his seat, looking fully at me. “So?”

I do my best to look casual instead of on edge. I give Cooper a shrug. “I have no idea. He came and talked to me. He umm--” I curse the way my cheeks heat up. With anyone else I would be able to tell this story. I’d be able to flawlessly talk about the way I just got hit on, but with Cooper it’sdifferent. “He asked me to leave with him, but I obviously declined.”

“Seriously?” I look into Cooper’s dark eyes, trying to figure out what he meant by that. I obviously want to ruffle in annoyance. Of course he wouldn’t think anyone would want to take me home.

“Yeah,” I say gruffly, picking up my beer and drinking the rest of it. “This entire night is a fucking bust.”

“Martin,” Cooper says with a deep sigh. I shake my head, standing up. “Seriously, don’t go.”

“No, it’s fine,” I murmur. “We’re obviously not gonna find anything tonight.”

“You haven’t given it any time, Martin.” Cooper takes off his glasses, rubbing at his eyes. “Let’s just stay a little while longer.”

There are eyes on us. We’re too exposed. I shake my head again. “Even if they’re here, they wouldn’t do anything. We’ve made too much commotion.”

Cooper puts his glasses back into place and a flutter goes through my stomach. I hate the way I feel about him. I hate it so much and I wish I was strong enough to fight it. “Fine,” Cooper finally says, giving me a nod. “You can head out now if you want. I’m gonna sit here and finish my drink.”

“Fine. See ya later,” I say, internally wincing. Gods, I sound like such a fucking asshole. When the fuck will I learn? Not tonight apparently. “Keep your guard up, Cooper.”

“Aww. You reallydocare,” he says with a snort. I turn away before he can see my flaming cheeks.

I quickly make my way outside, letting the cool air calm my racing heart. I breathe deeply, taking in the smell of the salty water. I put my hands in the pockets of my jacket before heading towards the road. I plan on walking back to where our campers are parked.

Something makes me pause though. Two voices, one familiar from earlier. I slow my steps, creeping towards the back of the bar so I can listen in.

What the hell is Dorian doing?

CHAPTER TWO

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