Page 101 of The Other Guy

* * *

“This isn’t exactly what I expected when you asked if I’d ridden a bull before.”

“I know. The look on your face when I asked was priceless. Though the look right now is, too. What’s wrong, Sierra? You’ve never been on a mechanical bull before?”

“No. I haven’t.”

“Chicken?”

I narrow my eyes and throw my shoulders back. “I didn’t say that.”

“Uh huh. Come on. Let’s put our names in.”

“Can’t I watch a few people go first? Or, you know, get really, really drunk? It seems like an activity that should only be participated in while rip-roaring drunk.”

“So you can pee your pants while you fall off laughing?”

“At least I’d have an excuse. What does it say about me if I pee my pants and fall off while I’m completely sober?”

He laughs as he takes my hand in his and guides me through the crowded room. I notice women do a double-take when they see him and the look of disappointment when they take in our linked hands. I can’t help but want to smile in their direction and stamp MINE across his forehead. But… well, that doesn’t make sense because that would be on his own. Where do I want to stamp it? Either way, I wrap my other arm around his bicep and lean in closer, preening when he aims a happy grin my way.

Oh, yeah.

He likes it that I’m claiming him.

Just like I like that he’s making sure every guy in here knows I’m with him.

I’ve never been a jealous person before so this is a little new to me, wanting to make sure that all these women staring at him know he’s taken. By me.

He settles us at a high-top table and I look around.

“It looks like a cowboy threw up in here.”

He takes his eyes off me for a moment to look around. “Well, it’s a country bar so…”

“Ahh. That makes sense. I like it, though. It’s not hokey, y’know?” I add on because the expression on his face makes me a little nervous, like I just offended him.

That seems to make him relax again. “Yup.”

“Plus, you already know I love country music.”

“So you’re saying you like it here?”

“Absolutely! It’s wonderful,” I practically squeal. Maybe I’m overcompensating just a tad.

“Okay, okay. I get it. You’re worried you hurt my feelings when you said a cowboy threw up in here.”

“Kind of?” I stretch my lips out and show my teeth. “I’m sorry, it was kind of a dick thing to say.”

“Not at all. It’s true. I took you to a cowboy steakhouse and now this. Apparently I was trying to show you I’m all man,” he says, joking, puffing out his chest and dropping the tone of his voice.

I giggle. “I didn’t even think of that. But yeah, you took me to Texas in Michigan, didn’t you?”

“I guess I did. And here I thought I had such a great date night planned.”

I lift my butt off the seat and stretch across the table. I brace myself with my hands on the table and kiss him. “It’s been perfect and I have no doubt the rest of the night will be also.”

A waiter comes over, placing a coaster in front of me then Jack. It’s cardboard with the logo of the bar on it and I have the crazy desire to steal one so I can remember our first date. First of many, hopefully. “Can I get you two something from the bar?”

---