Page 28 of Worth the Risk
“Are we drinking tonight ordrinkingtonight?” I think about that for a couple seconds then decide what the hell? I don’t have to be up early tomorrow since we’re closed.
“We’redrinking!”
“Woo! Hell yes we are!” she hollers and we raise our beers before downing them. “I’m getting us shots! Tequila!” I feel someone at my side and look over. It’s the guy from the pool table.
“Tequila shots? Are we celebrating or commiserating?” His blue eyes twinkle and he has a cute grin on his face.
“Celebrating! It’s her birthday!”
“No kidding, Happy Birthday! Do you mind if I join you?” He gestures to the empty stool and I look at Mare who is smiling and nodding.
“Sure, but only if you take a shot with us.” I try for flirty…I think it comes out more stern than I wanted but he smiles widely at me.
“Count me in. I’m Nathan.” He holds out a hand and I reciprocate.
“Great, I’m Winslow, but you can call me Winnie.”
“I’ll be right back with them,” He says and makes his way toward the busy counter to order. I look at Mare who is already looking at me.
“Win, that was smooth. Who knew you had game?” I roll my eyes.
“Please, I have no game.”
“I have to disagree with you there. You just got the hottie you had your eye on to buy us shots in less than two sentences. I’mimpressed.” I shake my head as Nathan makes it back with the shots and limes on the rims.
“Alright here we go.”
“Three, two, one, go!” We all take our shots and grab for a lime wedge.
“I don’t know why I ever think tequila shots are a good idea.” I say as I pour myself another beer. “So Nathan, where are you from?”
“I’m actually from the Denver area, just here for the weekend, passing back through. We went rafting here last week before heading out to Rattlesnake Arches and our guide recommended this place.”
“Oh yeah? Was your guide Colt Parker?” He looks surprised by my guess.
“Uh yeah, how did you know that?” I smile.
“Colt is my brother and the best rafting guide in Colorado.” he laughs.
“Small world. Do you raft as well?” Mare can’t stop her snort as she tries to hide her laugh in her beer.
“Uh no, actually. I’m not as big into outdoor sports as my brother. I’m not what you would consider athletic.” I cringe…not really how I want to describe myself to a guy I’m trying to impress, but he catches me off guard when he laughs.
“You’re adorable. So, what do you enjoy doing if not outdoor sports?” I blush at his compliment and am thankful for his interest.
“I bake. I actually own the bakery in town.”
“You own it? That’s amazing!” And it sounds like he really thinks that.
“Thank you, I’ve only been open a few months but it’s going well.”
“It’s going fantastic,” Mare interjects.
“So, what's your favorite thing to bake?”
“Ohh, that’s a hard one…” I think about it. “I think my favorite thing to bake is chocolate croissants.”
“You’re kidding…those are my favorite to eat.”
