Page 3 of Mark Us Little Bear
Hate Me by Ellie Goulding and Juice World starts playing as I follow her lace-up chunky boots down the slope and into my favorite black void.
The red lights dotting the ceiling illuminate the busy dance floor to my right and the bar to my left. The VIP section in the far back shows no sign of my best friend, Luka—he’s probably in his apartment upstairs.
We surf through the crowd until her small body settles on a stool next to the bar while I round it and enter inside, clapping the new guy I hired on the shoulder to assure him he’s doing great. A wide grin spreads across his face.
“I’m Amber.” She extends her hand across the counter, and I subtly shake it.
“Ronnie.” My eyes follow the twitch at the edge of her crimson lips.
“Are you working here?” A flash of curiosity sparkles in her almond-shaped eyes—a barely visible green ring circles her solid golden-yellow irises.
“I’m the owner,” I smirk. “What can I get you to drink?”
“That depends,” she stares at the shelf behind the counter, squinting her eyes and twitching her mouth again, “I need to figure out what kind of drink I want first.”
“How about letting me figure it out?” Propping my elbows against the dark counter, my chin leans against my knuckles and I examine her.
Feeling exposed, and slightly embarrassed her cheeks turn a pale shade of rose. “Do you think you can figure me out?” she brushes it off by challenging me, curving her perfectly trimmed eyebrow.
“I’d like to try.” My fingers rub the light stubble feathering my face.
“Scotch please, make it double for my friend Ronnie over here.” She points at me with a mischievous smirk, bracing herself for my upcoming drink choice.
My new bartender quickly pours the liquid into a tumbler and slides it over to me.
“How did I do?” she shoots a sly grin my way.
I lift the tumbler slowly and press it to my lips, her eyes follow my movements with a slow pursuit. Sipping its content and letting it soothe me, the corners of my lips tug up. It’s been a while since I had time to drink. But today the bar has enough staff to work it and I’m only needed in case of an emergency.
“Exceptionally well,” I turn to the shelf behind me, sinking my teeth into my bottom lip.
“What are you doing?”
Bottles clink as I search for a specific one. Placing a shot glass in front of her, I pour the liquid and slowly push the shot of tequila with my index finger toward her.
She can’t hide the cute smile taking her face hostage. In one swift movement, she downs the tequila with no hesitation.
“Neat huh?” she questions, eyeing me. “No lime or salt?”
My eyes bore through hers, knowing she took it like someone who had done this before. “Lime and salt are for the weak.”
A peal of laughter bursts out of her and I join in.
“You said it yourself, you had a rough week so you need to be cheered as well.”
“That’s a great idea.” Jumping off her stool, she smooths the fabric of her vintage biker jacket, brushing lint off her black jeans. “Want to dance?” she nods her chin at me. “Forget about everything.”
Why the fuck not? I need to get out of my head more. I chug the last drop of whiskey and round the bar. “Lisa you’re in charge.”
“You got it, boss.” Her voice trails behind me and disappears quickly.
The blast of music fuels my energy upbeat song after another. We dance and laugh. My breath mingles with hers as her hands latch around my neck. I brush my body against the soft curves of her hips while our eyes stay locked. Our chests rise and fall rapidly, and sheens of sweat form on our skin as an hour ticks away.
“Thanks for the free exercise,” Amber is panting against my skin, “If I can’t have sex at least I get to grind against a smoking hot club owner.”
I lick my dry lips, needing to cool myself down. “You’re pretty bold with your statements.”
“I was raised to say whatever the hell I want,” she pauses, “Within reason.”
