“This is really nice. I’m thoroughly impressed,” I said as I completed a full circle. He’d obviously spent a lot of time designing this space, and his love for it shined through.
He smiled. “I appreciate that. I try to cater to everyone. We’re your neighborhood pub if that’s what you’re in the mood for, but a more modern, upscale lounge if that’s what tickles your fancy. We support local bands and deejays, while still maintaining the old time feel of a jukebox. We have it all.” He clapped his hands together proudly. “You’ll be switching between here and upstairs, but I think you’ll enjoy both. Dress code is whatever you like, just don’t get too daring. I have a strict no touching policy, and you’ll only make my job harder. But keep in mind you’ll want the greatest amount of tips. Everyone should believe they can go home with you, even though no one actually will. Get my drift?” He raised his eyebrows, waiting for my reply.
“Got it.” I nodded once. “I really can’t thank you enough for this.”
“Thank you.” He started back toward the steps. “You’ll be upstairs with me tonight. It’s more beer and less extravagant drinks, so it’ll break you in easy. Let’s go up and I’ll show you what goes on behind the scenes.”
Around nine o’clock, patrons began to wander in. Working with Rick was smooth and comfortable; you’d never know we just met. I could tell he was a good guy, and I didn’t feel on edge around him. After everything I’d been through, I’d become a good judge of character.
By eleven o’clock, the place was hopping. There was a deejay tonight with a large, very thirsty following. Rick and I had fallen into a rhythm, and I thought I was doing my job impressing him. We were entertaining the crowd, singing at each other into makeshift bottle microphones. He grabbed me by the hand, and twirled me into him before pushing on my hip, sending me spiraling outward. I swirled to the opposite end of the bar, laughing, spinning, and playing the role. Stopping myself abruptly on the edge, my head jerked forward, sending my hair cascading over my face. I flipped it up in an overly dramatic fashion to play with whoever was seated there when my eyes locked on blue diamonds.
His stare was fierce, primal and possessive. “Hi, Angel.”
Chest heaving, I stared right back at him, because I hadn’t figured out how not to yet. “Hi, Blake.”
The background noise faded, and all that existed was me and him, locked in our own private universe.
“Eva . . . Eva.” Noise funneled into my ears. I forced my gaze away. Rick stood at the other end of the bar with an unspoken question in his eyes.
I gave him a thumbs up and mouthed ‘friend’, then I turned back to the god perched on the stool before me.
Exhaling, I rubbed my palms over my thighs. “You got thirsty?”
Blake’s eyes flitted over my shoulder in Rick’s direction, assessing him before returning his attention to me. “Parched.”
I leaned my hip on the bar. “What can I get you to quench your thirst?” It may have come across a bit provocative, but I didn’t care. I was sick of being the only one left to squirm.
Take that, Dimples!
I watched his breath become strangled by his Adam’s apple as it made a slow and deliberate travel, first up and then down the glorious length of his neck. Seeing it up close did things to me and I instinctively crossed my legs.
His hands gripped the edge of the bar, turning his knuckles white, and his eyes portrayed the struggle going on beneath them. He opened his mouth to say something, and I knew it was killing him not to bite at my outward insinuation. Then a devilish grin spread across his face.
Leaning as far forward as the barrier between us would allow, he stared at my lips and threw my sass back at me. “Sex On The Beach sounds perfect.”
Flames sparked instantly in the sweet spot between my thighs. The heat that started there pricked down my legs and then slithered up every pore in my body before slamming into my cheeks.
Get a hold of yourself. You asked for that, idiot.
Playing his game, I peaked one wicked eyebrow. “Sex On The Beach it is.” Giving a wink, I turned to work on his drink, feeling his eyes boring into me the whole time. I swore they could touch me. All over. Everywhere.
What’s gotten into me? This has to be those few shots talking. I’m so going to regret this. I just know it.
When I returned with his liquid sex, a straw poked from the corner of his mouth, and he was working his jaw mercilessly. I instantly felt bad for leading him on. It was stupid of me. I didn’t want to give him the wrong impression, so I played it off as best I could. “I have to work. It’s my first night, so I can’t really stay and chat.”
“That’s okay. I’ll just be here, quenching my thirst.” His eyes deliberately raked the length of me, pinning me in place. It sent a chill down my spine, and I almost believed we just had sex on the beach. He tipped his glass to me, showing off his dimple. “Cheers.”