“Hello, gorgeous, what can I get you?”
“Two shots of 1942 tequila and two Cadillac margaritas with salt.” Reluctantly I look away from my new obsession since a loser in board shorts and a wifebeater blocks my view. I arch a brow at Tess.
“You’re not fucking around, huh?”
“Nope. Jay and your mom are taking care of my kids. I’m not breastfeeding Brendan anymore. Let’s get drunk and talk about all your issues.” She waves her hand, hitting me in the face. “Oh, shoot. Sorry.” She laughs.
“Order food,” I demand, looking around her. My goddess is still blocked, but she’s turned so I can at least admire her long legs in the boots I’ve decided I’m going to fuck her in tonight.
“Good thinking. What do you want?” Tess interrupts my thoughts of long legs wrapped around my face.
“Excuse me?” she screams at the bartender. “Can we have an order of chicken nachos and lots of chips? Anything else?”
“No.”
“You got it.” He flashes her a blinding, white-toothed smile, then tosses his bar towel on his shoulder, does a little dance, and types into the computer. Christ, if I don’t punch him tonight it will be a miracle.
“Okay, we’re set. Tell me everything,” Tess yells over Justin Bieber’s “Stay.” Her beautiful face glows in excitement.
“Jay’s got commitment issues, always has.” I lean my elbows on the edge of the bar.
“Not Jay, you.” She shakes her head at me, then smiles at the bartender. Grinning, he places chips and salsa in front of us, along with the shots and margaritas.
“Here you go. Let me know if you need anything else.” Again, he flashes her a smile, his fucking white teeth almost glowing in the blue and pink lights from behind him.
“We will.” I sling an arm around Tess’ shoulders. He looks disappointed, but that’s replaced with a different expression when he marches down to where my dark beauty sits. My jaw clenches and I look away, trying to relax my neck muscles. Nothing but trouble and heartache. Drama. Anyone who looks like her has to be all of that. Strike one: her face and body. She’s also dressed in couture, so strike two. Not to mention her fuck you, I hate men attitude.
Strike three.
But instead of striking out myself, I’m stepping up to the plate. The more red flags, the better—I’m attracted to them. Makes it easier to leave, detach myself. I enjoy their lovely bodies for a couple weeks tops, because after I’m satisfied… well, I’m actually never satisfied, and that’s my problem. I go from one beautiful woman to another, searching for that feeling, need… something to be filled.
It hasn’t happened, and I’ve grown to accept that it’s not in the cards for me. My eyes stay focused on white tooth as he says something to her.
“Come on, Jax.” Tess shoves the shot in my face. “You can flirt later.” She rolls her eyes at me.
“To me not getting into a fight tonight.” I go to clink her shot glass but she stops me, narrowing her eyes.
“I’ll make the toast. That was ridiculous. To health, happiness, and you finding your soul mate.”
I throw back my head and laugh but clink her shot glass, the strong smell of tequila making me wonder what the fuck she ordered. As we both shoot them, we drop the glasses with a thud. Tess instantly grabs her margarita, and even I suck in a breath at the burning fumes from that shot.
“Jesus Christ,” I breathe out. “What was that?”
“It’s 1942. Reed loves it.” She’s slugging her margarita like it’s water rather than a drink loaded with tequila and Grand Marnier. She stops drinking to say, “It’s not that bad now.”
Thankfully, I see a waitress bringing our nachos.
“Let’s make sure you eat.” My eyes stray back to my latest enthrallment. The man is gone, and a group of laughing people remain behind her.
She’s alone. I can almost feel her need—it’s desperation, really. A loneliness that only fucking can relieve.
“Jax? Are you okay?” I sigh and look at my best friend, her cheeks flushed from the tequila.
“Define okay.” I can’t help but laugh at her worried expression. “Stop it and sit. I’ve missed you.” I pull the barstool out. The patio area is open now, so the inside has started to thin out a bit.
“I don’t know what’s going on, but if you think I don’t know you’re avoiding me, think again.” She stares at me and shoves a giant chip loaded with cheese and jalapeños into her mouth. I grin and glance over at her.
“I’m finding myself. You should understand that.”
She stops midbite to look over her shoulder, then back at me. “Can you try not being a complete slut and focus, please?” It’s more of a demand than a question.
With a smirk, I grab a chip. “I’m fine, Tess. Just restless.” I motion for white teeth to come over.