Page 84 of Lucky Shot
“You’re superhot and very charming.”
“So you’re into ugly, boring guys?” He nods definitively. “Got it. You’re up, Nicky boy.”
My face is on fire.
“Oh man. That made my entire night,” Danny says, wiping tears from the corners of his eyes. “Thanks, Ruby.”
I sneak a glance at Nick as the heat continues to bloom in my cheeks.
Still laughing, Conrad and Danny move to a tabletop shuffleboard game on the patio. Travis follows them.
“Did I crush his ego?” I ask when they’re gone.
“Travis?!” He shakes his head. “Not possible.”
“I feel bad,” I admit.
“Don’t even sweat it. He’s just busting my chops. Since the minute you showed up, he’s been taking every opportunity to give me shit.”
We spend two hours talking and laughing, playing shuffleboard (them), and drinking (me). Travis forgives me after making me tell him again how hot and charming he is, then he and Danny spot some girls they know and disappear. Conrad sits across from me and Nick as the three of us drink and chat. Though it’s mostly been me and Nick holding the conversation.
Conrad’s been staring at the same girl for thirty minutes. It’s so obvious he’s into her, but when I suggested he go talk to her, he shook his head adamantly and said he was good.
“Does he know he’s the most attractive man in this bar?” I ask Nick, tipping my head toward his friend.
“He’s shy around women.”
“Yeah, I’m getting that, but why? Has he looked in the mirror lately?”
Nick smirks. “We’ve tried telling him that, but he says it doesn’t matter because as soon as he opens his mouth, he says something dumb.”
“I’m familiar with that,” I mumble, then finish off the last of my second mai tai. The cable car was good, but I decided tonight needed a happy, celebratory drink.
“Another?” Nick asks, eyeing the empty glass.
“God no.” I giggle. I’m in that happy, tipsy state. I like to linger there. I’m clumsy enough without adding inebriation. Then I cover a sleepy yawn.
Chuckling, Nick stands then offers me his hand. It isn’t that late so I’m afraid to ask what we’re doing. I’m not sure I have it in me to do anything but sit here like a lump.
“It’s been a long day. You must be tired.”
“I am.” I get to my feet eagerly, but I guess the last drink hit me harder than I thought because I wobble and then catch myself by placing both hands on his very nice, very hard, muscular chest.
Nick’s hands settle on either hip in a firm, steadying grip.
“Thanks,” I say, staring up at him, maybe leaning into him a bit more. “You’re so strong. I bet you could throw me over your shoulder without a lot of effort.”
One side of his mouth quirks up.
“Inside thought,” I whisper.
“I think I’m going to head out too.” Conrad’s voice reminds me we aren’t alone.
I step away from Nick and smile at his friend. If Conrad heard my ramblings, I can’t tell.
“It was nice to see you again,” I say. I really like Nick’s friends, but since our interview sessions are almost over, I’m not sure how much more I’ll see them.
“You too.” He smiles then gives Nick a salute as he heads out.
