Page 13 of The Jinglebell War
On one of my first nights in Yuletide, I invited Tilly back to my place, but bailed as soon as I found out she’s a local. I don’t bring locals home ever, because the last thing I want is a relationship.
My focus needs to be on building my business, Evergreen Expeditions.
All I have room for are casual hookups, and locals in a small town are always looking to get serious, no matter what they claim.
It was nearly five years ago, but Tilly can hold a grudge like no one I’ve ever met. She sees my decision not to sleep with her as a permanent character flaw.
“I can’t apologize more than I already have, Tilly. Can I just get a beer?”
“There aren’t enough apologies in the world for your behavior, Garrick. Not least of which is that you assumed I couldn’t handle a one-night stand. You didn’t even bother to ask.”
She’s right, but I can’t change the past. “Maybe it was me who was worried about getting attached to you.”
She snorts. “You want what’s on tap or what?”
I don’t even bother looking at the tap or the drink menu on the wall behind her. “Can I get a non-alcoholic IPA?”
She nods. “We’ve got a new one in. Want to try it?”
Saying no doesn’t seem like a viable option. “I’d love to.”
She gives me a mock bow, grabs a can from the cooler, and hands it over. “That’ll be ten dollars.”
She’s overcharging me and she should at least ask if I want it in a glass, but I don’t argue. Tilly not only tends bar here, as of last month, she’s the owner.
I give her fifteen in cash. I won’t be buying anymore drinks tonight, because I’m not looking to get buzzed or drunk. I’m looking for an entirely different kind of good time tonight.
As soon as I turn away from the bar top, I see exactly what I’m looking for. She’s in a blousey top and leather pants, her back’s to me, but that’s enough to make it obvious she’s got an amazing figure even with the dim lighting. Her light hair is up in some sort of tight ‘do, showing off a slender, pale neck.
She’s leaning in close to a guy I’ve never seen around town and I’m about to write her off as attached until another woman joins them and slides an arm around his waist.
My blood sizzles with anticipation.
I’m so looking forward to a break from the stress of running a business. I need the lightness and pleasure of no strings sex.
Game on.
The woman in the leather pants must be on the same sort of mission I’m on, because she walks away from the couple and stops in front of a man leaning against the wall. There’s a small chance she’s here with the guy, but I’m betting she’s single and looking to hook up, and I need to slide in there before she leaves with the man who’s scanning her body with a smirk and heat in his gaze.
I’m halfway across the bar, planning out my strategy, when a server drops a tray of glasses and my conquest turns to look in my direction.
My heart goes cold as I realize my mistake. That isn’t light hair, it’spinkhair. And that woman with the amazing body is my worst enemy.
Thankfully, Blue Porter doesn’t see me, and she turns back to her man. I could walk away. I could go to another bar or even find a willing woman here, but I got a call today that I’m fully blaming on Blue and I’m in the mood for a little payback.
That and annoying Blue Porter is almost as much fun as getting laid.
I don’t even have to fake my smile. As soon as I’m close enough, I slide an arm around her waist and press a kiss to her cheek. “Hi, Baby. Sorry I’m late.”
She smells so good I can’t help but breathe her in. What is that scent? Lavender and something spicy.
I don’t get a chance to figure it out. Blue shoves me away so hard I almost spill my drink. “Ew, Garrick. get off me.”
Her eyes flash with anger, and her hands are actually shaking. She is so fucking fierce and gorgeous. Too bad she’s a demon set on ruining my life.
“This guy bothering you?” The man she was flirting with asks as he stomps toward me in designer boots, a big old expensive watch on his wrist. I know his type. I used to be his type.
“Yes, but—” Blue starts.
