Page 89 of One Night Seduction

Naomi frowns as she nods. “You know you’re welcome at my place, but I’m not there.”

“Where are you?” Cassi asks.

Once again, Naomi gets a sharp look.

“I’m out of town, where are you, Cassi? That hotel room doesn’t look familiar.”

Now that I glance at the background behind Cassi, it does look like a hotel room. Cassi’s face flushes a deep crimson.

“I’m in Boston.”

“Visiting your sister?” I sniff.

A bitter laugh escapes from Naomi.

“The office will let you into my place, Ari. I’ll call them. Stay as long as you need. I’ll be back on Monday.”

“Thank you.”

“Once I’m back, I’ll come over. We’ll cry and eat and slash his tires, okay?” Cassi says.

I scoff halfheartedly, knowing that is how she shows her love.

We hang up shortly after, and I pull up to a light, turning on my blinker to take a right when I pause. I’m glad I have somewhere to go tonight, but I really don’t want to go sit in my best friend’s empty apartment. I want to talk to someone. I want to rage. I want to go numb.

An idea pops into my head as I quickly change lanes, pissing off the person behind me as they blare their horn before I head down East Pike Street. Before I know it, I’m parking, wiping the running mascara down my face, and stepping intothe Cosmic Tavern. It’s a local dive bar that’s pretty popular and also happens to have the best bartender around.

Ty is behind the bar, a shaker tin in one hand as he pops the tab on a few beers with the other. His eyes move across the room, checking on everyone before he pauses. A huge smile spreads across his face as he sets the shaker down, rounding the bar top as he approaches me. I can see he wants to pull me in for a hug but stops short when he gets closer to me. His eyebrows knit together in concern as he looks me over.

“What’s wrong?”

I swallow roughly, giving him a half smile.

“Can I get a drink?”

Ty stares at me for a few seconds before nodding, walking me over to a quiet corner of the bar top. It’s a Friday but it’s only four o’clock, so it seems things haven’t taken off just yet. Sliding behind the bar, Ty grabs a glass, pouring a tequila shot before passing it to me.

“It’s like you know me or something.” I smile weakly before tossing it back.

I slide the glass back to him and he pours another shot. When I try to grab it, though, he holds his hand over it.

“Not until you tell me what’s going on.”

“Your brother knocked up my mom.”

Ty’s eyes widen and his mouth drops open. I push his hand to the side and take the shot, knocking it back with ease.

“Yeah, my sentiments exactly.” I laugh bitterly.

“Wait, wait. How? When?”

“The lake house. Remember?”

“How does she know it’s his, though? She’s been a fucking whore. It could be Tom’s or?—”

“It doesn’t matter, Ty!” I snap.

I stare down at the worn bar top as he speaks.

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