Page 34 of Bleeding Hearts

I’ve never been in love, but if I ever did decide to give it a go, I know I’d want what they have.

To get that look and feel the warmth in your chest of caring so much for someone else just at the sound of their name. That’s what I imagine true love is.

“That’s amazing, Ang. Tell her congrats from me. And she’ll love anything you do for her. She loves you.” I smile at her.

“Yeah, how fucking lucky am I?” She smiles back. “Anyway, you want your usual beer?”

“Yeah, and another vodka cranberry for Theo, please.”

“You got it.” She turns to walk to the other side of the bar to grab the drinks.

“Thanks, Ang,” I call out behind her just as I feel another body press up beside me.

“Hi.” The short, blonde-haired woman stares up at me, her chest pushed firmly up against my arm. “I’m Lucy.”

“Asher.” I give her a close-lipped smile.

“I have a confession.” She giggles and something inside me recoils. I’m not even sure why.

She’s exactly the type of girl I’d normally go for. But if I’m being honest, it’s been a while since I’ve wanted to be with anyone. And I know the reason for that, even if I won’t admit it to myself. Said reason is sitting on the other side of this bar.

I used to be out most nights looking for a random hookup, or I’d hook up with Sabrina, my old “friends with benefits.”

But three months ago, something changed. Instead of spending all my nights with other women, I spent most of my nights with Demi in a completely platonic way. I never thought I’d say it, but I found something better than sex.

Spending time with her.

“Oh yeah? What’s that?” I ask Lucy as she presses up against me further. She’s clearly drunk.

“I think you’re really, really hot,” she whispers. “I was wondering if maybe you’d want to go somewhere together?” She smiles up at me, hopeful.

A year ago, hell even a few months ago, I wouldn’t hesitate to say yes. I’d be out of here without even waiting for my drink, but it’s different now.

I look over to where Theo and Demi are sitting, waiting for me to come back, and I catch her eyes on me. She looks between Lucy and me and smiles at me, but it’s not the big Demi smile I’m used to. It’s muted and small, and I fucking hate it.

“Thanks, Lucy. I really appreciate it, but I’ve actually got to get back to my friends. Have a good night though,” I say right as Angie walks back over with my drinks. “Thanks, Ang.” I grab them from her, handing her some cash to cover it, plus a tip, before turning and walking back to the table.

I set Theo’s drink in front of him, which he barely acknowledges because he’s on the phone, before sliding back into the booth next to Demi.

“Hey, what happened? That girl looked like she was into you.” Demi gives me that same muted smile and all I want to do is put her real smile back on her face.

“Yeah, it was nothing. I’d rather hang out with you, sugarplum.” I throw my arm over the booth behind her shoulders again, taking a sip of my beer with my other hand.

“Well, with that nickname, forget it. She can have you.” Her real smile spreads wide across her face and I feel something inside me settle as it does.

“Oh really?” I smile down at her, pretending to stand from the booth and go back to her. Demi quickly grabs my arm, pulling me back down next to her, her thigh pressed firmly against my own.

“I guess you’re not too bad to hang out with either,” she says softly.

“I’m fucking fantastic to hang out with,” I say, and she throws her head back with a loud laugh.

Her hair cascades over my arm that’s resting on the booth behind her and it takes all my self-control not to reach out and run my fingers through it. To see how it would feel to have her long brown locks wrapped around my fist.

“If you two lovebirds are done, we have more planning to do,” Theo’s voice breaks through the moment and we both sit up straighter, turning our attention to him. “Perfect, now let’s talk tablecloths.”

I slouch into the booth, knowing I’m in for a long night and my hand brushes against Demi’s shoulder.

I’m not sure when exactly my life changed that I’d rather spend my night wedding planning than hooking up with a willing woman, but with Demi sitting next to me, I couldn’t care less.

---