Page 27 of Attraction

“That’s great. Look, I’m just going to get a drink. Anyone want one?”

“No, we’re all good. We just got a round in before you arrived, but you’re welcome to come and join us.”

“Okay, I’ll be back in a minute.”

She approaches the bar, sits on a stool, and gestures with her hand to the bartender. Getting his attention, she waits her turn. Looking around the busy bar, she becomes aware of someone on the brown leather stool sitting next to her. “Oh, hey Patrick, how are you? I missed you the last couple of days. Didn’t have my pacesetter for the morning run,” she says.

“Yeah, sorry ‘bout that, I should have let you know, but we got spun-up at short notice.”

“Oh, that’s okay. Can’t be helped right, when work calls… you gotta go.” She smiles as he kisses her cheek. He leans over and whistles loudly to the bartender. “It’s so slow in here. You have to keep at them. So how are you, things good? Are you still stayin’ at Digby’s? I mean, how’s that workin’ out?”

“It’s um… interesting.” She laughs. “I keep pushing base-accom for something else but no luck so far. Guess that’s the downside of being the minority sex on a base full of guys—limits my options.”

“But Digby’s not that bad to live with, right? I mean he’s a bit of a dog around women, sure. But the ladies seem to like that about him, or… is that the problem—too many visitors?” He laughs.

“No, no, he’s not had anyone over, and to be fair, he’s really clean and tidy. Actually, he’s a bit of a neat freak. Not at all what I was expecting.”

“So, he’s not tried it on with you then?”

“What?” Choking on her beer, she smiles awkwardly, then looks over where the guys are sat. She deliberately hushes her voice, and continues, “um, no… no, he’s been a gentleman.”

“You sure? Really, Digby hasn’t tried to get in your panties? Have you got that right? We are talking about the sameDigby?” He frowns.

“Well maybe a little flirting—now and again. Well, a lot of flirting.” She laughs.

“Right, that sounds more like it. Hey, I’ll get this, and one for me.” He hands the money over the bar. “You know you want chaser to go with that? Spice things up a little.”

“Um, no. I kinda only ever have one, on a school night, it’s a personal rule. Me and liquor don’t really go together. I get a little stupid so… I kinda like to keep control.”

“Really, you do. Well, I’d like to see that, the gettin’ a little stupid, I mean, not the control.” He laughs. “Oh go on, just have one, it won’t hurt. I’ll keep my eye on you, make sure you don’t get out of hand.”

“Oh okay just one. But I need to stick to it. I mean, Darius might spring this training thing on me, and I don’t want to be hungover.”

“Okay, I understand. We’ll have two whiskey chasers,” he indicates to the barman. “At least I won’t feel so bad about having one now. I don’t like to drink alone.” He smiles.

“Look, I just need the ladies’ room. I’ll only be a minute.”

“Sure thing. Hey, why don’t I grab that booth in the corner then we can talk, away from the bar and the… eyes.” He smiles, nodding towards the guys sat across from them.

Nodding, she frowns, also checking the guys—they’re glancing over and looking at her. She wonders how they’ll feel about her talking to someone from another unit. She knows there’s not much room for crossover between the teams. They all keep themselves tight—protecting each other fiercely—like a pack. Taking a breath, she decides it’ll be fine. It’s not like she’s even made the team yet, and she’s been running with Patrick all week, so it would be rude to just cut and go. Even if he is a little creepy, and his mannerisms a little touchy.

* * *

She takes her seat in the booth as Patrick places the drinks on the table. Sitting down next to her, he smiles. “Sorry, I got talking to some guys from the team.”

“That’s okay.” She looks around at the guys from her team at the other side of the bar and notices that Digby’s now here, and having joined them, he’s leaned on the table, his eyes focused on her.

“So how come you’re out on your own? You don’t have a boyfriend?” Patrick pushes the whiskey across the table towards her. She shakes her head and smiles, thanking him for the drink, taking a large sip. She feels uncomfortable, still aware Digby’s watching—it makes her nervous and Patrick can tell. “So, you’re not getting it on with anyone right now, that seems bizarre to me. Everyone needs to let off a little steam. Especially in our line of work.”

“Um…no.” She frowns, his comment seems a little intrusive and it unsettles her. “I want to focus on work for now. I don’t need to get caught up with anyone.”

“Well, I’mreallysurprised Digby’s not made an offer you can’t refuse. I mean, I’ve known him a long time and someone hot, like you, well I didn’t think he’d leave you alone. Rumor must be wrong, everyone was thinking that he’d be humpin’ your ass by now— sorry, you’ll have to excuse my language, I’m used to being around guys all day.”

“Well we’re not,” she lies. Sipping a large mouthful of drink, he’s now making her feel very uncomfortable.

“Somethin’ wrong?”

“No. Just the um… whiskey tastes a little funny, but it’s okay.”

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