Page 34 of 28 Dates

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Dirty Martini’s is already quite busy when I arrive before seven the next night. I’m early, and amazingly enough, I only had a slight nervous breakdown in my closet earlier. I spent way more time than necessary flinging clothes and hangers all over the place trying to find the “perfect” first date outfit.

My closet now looks like the remnants of a war zone after a dozen IEDs exploded.

And I’m still dressed in casual skinny jeans, ankle boots, and a cute but simple black top with bell sleeves and cutouts at the shoulders. A long gold necklace with a teardrop gold medallion and my hair curled.

Simply put: I look like I do every single day of the week. So why half of my belongings if not more are now all over my floor is a mystery to me.

I find a spot near the end of the bar, and with an eye on the front door, I scan the smallish restaurant. A group of six girls is at my favorite high-back booth, but I wouldn’t sit there anyway on a first date. It’s almost too private, too intimate. A few tables are open, but the tables are close together and conversations from the strangers next to them can easily be overheard.

The last thing I need is to have our first-date embarrassing blunders tweeted and retweeted by millions. I’ve seen that stuff in my Twitter feed before, and it’s not happening to me.

Which leaves the bar seating, where Jonas and Tucker are hustling and serving drinks.

It’s the first time I’ve met someone here when Jonas has been so close. My body tenses, and I have to force my limbs to move in order to swivel in the stool and take a seat.

“Hey Caitlin, I didn’t think I’d see you here tonight,” Tucker says. He’s already sliding the coaster onto the bar in front of me. Leaning forward, he rests his elbows on the bar and grins. “What can I make for you?”

I’m so nervous at the thought of meeting somebody here while Jonas is standing so close, and with all the thoughts I’ve had of him lately, I shake my head at Tucker. “I’ll wait a few minutes. I’m meeting somebody here tonight. Thanks, Tucker.”

“Meeting someone?” Tucker’s head tilts to the side, and his lips turn up at the edges. “Anybody special?”

I’m completely unprepared to answer the question. Logan seems nice and he’s good-looking. Hopefully, he isn’t a nutcase like some of the other guys and tonight will go more smoothly. I won’t hold my breath. “We’ll see,” I offer lamely.

Tucker’s brows press together, and he gives me a strange look, pushing off the bar and scanning the customers. “You need anything, let me know, okay?”

“Will do.”

He nods once and moves straight toward a pretty blonde. She’s pressed to the bar, her elbows tight at her side. It’s one of the most basic tricks a woman learns to use as soon as she’s old enough to be in a bar. It offers up her cleavage enticingly. I haven’t yet met a man who can resist the call.

I laugh to myself and twist in my stool. It’s just about seven now, and Logan should be here any minute. I told him I’ll be easy to spot. My red hair is usually a beacon in even the busiest places, as long as I’m sitting. In a standing crowd I can get lost among all the giants. Short-people problems.

I don’t see Logan at the door, and I can’t find him in the small area on the other side of the bar, but I’m so intent looking for him that I don’t feel the presence come up to my back until a familiar voice is near my ear.

“So, do I have to keep an eye out on you tonight?”

Jonas’s voice is quiet but no less rich than it usually is. It slides down my shoulders, and goosebumps travel in its wake. I shiver from the unexpected surprise of hearing him so close to me. I look over my shoulder at him. “Aren’t you supposed to be behind the bar right now?”

“Taking a quick break and I saw you sitting here by yourself.” He does a quick scan before coming back and meeting my gaze. “Are you here alone tonight?”

“I’m supposed to be meeting somebody.” My voice has gone timid, something it normally doesn’t do, especially not around Jonas. I inwardly cringe. This isn’t the worst decision I’ve ever made, but it has to be in the top twenty.

“I see,” Jonas says and leans back.

My gaze immediately drops to his exposed arm. His skin is darker, more tan than it should be for spring in Portland, and I have always loved his size, skimming right around six feet tall. I’m so short I still have to look up at him. Even now as I’m sitting on the barstool, my head is tilted back so I can see him face-to-face. He’s the perfect type and the perfect build, not too bulky even though I know he works out often. And I know this because I’ve been with him many nights when he’s just returned from the gym. I brush that thought away before I jump down the rabbit hole of where it can lead.

Nowhere good. That’s where.

“I should get back to work.” He drops his arm from the bar, and his hands slide to his hips. “Be safe tonight, and let me know if you need me for anything.”

His brown eyes have darkened as he speaks, and for a moment I struggle to find the words to respond. Finally I clear my throat. “Thank you, I will.”

He dips his chin and flashes me the barest hint of a smile. He turns and my gaze stays on him as he walks away. I can’t help it. The jeans fit his backside and hips just right.

“Excuse me, Caitlin?”

I jump at the masculine voice calling my name. I’ve been so consumed with Jonas I completely forgot I meeting somebody else. God, I really suck at this dating thing.

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