Page 42 of Made For Ruin

Finally, I turn off the main drag onto a gravel road that winds through the woods. The trees part, revealing a weathered wooden building with a neon sign flickering in the twilight.

Lainey leans forward, squinting at the sign. “What is this place?”

I chuckle, pulling into a spot near the entrance. “It’s a bar called Bottom of the Barrel. Local makeout spot.”

Her eyebrows shoot up. “Makeout spot?”

“Mhmm.” I kill the engine and turn to face her. “Figured we could be alone without the whole town watching.”

A slow smile spreads across Lainey’s face. “I like that idea.”

We head inside, and I watch Lainey’s reaction carefully. The bar is dimly lit, with booths lining the walls and a small dance floor in the center. Couples occupy most of the booths, and more than a few are getting handsy.

I expect Lainey to blush or look away, but instead, her eyes widen with interest. She takes in the scene, her gaze lingering on a couple in the corner who are practically devouring each other.

“See something you like?” I murmur in her ear.

She jumps slightly, as if she’d forgotten I was there. A delicious pink tinge spreads across her cheeks.

“I-I was just...”

“Enjoying the show?” I finish for her.

Lainey bites her lip, nodding almost imperceptibly.

Well, well. Looks like my girl’s a bit of a voyeur. The realization sends a fresh wave of heat through my body.

I guide her to an empty booth in the corner, my hand on the small of her back. As we slide in, I make sure to sit close enough that our thighs are touching.

“So,” I say, watching her face carefully. “What do you think?”

“I like it,” Lainey says, her eyes sparkling as she takes in the dim lighting and intimate atmosphere. “It’s cozy.”

“That’s one word for it,” I reply with a smirk.

A waitress approaches our table, her pen poised over her notepad. “What can I get you two?”

I open my mouth to order my usual whiskey, but Lainey beats me to it.

“I’ll have a double shot of tequila, please,” she says confidently.

I raise an eyebrow, impressed. “Make that two,” I tell the waitress.

Once she leaves, Lainey turns to me, her expression softening. “So, how was your day?”

The question catches me off guard. It’s been a long time since anyone’s asked me that with genuine interest.

“It was interesting. Axel came by the cabin.”

Lainey’s eyes widen. “How did that go?”

I lean back, running a hand through my hair. “Better than expected, actually. He needed to pick up some equipment he’d left behind.”

“I hate this,” she whispers. “Sneaking around. Lying to him. He’s been a good friend since the breakup. He doesn’t deserve this.”

“We’ll tell him. Soon.” I shift closer, drawn by how she looks at me, vulnerable but trusting. “But tonight isn’t about Axel.”

Color floods her cheeks, but her eyes darken. “Is that so, Mr. Ruins?”

---