Just as I reached for the drinks, a man came up to me and brushed his fingers along the counter. “Please tell me you’re just really thirsty and not here with someone.”
I looked up to see a rather attractive man starting at me. I chuckled and shook my head.
“Sorry. I’m here with someone.”
He shook his head and groaned. “That’s what I was afraid of. Have a great night.”
“You too.” I clutched both glasses and spun around to see Shep’s eyes right on me.
No doubt he saw what just happened, and I couldn’t help but love the feeling. I never went out, but I certainly hadn’t expected to have two men try to pick me up. That was usually how it worked for Mae, but not for me.
As I walked over to Shep, he didn’t take his eyes off me.
I set the drinks down, and Shep smiled.
“I thought you might be extra thirsty, so I brought two drinks.” I scowled as the words came out.
Shep’s smile widened. “Um. Thank you?”
I grunted and collapsed into the booth. “Sorry. Can I have a do-over? I was trying to recreate what that guy just said to me.”
“You mean the one who still can’t keep his eyes off you?”
My cheeks warmed. “Seriously?”
Shep nodded, taking a sip from the drink I brought over. “He’s a doctor. His name is Cliff.”
“How do you know?” I asked, glancing in the stranger’s direction.
Shep was right. He was looking over here.
“He’s a regular. When you live across the street like I do, you kind of get familiar with the lay of the land.” Shep smiled and swirled his drink around. “Is he your type?”
I shrugged. “I don’t have a type.”
“If I weren’t here, would you have gone for him?” Shep watched me intently, and his attention felt good.
It shouldn’t have, but it did.
“I don’t know. Maybe. Probably not.” I let out an exhausted sigh. “That’s the problem. I don’t go for anyone.”
Shep’s eyes fell to my lips, and I wanted nothing more than to be kissed by him again. I knew I shouldn’t want it. He’d always been clear about his intentions with dating.
And we all knew I was an absolute mess with no hope of settling down, thanks to the daily reminders of where relationships end up.
So why was I making it so complicated?
“Okay.” I smacked the table, and Shep jumped. “I got one.”
“One what?”
“A pickup line.”
He motioned with his two fingers and smiled. “Lemme have it.”
“I hear nothing lasts forever,” I started, and Shep cocked his head. “So, will you be my nothing?”
Shep winced as his lips puckered. “Boy, that really gets right to the point.”