Page 4 of Betting on the Bad Boy
Faith
I drapedmy jacket over the back of the tall barstool. Sandwiched between Jess and Robin, I pasted on a smile and vowed to at least pretend to have fun. When was the last time I’d taken a break from work and writing deadlines to enjoy a Friday night out? Already three weeks into the fall semester, I hadn’t so much as gone out to dinner yet.
“Check out the sex-on-a-stick behind the bar. Are you going home with him, or am I?” Robin nodded toward the bartender.
As if he could hear us from across the room, he looked up and made eye contact with me. A wave of heat washed over my cheeks as I took in the dark hair, five o’clock shadow, and wire-rimmed specs.
Of all the guys who could be working behind the bar, I would have to get stuck facing down Mr. Kinky Kama from earlier today. I looked away first, desperate to get out of there before he recognized me.
Twisting around on my stool, I put a foot on the ground, a slew of excuses on the tip of my tongue. “You know, I’m suddenly not feeling very well. I’ll just catch the bus?—”
“Like hell you will.” Jess’s hand wrapped around my wrist, holding me in place. “You were fine two seconds ago. Unless you’re actively puking, you’ll sit right here and have a drink with us.”
I rolled my eyes and pulled my arm away. “Some friend you are. Wouldn’t you be more comfortable at a table?” I pointed across the room. “Like one of those over there?”
Jess leaned close. “What’s with you tonight? We usually sit at the bar. Besides, I think Robin likes the view.” She nodded at Robin, who was busy eyeing the bartender like he was one of the happy hour specials.
“Fine. One drink. That’s it.” I slouched down on my stool. Mr. Kinky Kama probably wouldn’t recognize me, anyway. My schlumpy disguise from earlier was a world away from the snug V-neck and skinny jeans I’d squeezed my ass into for an evening out with the girls.
“Wait a sec, it’s the bartender, isn’t it?” Jess eyed me with suspicion.
I looked at my lap. Dammit, how could she read me so well?
“Do you know him?” Jess put an elbow on the bar and leaned toward me, encroaching on my personal space.
I shook my head and lied through my gritted teeth. “No, I’m fine. Just a moment of panic, thinking about all the work I have to do tonight.”
“All work and no play makes Faith a big-ass lame-o.” Jess leaned across me and swatted at Robin. “Go for it, girl. Jake and I are back on again so no competition from me. I know I’ve met your sex-on-a-stick before. What’s his name again? Starts with a ‘D.’” She put her hand to her forehead. “Damon, David...screw it, I forget. He seems like a nice guy, but I’ve heard he’s kind of a player.”
Robin wiggled her eyebrows. “Happy birthday to me. Playing is exactly what I have in mind.”
I snorted. “Could you be any more obvious?” Subtlety was definitely not one of Robin’s strong suits.
“Hey, I’m not afraid to go for what I want.” Robin shrugged her shoulders.
“You should have told us that’s what you wanted for your birthday.” Jess winked and lifted a hand to beckon the bartender over. “I would have wrapped him up with a bow.”
“Oh yeah? Which part?” I put my elbows on the bar and rested my head in my hands. The odds of him recognizing me had to be super slim. My hair had been pulled back in a ponytail, and I’d had shades covering my eyes during most of our exchange.
Tonight, I actually looked somewhat presentable. I’d even swiped on some lip gloss and dusted some powder across my nose in an attempt to downplay the light smattering of freckles that popped up every summer. I took in a deep breath, flipped a wavy lock of hair over my shoulder, and told myself to relax.
The object of their ogling walked over and put a few napkins down in front of us. “What can I get you, ladies?” He never took his eyes off me.
“I’ll take that wheat beer you’ve got on tap,” said Jess.
“MGD for me.” Robin leaned forward, putting her ample cleavage on full display.
He nodded, not even glancing at her. “And for you?”
I swallowed the lump in my throat. Those eyes. Behind the glasses, his eyes reflected the most incredible shade of aquamarine, just like the ocean. Jess nudged my arm.
“How a-b-b-out a Honeyweiss?” I squeaked out.
One side of his mouth curled up in a half-smile. “Beer, huh? I didn’t figure you as a beer kind of girl.”
Was he flirting with me? “What kind of girl did you figure me as?”
His eyes twinkled. “You kind of look like you might enjoy a Sloe Comfortable Screw.”
