Page 39 of 12 Months of Mayhem

“Hope you don’t mind the surprise,” she says, a touch of teasing in her voice. “Thought it’d be a nice way to bring in the new year.”

“You did all this for free beer?” I ask, crossing my arms, playing along.

She raises an eyebrow, a playful smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “And maybe… just maybe, for a certain tall, brooding guy behind the bar.” Her eyes never leave mine, and suddenly, the noise around us fades, leaving just the two of us in our little world.

“Could’ve just called, you know,” I murmur, trying to keep my cool, though it’s a fight with her this close.

Brandy shrugs, her smile widening. “Where’s the fun in that?”

She reaches across the bar, her fingers brushing mine. It’s a simple touch, but it feels like it carries the weight of every missed moment, every stolen glance, and every what-if.

“Happy New Year, Whiskey,” she whispers, her voice barely carrying over the noise, but I hear every word like it’s just for me.

I smirk, pouring a shot and sliding it over to her. “Happy New Year, Brandy. Here’s to more… surprises.”

Brandy nods, throwing the shot back in one smooth motion, her eyes never leaving mine. She sets the glass down with a little clink, a hint of mischief in her smile.

“Better get back to it,” she says, sliding off the stool, but she pauses just a second longer, leaning in close. “Find me at midnight?”

I give her a slow nod, letting a grin tug at my mouth. “I think I will.”

She winks, a quick flash of that devil-may-care spark in her eyes, then turns on her heel, making her way back through the crowd. The energy shifts as she steps onto the stage again, the room pulsing with anticipation as she grabs the mic and shoots a knowing glance back at me.

The band kicks off another song, and her voice rises over the notes, sending a fresh thrill through the bar. It’s like she commands the whole room, and damn if it doesn’t feel like she’s singing just for me.

***

The clock has well and truly struck midnight and then some. When I glance up at the old clock above the bar, the hands are creeping toward four in the morning. Somehow, the night slipped away while Brandy and her band played like they were possessed. The bar is mostly empty now, with the boys helping the last stragglers out the door, but Brandy and her band? They’re still here, packing up their gear with the same energy they had at the start of the night.

They must’ve played a dozen sets, taking just enough time between each one to catch their breath and down some water before diving back in. But looking at Brandy as she slings her guitar into its case, you’d think it was still the start of the night. She’s all fire and spark, her eyes bright, not a trace of exhaustion in sight.

I cross the room, stepping over an abandoned beer cup and a handful of confetti that must’ve come from somewhere. “You planning on going all night, or are you gonna let this place close?” I tease, watching as she straightens up, a smile playing on her lips.

She turns to face me, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. “Didn’t think you’d still be here,” she says, a playful gleam in her eye. “Figured you’d be wiped out by now, old man.”

“Guess I can handle more than you thought,” I say, leaning against the wall as I watch her finish.

Her grin widens. “We’ll see about that.” She steps closer, looking up at me, and even with the wear of the night, she’s magnetic. The world feels quiet, just the two of us in the lingering warmth of the night.

“Didn’t think you’d stick around just for me,” she murmurs, her voice softer now.

“Who says I did?” I reply, though the look in her eyes says she knows better.

Brandy lets out a laugh that has a hint of something sexy underneath. “Guess I owe you for more than just the drinks, then,” she murmurs, words hanging heavy between us, eyes glinting with unspoken promises. That look—yeah, she’s not ready to call it a night.

I grin, raising an eyebrow. “Pretty sure it’s me who owes you. Think you’ve got it in you to keep going?”

She leans in, her voice dropping to a whisper that sends a shiver down my spine. “Only one way to find out.” Brandy slips her hand into mine, fingers warm, and gives a little tug toward the door. “Come on,” she says, a spark in her eyes.

As we pass Gamble, I give him a nod. “Gamble, I’m out. Happy New Year, man. You’re closing up tonight. I’ll see you around.”

Gamble grins, shaking his head with a chuckle. “Got it, Prez. You two have a good one.”

Once we’re outside, I turn to her. “Where to?”

She raises an eyebrow, all confident. “The Imperial Hotel. Huge shower, king-size bed… plenty of room to relax.”

A slow smile tugs at my lips. I lead her to my bike, pulling my helmet off the handle and holding it out. “You ever been on one of these before?”

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