Page 21 of Always Knew It Was You

Later that night, as the crowd thins out, I end up manning the drink bar. Emma taught me how to pour a few of our most popular drinks and usually no one orders anything super complicated, which frustrates Emma because she wants to be able to show off the fancy skills that she learned at bartending school. But it’s great for nights like tonight when Emma’s not around, because it means I pretty much have it handled.

I’m wiping down glasses when a familiar cologne drifts to me followed by a deep voice. “Hello, Athena.”

My face shoots up, and a smile spreads to my lips. “You’re back.”Did he just call me Athena?

“Yup.” Micah Landing is standing opposite my bar, looking as delicious as always. His hair is damp, his curls shiny. He’s dressed today in slacks, a casual polo shirt, and a watch that probably costs more than my parent’s entire house. “Flew back this evening to discuss some things with Declan.”

“Yeah?” I ask. “Things with the hotel?”

He nods but doesn’t elaborate, as his gaze instead traces down my body. “How is it possible that you look even prettier than when I last saw you?”

Anticipation races through my veins at the look in his eyes. “I doubt it. When you last saw me, I was in a five-thousand-dollar dress and just got my makeup done by someone called the Face Reformer.” Strange name, I thought, but Rachel assured me that the woman did make up for a bunch of top celebrities. “So I doubt I can beat that, with a black T-shirt and cargo shorts.”

Micah smirks and plants his elbows on the counter, leaning forward to whisper. “Actually, when I last saw you, your makeup was long gone and that dress was on the hotel room floor so I don’t think either of those things even mattered.”

I swallow. My heart is racing and desire is flaying me again making my skin hypersensitive. “Oh?”

“Really,” he says. “I can’t wait to do it again.”

“Who says I’m going to let you?” The challenge slips out breathlessly. “Besides I thought it was a one-night thing.”

“One night, two nights, I’ve never been good at math.” He waves a hand. “So what say you we go out tomorrow night? There’s a restaurant out in Bayview that’s halfway decent. How about I take you out to eat?”

“So you can get in my pants after?”

“No. I can get in your pants anyway. I’m just trying to see you fed.”

I laugh and shake my head. I should probably tell him that we don’t need to date to mess around. I know what we’re doing is strictly casual and I don’t need the illusion that he wants something serious with me.

But a meal at a fancy restaurant would be nice.

“Sure,” I say. “Although I have to be back home at nine to help my neighbor babysit, so if you do want to have your way with me at some point during the night, we’ll have to factor that in.”

“Got it.” He winks and his eyes drop down to my lips “Can’t wait.”

Me either.

“Carly.”

I jerk and spin around to find Yule staring at me through the serving hatch.

He’s giving me a look, and I blush because I don’t know how long he’s been standing there. Heck, I don’t even know how long I’ve been here. My conversation with Micah seems to have drowned out my environment and I see what V–the woman from the party who hooked up with Micah in the past–meant now. He really can make any woman feel like she’s the most important person in the entire world. What a dangerous ability.

“Table nine’s been trying to get your attention,” Yule says. “I think they want another martini.”

“Oh, sure thing,” I call, blushing a little as Yule shoots Micah a curious look. Micah salutes him and Yule merely nods as he retreats into his kitchen abode.

“Why did I get the sense he doesn’t like me?” Micah asks.

“He’s probably annoyed because you’re distracting me.”

“Ah. That’s discrimination then. It’s not my fault I’m so distractingly appealing.”

I snort and roll my eyes and he leans back.

“I’ll let you get back to work and stop being such a distraction. Here, let me get your number before I leave.”

“Uh…sure.” I rattle it off quickly and then go to attend table nine. It’s a group of young, college-age girls who are probably tourists, in town to observe the opening of the hotel.

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