Page 2 of Running with Direwolves
“Oh … I…” She looked around.
“There’s nowhere else,” he said and took a slug from a bottle of beer.
It was true. The Gin Room had suddenly gotten busy. “Sure, go ahead.” She smiled and went back to her phone, bringing up a research paper on wolf nutrition in the hope of solving her problem.
The man sat, he was quiet as he poked at the label on his beer, perhaps listening to the jazz playing from speakers. After about twenty minutes he spoke, “Want another?” He nodded at her empty glass.
“I…” She studied him. He was young and handsome, there was no denying that. He had a long straight nose and a dimple in the center of his chin. His jawline held a shadow of stubble and his eyes were piercing blue, just like the direwolf’s.
“No strings.” He shrugged. “I’m just going to the bar and it’s busy up there now.”
“Okay, thanks, I’ll give you some money.” She didn’t want to be indebted.
“My treat.” He stood and walked away.
For a moment her attention lingered on his jean-clad ass. It was damn cute and a perfect handful.
It had been a long time since she’d had any bedroom action. Since splitting with Graham, she’d thrown herself into work. Her friend Mae kept telling her to get back in the saddle, even if it was just a one-night stand. Maybe she should. Maybe Beer Guy could come in useful. Scratch the itch. No … he was too young. She had to be fifteen years his senior.
She squirmed on her seat as she watched him at the bar. His shoulders were wide and his light brown hair licked the base of his neck. Beneath those clothes was a damn fine body—she’d bet good money on that.
A couple of girls to his right were checking him out, nudging each other. He turned, drinks in hand, and wandered back, appearing not to notice his admirers.
Quickly she studied her phone again.
“Here.” He slid a gin and tonic her way. “I asked the barman what you drank.”
“Ah, thanks. Yes, he knows. I pop in often enough.”
“Nice to have a regular place.”
“I guess.” She paused as he sat. “You from the city?”
“No, just visiting.”
“Work?”
“Something like that.”
“Man of mystery, eh?”
He kind of smiled and took a drink of his beer.
Sienna set down her phone. “So, if you’re visiting, have you done the tourist sights?”
“You mean the Empire State?”
“Yes, that, and Statue of Liberty, Central Park…”
“I’ve been in the park all day.”
“And did you enjoy it?”
“Busy, I’m not used to so many people.”
“That’s the Big Apple for you.” She glanced at the two girls who’d been regarding her drink companion. They were wandering off. “What’s your name?”
“Tarl. You?”
