“HEY, YOU WANT to hit up Shorty’s with me?”
“Shorty’s?” Nate asked over the phone. “Does that mean things are on again with you and Della? About fucking time.”
“Whatever. Do you want to or not?” I had an itch to see Della again. Now that I was working full time and she was in school and working, too, it wasn’t as easy as it used to be to see each other. We planned to go out this weekend, I was taking her on an official date, but I needed to see her before then.
“Yeah, but Mia’s over. I’m bringing her with me.”
“Um, that’s fine, I guess.”
I hung up my phone, still scratching my head at the thought of Mia and Nate together. I had considered hooking them up before, but then thought better of it because those two together seemed like begging for trouble. Oh well. They were both adults, and I guess could do whatever they wanted. Hopefully, I wouldn’t ever have to arrest them, even though I could totally see something like that happening.
I stripped out of my running shorts, and changed into clothes quickly before heading out to my car and making the drive over to Shorty’s. I was starved, but not for food.
“Hey!” Kassie called out as soon as I stepped into the bar. I waved at RJ who smiled widely and winked. That guy just wouldn’t take the hint that I was never, ever moving over to his team. At least he tried, I guess. I followed Kassie as she led me to a back table, and didn’t even bother setting a menu down. “Planning on behaving yourself tonight?” she asked, tapping her nails against the table while she narrowed her eyes at me.
“Yup, as much as possible, I guess.”
“Whatever.” She placed one hand on her hip, leaning in closer. I thought for a second that she was trying to hit on me. We had a one-time thing that I barely remember, and ever since then, we never spoke about it. It was weird because things had never been awkward between us, but I guess that was a good thing. “Just don’t be an asshole to Della. That was a real dick move that you pulled last time, and I have no idea why Della is even giving you the time of day. Does she know you’re here?”
I shook my head, feeling like an even bigger dick. I guess I wasn’t really thinking about the effect my actions had on Della. I’m sure along with being hurt she was embarrassed, too. Maybe showing up here wasn’t such a good idea. “No, I figured I’d just come in and grab some food, maybe a few beers. We’re trying to work things out.”
“Mmhmm. Della told me all about how you’re working things out.” She rolled her eyes. “Let me give you a little bit of advice, J. Girls love sex, almost just as much as guys do, they just don’t need to talk about it every second. But, they also like other things too, like actual dates, talking, and all that cheesy stuff. If you’re actually trying to work on things, maybe you should stop thinking with your dick first.”
Kassie spun on her heel, leaving me with that to think about. She really wasn’t telling me shit that I didn’t know. I just couldn’t help myself when it came to Della. Yeah, that sounded like every guy’s typical response. But the difference was that it wasn’t only about the sex. I just needed to have it the other morning, and Della wasn’t exactly resistant to it either.
I grinned when I saw Della walking in my direction, her heart-shaped mouth forming into an O when she saw me. See? How could I not want Della all the time? Especially when she gave me those looks and was dressed like that. She had on the typical Shorty’s top, which was one of the main reasons I started working here in the first place—the waitresses offered an excellent view. Her tan, flat stomach was on display with a ring dangling from her belly button. A black skirt rested low on her waist, flaring a little at the hips, and just barely covering her ass. But that wasn’t my favorite part. Nope. Today, she had on a pair of these lacy, legging things that ended just at her knees and had two tiny, little bows right at the top. My dick twitched at the sight.
“What are you doing here?” she asked, her voice light, but I could sense something else going on there.
“I just needed to see you.” She smiled slightly as I grabbed onto her hips to bring her closer, wedging her between my legs. “Is that okay?”
“Of course.” She reached up, tucking a piece of hair behind her ear and I grabbed her wrist between my fingers, rubbing it gently. “Can I get you something to drink?” She pulled on her hand, and I nodded, looking away so she couldn’t see the pain flash across my face at the little action. Something was up.
“Yeah, a pitcher of beer and three glasses.” She raised her eyebrows. “Mia and Nate are coming, too,” I explained.
“Really? That makes for an interesting combo.” She laughed, and the sound eased some of the tension in my body that had been building up. “I’ll be back in a minute.”