Page 3 of Her Grumpy Bartender

When my mother and I decided to pack up our shit and move to Appleridge for a better life for us and, more importantly, my four-year-old daughter, Harmony, I job searched the area, hoping for a local bar or club to play at. Ever since I was a little girl, being a musician had been my dream. I wrote my own music and lyrics and played the songs on my acoustic guitar.

While it’d never made me much money, it was a dream I couldn’t give up on. If I had to make money doing something else in the meantime, then I would. I had before. But I’d never stop finding a place to perform. I wanted to share my music with the world, even if no one liked it.

So when I saw Appleridge had a local bar called Mixer that had live music nights where you were paid to perform, it confirmed our decision to move here. No more crappy waitressing in the city and hustling at club shows, no more never seeing my daughter grow up. Here, I could play gigs for money and spend the daytime with my daughter before she began kindergarten.

Naturally, it led me to find out more about the bar and the ever-mysterious Max. Seeing him in the flesh made me want to know even more.

But I ignored my urges and focused on performing the hell out of my favorite song I wrote.

Besides, love was the last thing on my mind, not after the number my daughter’s father did to me. But no one said the single mama couldn’t have some fun, right?

For the entirehour I played, Max stood in the same spot and never broke eye contact. He watched me with such intensity, I felt naked under his stare.

Was he undressing me with his eyes?

When my time was up, I took a bow while the bar erupted into loud clapping all around. I’d say that was a success.

Walking off the stage, I was pretty damn proud of myself. I headed to the hallway in the back, wanting to find the schedule book. I needed to book more time slots. Don told me over the phone when he called to confirm my slot that that was where I’d sign up for any additional dates.

As I looked around, hoping to spot someone who might be able to help, I felt a hand wrap around my wrist. Startled, I instantly pulled my hand away and whirled around, my heart beating wildly in my chest.

It was Max with a stupid cocky smirk on his face that only made me want him more.

“Looking for something?” he grumbled.

I ignored his attitude even though it was turning me on faster than if I thought of his sexy face between my legs, his gaze locked on mine while he licked my pussy like it was the best damn thing he ever tasted.

Fuck. That didn’t help.

Suddenly, my panties felt a lot damper, and the urge to squeeze my legs together and create some friction on my pussy was almost too much to bear.

“Yes. The schedule book. I wanted to book some more time slots.” I smiled and tried desperately to ignore his tantalizingscent; a spicy woodsy cologne that made me want to lick his neck.

Max took a step closer.

Dammit, he isn’t helping.

“You’re a talented musician. I’m surprised you’re not producing records by now.”

Did he need to stand so close? I’m ready to explode.

I swore my heart beat so loud, Max must’ve heard its crazy pitter-patter. I swallowed hard. “Not everyone can live their dream.”

Max studied me for a moment, and his eyes searched mine. I knew a curious look when I saw one. Too bad he couldn’t research me on the internet. I had no online trail. Privacy was the one thing I didn’t want to give up if I ever reached my dream.

“If you try hard enough, the possibilities are endless.”

He took another step closer, and my hot, yearning desire burned through my veins.

But at the same time, his statement annoyed me. What in the hell was he getting at? “Yeah, well, when you become a single mom, your priorities shift, and possibilities end up on hold.”

Max said nothing. The silence grew between us until a door slammed, and Don appeared. Max distanced himself before Don could see, and his cocky smirk returned.

The whole exchange between us was weird and left me feeling off. What was Max trying to get at? If that was his way of complimenting someone, it wasn’t very friendly. He didn’t know me or my circumstances.

“Max, you ready to get out there? You’re up, boss,” Don stated before patting Max on the back.

Max is performing tonight? I thought he didn’t play anymore…

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