Page 28 of Hot in Witch City
So did I. Any other option would only be disastrous.
Chapter 6
Gianna
At work that evening, after I took care of some reorders from vendors, I checked in with staff and ensured operations were running smoothly. It was a Wednesday, so it was slower than the weekends, but we still had a decent crowd. I sat at the bar and drank my favorite champagne cocktail. What I needed was some fun. Work was done, and mama wanted to play.
Motley Crue’s “Girls, Girls, Girls” came on, and I instinctively tapped my feet along with the music. Down at the other end of the bar, a hot guy with dark hair that extended past his chin smiled at me. I returned it, keeping my gaze on his for a tad longer than one of a general greeting, a subtle invitation noting my interest.
Within a minute, he’d walked over and asked how I was doing. Within another minute, I knew his name was Ryan and that he was visiting from the West Coast. He’d be my perfect playmate for the night.
We ordered another drink and chatted about general bullshit until I was ready to go.
“Want to go outside and get some air?” I suggested.
His pretty blue eyes widened. “Sure.”
We exited the club, and I steered us around to the side of the building. The January night had a chill, but it was clear. Before I took him home, I wanted to sample the goods. If he slobbered all over me when he kissed or did something else that was a turn off, I’d cut him loose and restart my search for a partner. No point in bringing him to my place or going back to his if it didn’t promise to be pleasurable.
“Come here, Ryan,” I said. When he stepped closer, I looped my arm around the back of his neck and leaned up to kiss him.
He swooped in with enthusiasm. Our lips touched—and I recoiled.
What the hell was that about?
“Something wrong?” he asked, brows furrowing with confusion.
I assessed the situation to detect a reason for my peculiar reaction. Did he smell bad or have bad breath? No, nothing like that. He was tall, fit, and attractive.
“No, nothing at all.” I gave him a sweet smile and leaned in again for the kiss.
Once again, our lips touched. He pulled me into his arms, but I immediately wiggled out of them and away.
Ryan blinked at me. “You’re giving me mixed signals here.”
No shit, I was doing the same thing to myself. Why? This shouldn’t be happening.
Sebastian’s face and our hot encounter came to mind. Terrible timing. Why was I thinking of him now? That was a one-night thing.Onenight.
His lips had been so soft and sensual. His beard tickled yet felt good brushing against my cheek. I wanted to look into his deep brown eyes before I kissed him again, feeling that spark ignite between us once more.
I backed away from Ryan. “Sorry, this was a bad idea. I need to go.”
Before Ryan could ask any more questions, I rushed back into the club and went to my office. My heart was beating faster as I tried to sort through what had just happened.
What I wanted was vivid in my mind—orwho, rather.
Ah, hell. I shouldn’t call him after that whole mate thing. I’d be sending him mixed signals, too.
On the other hand, Sebastian had assured me that his wolf was just confused.
He wanted to get together again. I wanted to see him again. We were both adults. Was there any reason we shouldn’t get together for one more night?
No.
I picked up my phone and texted him.Are you home?
No, at work.
