Page 16 of Naughty & Nice

I’m late arriving, playing will I or won’t I all afternoon. Looking around the place, it’s buzzing with people. Are all of these patrons here for Addison? It wouldn’t surprise me. Little Miss Sunshine seems like she’d be popular enough for the whole damn town to turn out.

“She’s not here yet,” Jason says.Fuck.

“Who?”

“Oh, come on, Trev. She’s hot as hell and has her eyes set on you. What’s wrong with you, man?”

Pulling up the stool beside him, I make eye contact with the bartender, who holds up an amber bottle in question. With a quick nod, I place my forearms on the countertop in front of me and drop my head. “I’m just not sure I want to risk it with another stunner like her. I fell hard and fast for the last one. I had a fucking ring, Jason. And she ripped my heart out. I’m worried if this one goes south, I’ll be so bitter I’ll never date again. I’ll have to stick with Tinder to get off. And I don’t think anyone who uses Tinder is within an hour of Sycamore Mountain.”

“You’re probably right.”

“How do you do it? Where do you meet women here?”

“Oh, once you’ve lived here long enough, you’ll meet more. But if I had someone like that barking up my tree…”

I notice Jason’s stare is pointed over my shoulder. Turning to follow his line of sight, my gaze connects with shining, bright blue eyes. I may have stopped breathing for a minute. She’s got her long dark hair down about her shoulders, her cheeks are pink to match her pouty lips, and her deep blue V-neck dress clings to her gorgeous body like it was painted on. I can’t stop my eyes from traveling the length of her. Right down to the open-toed black stilettos she’s wearing. My dick twitches, thinking about them wrapped about my shoulders.Shit.This night isn’t starting off well. I’ve lost control, and she’s barely got both feet in the door.

“There’s the birthday girl. Trying to make a grand entrance? I would’ve thought you would have been here before now,” Jason teases as he pulls her in for a hug.

“Oh, I was actually. I came straight from work and filled up on Sam’s food. Went home to clean up and come back. Thought it might wake me up a little.”

“Another early day at the bakery?”

“Yeah, they all start that way. But I feel better now that I’ve had a shower.”

Fuck. Now that image is all I can picture.

“Oh, I got you something.” Jason stops to pull a gift bag up from beside him. “Hope you like it.”

“You didn’t have to do that.” She giggles as she pulls out the tissue paper concealing the gift and wraps her arms around his neck in appreciation after seeing the bracelet inside. “That’s so thoughtful. I’m putting it on as soon as I sit down.”

I watch as she walks away, headed for a corner table where Alden and Cece sit, awaiting her arrival. Wow. Other than the conversation our eyes had when she walked in, I didn’t get a word. Maybe she’s over whatever this game is she’s playing. I should be relieved, but I have to admit I feel more than a little jealous of Jason’s reception.

Almost an hour of sitting at this bar passes before I see Addison approach in the mirror’s reflection before me. I’ve just reached for a fresh beer when she asks the bartender for a margarita.

“What, no tequila shot tonight?” What the hell am I thinking asking her this? Do you remember what happened last time she ordered one of those?That’s precisely why I’m asking, and I know it.

“Yeah, I think I’m getting drunk enough without adding that to the mix.” She giggles. Her hand suddenly trails from my shoulder down my arm, startling me. “So, you don’t have anything for me?” She pouts.

Hell, I’ve got something for you, all right.“As a matter of fact, I do.”

I can’t help but return her grin when she beams up at me in surprise. Reaching into my sports coat pocket, I retrieve the card I bought on the way here. It’s a generic birthday card. Nothing too funny or sentimental. Just packaging for her gift, really. As she opens the folded printer paper with the gift card confirmation, I study her face.

“Clone-A-Willy? Is this a make-your-own dick kit?” she blurts.

Looking about to make sure I don’t have the entire bar listening to this conversation, I return to her shocked expression. “It’s an online sex toy shop. You don’t have to use the gift card for that one if you’d prefer a different battery-operated boyfriend,” I say seriously. “Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones you need.”

Leaning back, in case she decides to deck me in front of all of her friends, I hold my breath as she comes closer.

“Well, it’s important to accept your shortcomings,” she says, looking down at my crotch. “Thank you for not offering, just to leave me disappointed.” Addison whirls toward her table before I can reply to the contrary.I guess I had that coming.

“Where’d Addy go?” the bartender asks, holding a fresh margarita.

“Oh, I’ve got it. I’ll take it to her.”

Standing from my barstool, I carefully make my way over to her and wordlessly slide the frozen cocktail in front of her to avoid getting her riled up and exposing my gift for everyone to see. I notice Jason has an empty chair next to him and decide to stay, hoping I can remain out of harm’s way.

“Nice,” Jason nudges.

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