Page 31 of Playing With My Fire

I open my mouth, but no words fall out.

His smile widens, showing off straight, perfectly white teeth.

“Don’t worry, I don’t bite. Unless you want me to.” He winks.

Even though I’m pretty sure I’m not into men, I can’t help but melt a little. He’s very sweet, something that’s been sorely missing in my life.

Eventually, I nod yes. “I’d love a shot of tequila.”

He laughs. “I suppose a shot of courage wouldn’t hurt. I think I’ll join you.”

He leads me to the overcrowded bar and quickly gets the attention of an extremely handsome Hispanic man who saunters right over.

“Hey, Caleb.”

“What’s up, Eduardo?”

They fist bump before Eduardo eyes me with interest.

“Can we get two shots of Jose?” Caleb asks.

He nods but continues to stare at me. “Can I see your ID, honey?”

The ease I found with Caleb quickly dissipates as my body begins to shake as I search my purse for my wallet. Warmth covers my back in the form of Caleb’s hand which eases me a little bit.

He leans close and whispers, “You’re over twenty-one, right?”

I nod adamantly and show him my driver’s license I just found as proof before I hand it to the bartender. Eduardo studies it intently, perhaps thinking it’s a fake before he finally nods and hands it back with a wink.

What is it with these winky men?

“Welcome to Abuela’s, sweetheart.” Then, he deftly pours two shots and hands them over. “Enjoy!”

We barely offer thanks before he’s moving on to all the waving patrons.

“To making new friends.” Caleb holds his shot glass up that I carefully clink with mine.

Together, we throw the tequila back.

I’m left sputtering for breath while he smirks at me. “You’re pretty adorable, you know that?”

More red covers my face. I’m sure I look like a cherry.

I nod. “Though, I can’t say it’s the best pickup line.”

He leans close conspiratorially. “Oh, honey, I’m taken, and I definitely don’t think I’m your type even if I wasn’t.”

Holy shit!

Am I that obvious?

“You can tell I’m gay?” I squeak.

Another chuckle. “Well, no, I actually meant that we’re both submissive.”

I eye him up and down.

Seriously?

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