Page 59 of Debts and Desires
My leg bounced nervously as I looked around, catching a few patrons whispering with their gazes our way. Carter’s hand slid across my knee and he gave it a reassuring squeeze before letting go.
“Relax, darlin’. It’s gonna be okay,” he said. I would’ve swooned if I didn’t feel sick. Or maybe I was just hungry? I tried to take his words to heart, but I felt nervous.
“So, how long you two been a thing?” Tyler asked when he returned with our drinks.
“I told you, we’re not ‘a thing’,” Carter corrected, grabbing his beer. My face heated.
“My best ever performer went radio silent a month ago and suddenly shows up with you? Besides, I wasn’t askin’ you. I was askin’ the lady,” Tyler remarked. Radio silent? I didn’t remember getting any texts from Tyler. I would have to check later.
“Oh, uh, we’re just friends,” I smiled again. Truthfully, though, I wanted to be more than that with Carter. I wanted to be his entirely. I had realized it when he was on the phone earlier.
What is wrong with you?! You’ve barely known the guy for a month.
My thoughts were right, but part of me wanted to argue. I had no idea why. I couldn’t let it,us, happen. Carter was too much for someone like me. Too much for any woman, really. He was so handsome, protective, intimidating and such an arrogant asshole. I knew I had no business getting involved with him romantically, especially considering the circumstances. Plus, he was out of my league.
Butdamn,did I want to.
“Sure,” Tyler said, his grin wider now, as if he could read my thoughts.
Fuck.
How was I going to get through being here? How was I going to keep answering questions with answers that tasted like bitter lies?
As if also struggling with his thoughts, Carter finished his beer in record timing, and Tyler was quick to get him another. The sound of the glass clinking against the bar made me decide I needed something to take the edge off and alcohol seemed to be the best option.
“Can I get a beer, too?” I asked.
“Absolutely. What kind?” Tyler asked.
“Whatever Carter’s drinking,” I answered. Without hesitation, Carter passed me his untouched his bottle. Graciously, I took it.
I knew I should have just stuck to water, but I couldn’t stop myself. It was like the answer to all my problems was in that bottle, and I was desperate for a fix. I drank half the bottle, and my nerves calmed some. I was able to relax more. I looked at Carter and smiled and he smiled back, an unspoken conversation between us.
A bell rang from the kitchen, and Tyler disappeared, returning a moment later with a tray of our food. The silence as we ate was less awkward. I finished my first wing and reached for my second when Tyler came back with two more beers.
“I think maybe we should close up the shop early and stay here?” I asked. Carter grinned and leaned toward me.
“Don’t think stayin’ here means I won’t still eat your pussy when we get home.” I took in a sharp breath.
“Good. I’m counting on it,” I challenged. “I still have to suck your dick, too.” He only shook his head, smiling as he pulled away just as Tyler came back.
“So do you own Pete’s Sake?” I asked Tyler after a while.
“Nope. Not answerin’ that ‘cause you said it wrong,” Tyler said.
“What?” I raised a brow.
“JustPete’s,” Carter said with a chuckle.
“Sorry.” I rolled my eyes. “Do you ownPete’s,” I corrected.
“Good. Now you sound like a local instead of a tourist,” Tyler laughed. “And yes, I do. It was my stepdad’s. He left it to me when he passed.” He seemed sadder.
“How long have you owned it?”
“Officially? ‘Bout eight years now. Unofficially? About eleven. I was a manager for a while, tryin’ to get the folks to warm up to seein’ me when Clark got sick.”
“Hate to tell ya, but no one’s warmed up to that mug of yours,” Carter cut in.
