Page 4 of Wildcat
“Come to Scarlett moment?”
“Like come to Jesus, but with memories of how freaking awesome you are.”
God, I love her. “Okay, fine, but if I drop it—”
“You won’t.” She nudges me forward. “And maybe while you’re over there, get hottie trivia guy's number or better yet ask him to take you out back and talk nerdy to you while he fucks you back on your feet.”
“Oh my god,” I mouth at her ridiculousness as she winks and hurries off.
I take baby steps across the bar, holding my breath any time someone walks in front of me or gets too close, which is often, considering how packed this place is. I’m staring down at the tray, which Jade tells me actually makes it more likely I’ll spill than if I don’t, but I can’t seem to stop.I am stunning and majestic.
I make it to the table and am mentally giving myself a high-five when one of the guys calls out, “Victory shots,” and reaches for the tray. I panic and move it closer, which throws off his aim.
I brace myself for a collision that doesn’t happen. The guy closest to me stands and steadies me and the tray with reflexes and a grip that temporarily stun me. I don’t make any move to untangle myself from him or stand firm on my feet. Nah, I’m perfectly content to lean into him and inhale his masculine and woodsy scent.
“Are you okay?” His voice is quiet confidence wrapped in a deep baritone.
He meets my gaze from under the bill of an old, worn hat. I was able to sneak some glances at him earlier. He’s hard to miss. My heart might be a little broken, but I’m not so distraught that I don’t notice hot guys. And he is hot. Really hot. Straight nose, square jaw, hazel eyes, full lips, and also super smart. He carried his buddies to victory on the trivia front. He knew so much obscure sports trivia; my dad would be over here shaking his hand.
I realize I’m still staring and haven’t answered him. “Perfect.”
One of us sets the tray down. I’m pretty sure it’s him. The other two take their shots, including his, and place them on the table. I’m still in some sort of weird stare-off. I can’t seem to look away, and he’s still standing next to me.
“Can we get another round of beers?” One of the other guys drops a twenty-dollar bill on my tray.
“Oh, uh, you’ll have to get it from the bar because this is my last table.”
“For the night?” That deep voice beside me asks.
“Forever, probably. I think I just got fired.”Omg, shut up, Scarlett.How mortifying. I turn on my heel and scamper to the safety of the bar, where I grab my wallet and phone. Okay, so not stunning and majestic. I’m a work-in-progress.
I say goodbye to Mike and am rounding the bar when I come up short. Mr. Smart and Handsome Trivia Nerd stands waiting for me with the shot I just dropped off at his table still clutched in his fingertips.
“Is something wrong with the shot? Because I didn’t pour it. You’re safe.”
His eyes twinkle with humor, and his lips turn up into a smirk. “Thought you might need it more than me.”
“Oh.”
He holds it out, and I reach forward, fingers brushing his as he hands it to me.
“You didn’t spit in it or anything, right?”
“Would I tell you if I had?” Laughter makes his lips pull into a smirk that somehow makes him even hotter. “Nah. Spit-free.”
“Thank you.” I hesitate, but eventually toss it back, ignoring the burn coating my throat. “What is that?”
“Shouldn’t you know?”
“Did you miss the part where I was fired for failing spectacularly on my first night as a bartender?”
His laughter warms my insides. “It’s Fireball.”
“Thanks. I needed that.” I set the empty on the bar.
“I’m Leo.” He reaches a big hand out to me.
I place my palm in his, and my breath hitches. “Scarlett.”
