Page 23 of Mess With Me
Ally huffed and lifted her palms to show him she was hands-off. “I know she’s your partner. I get it, okay?”
He smiled even more. “I mean my actual partner at work.”
“At work,” she echoed, her mind whirling. She wasn’t a terrible person after all. Relief quickly morphed into anger. He might’ve been clearer about him and Cali. She’d felt so guilty lusting over his manly self. If she had any sense at all, she’d pull herself out of this vortex of lusty attraction and make some serious space between her and Ethan.
Sense had never been her strong suit.
She eased closer again. He smelled wonderful like the outdoors, all woodsy earthy sex appeal. “But she wasn’t with you when you pulled me over for speeding.”
His dark blue eyes were hot on hers, his voice husky. “I picked up someone else’s shift that day.”
“Or tonight,” she breathed.
He rested his arm on the bar top behind her and it was almost like he’d put his arm around her, hot and close. The wave of lust made her nearly woozy; electricity raced through her, heart pounding, skin hot. It had been way too long.
His voice was gravelly, close enough to give her a shiver. “She’s in Brazil for two weeks, so you’re not going to see us working together anytime soon. Now can I buy you a drink?”
She was tempted, so tempted. She was the designated driver for her friends tonight, though it was early enough she could probably swap with someone. It would be so easy. Have a few drinks, fall into bed, but then what? It was too soon to get caught up in a sex cocktail. Not that he’d offered a sex cocktail, but her body was getting that message loud and clear. Deep down she knew why she hadn’t been with a man in a long while and it was reason enough for her brain to call a halt to her body’s urgings.
And she needed to stop hoping for a fantasy man to make her life all sunshine and roses. Even if Ethan was very close to her ideal fantasy man—all gorgeous with a sense of humor and generous nature.
She waved in the direction of her friends. “I’m the designated driver for the apartment crowd. I’m in the same complex as Missy, Lexi, and Sabrina. Just water for me tonight and that’s free. Thanks, anyway.”
Josh served up Ethan’s beer and coughed out, “Crash and burn.”
Ally froze.
Ethan smirked at Josh. “Sorry, did you say you wanted to see Hailey? Where is that tempting princess?”
Josh’s gaze went right to Hailey like he kept track of her. Ethan and Jake laughed. Ally bit back a smile.
“Notice how he knew right where she was?” Ethan asked Jake.
“Messed up,” Jake said.
“Shut up or you’re both cut off,” Josh growled.
Ally left the three of them razzing each other and made her escape, meeting up with Carrie. She’d missed her since they didn’t live together anymore. Sisters before misters was her new mantra.
When her friends were ready for her to drive them back to the apartment complex, she said her goodbyes to the other ladies and sent a wave in the general direction of the guys. Ethan gave her a small ironic salute. She saluted back and sailed out the door.
Ally drove her ancient white Ford Escort, it had been her older sister’s car, with Missy in the passenger seat, Lexi and Sabrina in the back. She’d just pulled out to Main Street when Missy surprised her with a sweet compliment. “I really admired what you said at book club tonight.”
Ally glanced over at her. “Thank you! I really meant it. This commitment to myself is so eye-opening. I realized I need to learn to trust myself, to givemyselfan incredible life, to accept my flaws and work on improving my strengths.” She’d given this a lot of thought, actually. Now that she’d resisted temptation, she was more committed than ever.
“Beautiful,” Missy murmured.
“That’s a thing!” Sabrina piped up from the backseat. “I mean, committing to yourself. It’s called sologamy. You can marry yourself.”
The hair on the back of Ally’s neck stood at attention. “Marry myself?”
“Yes! It symbolizes commitment to self,” Sabrina said.
“You guys!” Ally exclaimed. “I’ve got goose bumps. I’m doing it! I’m marrying myself. I’m going to get a beautiful dress, a ring—no. Fuck the patriarchy! I’m getting a beautiful silver heart necklace. I want you all there. We’ll have a nice dinner, I’ll say my vows, you’ll all witness them, and then we’ll celebrate.”
“I want to do it too,” Missy said.
“Really?” Ally asked, thrilled not to be alone in sologamy.
