When he didn't answer immediately, I applied a little more pressure.
"Shit!Yes, you've made your point."
I let him go and his hand flew to his ear.He shot me a look, which made it clear that whatever he was feeling towards me, it was no longer romantic.I gave him an innocent smile and a little wave as he retreated to his buddies, who were howling with laughter.
Yes, I was definitely too old for this.
I turned around, intending to return to my drink but my eyes landed on a man standing at the other end of the bar.He was tall, but it was his black hair and matching dark eyes that caught my attention.From the grin on his face, I could tell he'd witnessed what happened.I offered a little shrug but didn't look away.
He was handsome.No, more than handsome.He was gorgeous in a way that only guys who don't know how gorgeous they really are can pull off.And he was coming over.
"I’m not trying to interrupt you," he said.I looked him in the eyes.No, not black but perhaps the richest shade of brown I'd ever seen.Gold flecks caught the light, making his eyes shine like onyx.I couldn’t look away."I saw what happened to the last guy," he continued.
"I didn't want to have to do that."
"No," he said with a grin."It was great.I was going to offer my assistance, but it's clear you didn't need my help.I'm Leo."He extended his hand, which I took.
"I'm Lexi."
His skin was warm but a shiver went through me when he squeezed my hand before releasing it.
Leo turned and we both watched as College Boy threw money on the table and started towards us on his way to the door.When he got close enough, he glared and said, "Good luck, man.She's married.And mean.”He pushed past us and out of the lounge, his buddies tailing him.
Leo shook his head and turned back to me."I only have a few minutes.Do you mind if I sit here?"He pointed to the stool at the bar next to me."Or would you rather be alone?"He held up his hands in mock defense.
I laughed."Go right ahead.I'm just waiting for someone.”
"Since you're waiting anyway, can I get you a drink?I promise I won't try any bad pick-up lines."
My defenses fell a little and I said, "Sure, since you promised not to try anything.”
"Never," he said and smiled.His dark eyes lightened when he smiled, which made them look even richer.I tried not to stare."What are you having?”
I looked at the blue liquid at the bottom of my glass and shoved it away.“Anything but that.”
Leo called the bartender over."Mike, can I get a Coke and a vodka tonic for the lady?"
"Make that a vodka and soda," I interrupted.
Leo turned to me and gave me a sly smile.I shrugged.He turned back to the bartender and said, "Make that a vodka and soda.Thanks, Mike."
I watched while he made small talk with the bartender, who seemed to know him.There was something about his confidence that hypnotized me.But it might have been the effects of the Knock Out.
“So," he said, turning back to me, sliding my drink over."Is what that guy said true?"
"That I'm mean?"I took a long sip of my vodka, enjoying the sharp contrast of the soda from the teeth-rotting sweetness of my first drink.I rolled the liquid around in my mouth before swallowing and added, "Absolutely."
"Well, I'll withhold judgment on that one," he said."But what I really wanted to know is, are you married?Is that who you're waiting for?"
Was he flirting with me?“Actually, no.I'm meeting my best friend.It’s her birthday.Well, not tonight, but this weekend.She’s always wanted to come to Vegas, so I caved.”
I could’ve smacked myself.Instead, I grabbed my drink to prevent anymore random ramblings.If he were flirting with me, he wouldn’t be for long.But what was wrong with a little flirting?It might be fun if I had any idea at all how to do it.
“And the husband?”
“I’m here with Nicole,” I said, hoping that I could avoid that particular line of questioning.Thankfully, he didn’t push it.
"So, what are you going to do to celebrate Nicole's birthday?”he asked.