Just as I was about to give up and say goodbye to Flynn, a cuter, younger guy walks to the bar, easing his body between myself and another lady, ordering a Corona. He smelled nice. Like fresh waterfalls mixed with something manly.
“You’ve been sitting on that drink most of the night.” His voice is husky, the kind of voice that would sound great on a sex hotline.
“Not much of a drinker.” I grin. He’s cute—Ryan Gosling in The Notebook cute. “Here to support my brother.” I point towards the set. Flynn is banging it out to a rendition of Eye of the Tiger.
“He’s pretty awesome. He should play when the agents visit. I’m Mitch.” He extends his hand, and I shake it, trying to ignore Phoebe’s words about hands and sizes of genitalia.
“Milana.”
“Beautiful name for a beautiful girl.”
A deep laugh erupts. He looks confused at my sudden outburst.
“Sorry, I don’t mean to laugh. It’s just…this is weird.”
He smiles, raising a brow, resting his elbow on the bar and drawing himself closer to me. “Explain?”
“I don’t flirt, if that’s what this is.”
Oh my god that sounded terrible. I should not be allowed to hang around people.
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“Sometimes flirting isn’t needed, not when you’re naturally beautiful, Milana.”
I laugh again, this time clutching onto my belly. It moves up and down, beginning to ache. “Oh my god what is wrong with me! I’m sorry it’s not funny, I mean you’re not funny. I’m seriously laughing at my stupidity here.”
I bring the glass towards my lips, allowing the remains of the drink to burn my throat to ease my nerves. Mitch whistles for the bartender, ordering me another drink which I gracefully accept, not wanting to be more rude.
“Okay, maybe you’re right. Flirting isn’t your forte. Let’s start again.” He extends his hand, keeping his smile simple. “Hi, I’m Mitch.”
“Hi, I’m Milana.”
“Okay, no. Now you sound like you’re forcing it.”
“Forcing what?”
“The flirting. You batted your eyelashes.”
I scrunch up my face, unsure if I had done that but had not been aware. “I suck.”
“Maybe, a little.” He laughs, easing my worry. “I don’t know why. You are gorgeous and the thought of you not being taken already piques my curiosity.”
I contemplate explaining my relationship with Liam, but decide against it.
“It’s complicated.”
“Ah, the good ole’ it’s complicated status.”
“We’re not complicated, Liam is so far from complicated. My circumstances are complicated. I’m rambling, aren’t I?”
He places his hand on my shoulder, it’s nice and eases my nerves. “It’s noisy in here, why don’t we head out, someplace quieter.”
I smile, agreeing, jumping off the stool and bumping bodies with Wesley.
“Going somewhere?” he grunts, eyes wide.
“Um, yes. And you’re in my way because?”