Page 19 of Heartstrings & Horizons
“Nothing. Where’s Cara?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Catching up with Jen at the bar. Everything going okay with ya’ll?” I’m not surprised he didn’t notice the tension between us.
“If by “okay” you mean she has zero interest in me, then yeah. Things are great.”
“Ouch. Sorry, man.”
“It’s fine. We both know I’m only here as a distraction so you can get your dick wet.” I give him a friendly clap on the shoulder and head over to the bar.
Thanks to the interruption from my best friend, I momentarily forgot about the message waiting for me on my phone. I settle myself on a stool towards the end of a bar, far away from the blue-eyed blonde with the attitude, and snag another beer from Liam. Jen seems to be occupying herself with Mac, one of the bar’s regulars. He’s a massive tattooed biker and Jen seems enthralled by whatever conversation they’re having, so I guess I’m off the hook. My eyes lock with hers across the bar before she lunges at Mac, planting her lips on his. He looks completely taken aback. I’m not entirely sure of her intentions, but I’m perfectly content to let them enjoy their evening. I pull out my phone and smile.
Paige: Hey Cowboy.
Yeah, I guess I could see why that text would look bad without context, particularly to someone I was supposed to be on a first date with, but she also didn’t give me a chance to explain. I quickly tap out a reply.
Cade: Hey Sunshine.
Paige: How's your date going?
Cade: Not even sure I can call it a date.
Paige: Oh, this sounds juicy. Tell me more.
Cade: Are you enjoying my misery?
Paige: What if I am?
This girl is going to be the death of me. She’s effortlessly sexy and I’ve found myself adjusting myself in my jeans more than once over an innocent comment steeped in innuendo.
Cade: Careful, I might have to punish you for being a brat.
Three little dots appear and disappear. Once, twice. Then nothing. I’m second-guessing myself, wondering if maybe I went too far, so I startto type out an apology when another one pops up.
Paige: You’d have to get a passport first, Cowboy.
Cade: Not a cowboy, remember?
Paige: Must have slipped my mind.
Cade: So, what are you up to tonight?
Paige: Just hanging out at home.
Seconds later, my phone flashes with an incoming call, a photo of Paige lighting up the dark bar. I swipe to answer, passing Liam as I head to the small office in the back for some privacy. I plant myself behind my boss’ desk with a glass of amber liquid.
“How you holding up?”
“Wishing you were here to keep me company. You’d be a much better companion than this watered down whiskey.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere, good sir.” I can hear the laughter in her voice.
“It’s the truth, Paige. You always know how to make me smile.” I’m in dangerous waters now, openly flirting with the one person I can’t ever be with. The alcohol is clearly affecting my judgement.
“Wish I could be there with you. Maybe steal a dance under the neon lights.”
“You’re killing me, Sunshine. We both know we shouldn’t go there.”
Guilt consumes me as she lets out a sigh. It wasn’t my intention to put a damper on what has far and away been the best part of my night.
