Page 12 of A Win-Win Situation

"No, you don't know me." I lean toward him. "Do you come here often?"

Wow, smooth Leora.I should just say goodbye, go back to the girls and strangle them . . . or myself.

He chuckles. "Sometimes. I’m guessing this is your first time?"

I’m slightly shocked at the disappointment of him not recognizing me from yesterday, but on the other hand, I’m relieved. This is my chance to start over with him.

"Leora," I say, stretching my hand out in an attempt to introduce myself.

"Lucas." His hand envelops mine. My God, his hand is big and surprisingly soft. A jolt of electricity shoots through me as our eyes meet.

I can't help but notice one of the tattoos peeking out from under his rolled-up sleeve. It's an intricate design of a pair of wings in black ink. Emboldened by the connection I smile. "Oh, that's a beautiful tattoo."

His features soften, something akin to sorrow, his face taking on a distant expression,as if recalling a memory. "Thank you. It’s the first tattoo I ever got."

Neither of us say anything as we continue to eye each other and I find myself lost in the depths of his eyes.

"So, Lucas," I say with a warm smile, trying to shift the conversation, not wanting to pry, "Can I buy you a drink?"

He looks down at the glass in his hand, then back up at me. "Thanks, but I already have one."

Heat creeps up my neck and I can feel it reach my neck.

As if sensing my embarrassment, he leans into me again. "How aboutIget you a drink?"

I smile and nod, still feeling embarrassed but thankful.

He buys me an Amaretto Sour, which is delicious. I sip on it for a few seconds before I look up to find him looking at me closely, curiosity glimmering in his eyes. "What brings you here tonight, Leora?" he asks, with genuine interest.

"Just out for some fun with my friends," I reply, pointing toward Adeline and Sophie. His gaze follows where I’m pointing, and as soon as he spots them, a noticeable change shifts in his appearance.

When he looks back at me, the warmth in his eyes has faded, and his jaw is clenched.

"Do you want anything else?" He leans slightly forward, his brow furrowing as he locks eyes with me, and I blink, completely stupefied by his question. I notice a subtle twitch near his eye, and the tension in his jaw as he speaks, making me wonder if I said something wrong.

"I’m sorry?"

"You got your drink. You can go back to your friends now."

"I don’t understand."

"Well, sweetheart, let me put it simply for you: we talked, I bought you a drink, and that’s the end of this transaction."

My hand starts to shake, spilling some of my drink as I'm taken aback, wondering again, if I said something wrong. But as I try to collect myself, I realize it doesn't matter—his condescending attitude is not acceptable. Just before he turns around, something in me snaps and I think of something better to do with the drink.

"You can have your drink back, asshole!" I say, tossing the contents of my drink at him.

It splashes his face, causing him to stumble back a step or two, but I don’t stay to gauge his reaction. My body is on fire as I storm over to Adeline and Sophie, who have been standing on the sidelines watching the whole thing go down. I grab their arms and drag them toward the bathroom with a scowl on my face.

"Are you happy now? I completed your ridiculous mission," I snap, my voice harsher than I intended. They exchange a guilty look, clearly sensing my frustration.

"Oh my gosh, you didn’t just throw a drink in his face!" Sophie says, her hand now covering her mouth in shock.

"That. Was. AMAZING!" Adeline shrieks with a grin, clearly pleased with the outcome. I roll my eyes at her, my irritation simmering beneath the surface.

"I didn't do it for your entertainment," I retort, still fuming.

Adeline's grin fades, and she places a hand on my shoulder. "I’m sorry," she says softly. "What happened?"

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