Page 9 of Ready to Snap
“Are you all right?”
“Me?” I squeak, my words stuck in my throat. “I’m great. Wh-what are you doing here?”
“I could ask the same of you. I have a date. Didn’t you say yours was at seven?” I nod, and Will takes a seat on the other side of me. “Mind if I sit with you?” He doesn’t wait for a reply and attempts to flag down the bartender. “What are we drinking?”
“I don’t know. I just got here. I’m sorry but… did you follow me here?”
“Follow you?” Will laughs, shaking his head. “No. Steak sounded good, so I made a reservation. How do I look?” He opens his blazer to show off his perfectly-tailored shirt underneath. “Do you think it will impress her?”
“Oh, uh… Sure.”
“Sure? I was going for a resounding ‘yes.’ I better head home to change.”
Will begins moving off the stool, but I stop him with my hand on his forearm. “You look good, Darling. I’m sure she’ll find you quite dashing.”
“Dashing? Well, that’s a bit more like it.” He winks, and thebartender approaches, asking for our order. “I’ll have whatever she’s having.”
Unable to hide my smile, I insist, “Two appletinis, please.”
Will barks out a laugh, making my stomach flip. “Are you kidding?”
“I don’t joke about appletinis,Darling.”
Why the hell am I flirting with him?
Will gives the bartender a curt nod. As our drinks are being prepared, he asks, “So, how much do you know about this Bill guy?” It’s honest without a hint of sarcasm—and sadly, without jealousy.
“His profile didn’t include his job, so I don’t know much.” I shrug, unsure where he’s going with this. I don’t discuss my love life with him; yesterday was the first time. “He’s… tall.”
He’s tall? Really? Get it together, Elle.
“I bet I’m taller,” he jests, his adorable dimple on his right cheek popping.
No. Not adorable. Perfectly average dimple.
“He’s six-four.”
The bartender sets our drinks in front of us and Will admits, “So am I, but I bet I could take him.”
“You probably could,” I chuckle and take a sip. It’s more tart than I’m used to, but still delicious. “He could be a sweet librarian; wouldn’t stand a chance. How is your shoulder?”
“Better, thank you. My ribs are still sore and will be for a while.” Will reaches into his breast pocket to retrieve his phone. “Excuse me, I should check on my date.” His brows pinch as he taps and swipes. “Shit. Guess I’ll be dining alone tonight.”
“Dining alone? Did your date cancel?”
“Something like that.” He tucks his phone away and takes a hesitant drink of his appletini. The moment it’s to his lips, he sets it down and shivers. “Sorry. Can’t do it.”
“Pussy,” I taunt, finishing mine in three gulps.
“Correct. I’d much rather have your pussy than this drink.”
My phone vibrates in my purse, but I sputter a cough before I can’t check it. Will rubs my back, and this flirting has taken on a life force of its own, but I’m helpless to stop it.
“Are you okay, gorgeous? I don’t want you choking. Okay, that’s a lie. I can think of something I’d like you to?—”
“Will!” I manage through my coughing fit, my laughter not helping.
“Already practicing calling out my name?” He offers me his appletini and lifts his hand to flag down the bartender. “I’ll get you a water, but take a few small sips for now.Onlysips. Don’t want you drunk for your date.” I do as he says, and through the sour burn, it still helps a little. “Good girl.”
