“I remember just fine,” Roxy shoots back. “But since my last workplace wasn’t exactly the best situation, I need to make sure I’m not walking into another handsy free-for-all. Austin, I trust,” she adds. “But you?”
“Hey,” I protest, offended. “I’ll have you know; this is a professional workplace. Respect, and boundaries, and all that jazz. We have a strict no fraternizing policy.”
“Uh huh,” she smirks. “And how long has that been in effect?”
I pause. “A month,” I admit, remembering all the ways I fraternized with the last hostess. I grin. “But in my defense, I was the helpless victim there.”
“Helpless?” she arches an eyebrow. “You?”
“She took me into the storeroom, locked the door, and took off her blouse,” I reply with a bashful grin. “What else was I supposed to do?”
“Lie back and think of England?” she laughs.
“Exactly.” I grin. I like this woman’s vibe, and when she slides down off her stool, moves behind the bar, and proceeds to mix a row of drinks, the cocktail shaker spinning in expert fashion, I like her moves too.
I take a sip to test as she lines them up in front of me. Damn, this woman knows her liquor. “I’m a snob when it comes to a fine martini, but this might just be the best I’ve had in years,” I say, applauding. “Where did you learn to mix a drink like that? In fact, tell me everything. I want to know all about you.”
“Oh no,” she scolds me playfully. “We’re not doing that.”
“Doing what?”
“That whole Mr. Darcy British charm routine.” She fixes me with a knowing look. “I’ll take the gig,” she says, “but let’s just get one thing straight right now. Bachelor playboys are not my style. So, you and me? Never going to happen.”
“Never’s an awfully long time,” I point out, still smiling. “Are you sure you want to make such a lifelong commitment to a perfect stranger?”
She laughs again. “Something tells me, you’re a long way from perfect.”
“You’re right,” I joke. “Romance is definitely not on the cards for us. You already know me far too well.”
“That’s what happens once the mystery’s gone,” she banters back. “Next thing, you’ll be leaving the bathroom door open. It’s all downhill from here.”
I laugh again, even as I feel a stab of regret. Just my luck to find a woman who’s stunning, witty, and can put me in my place… Who’s just marked herself completely off-limits.
“So, deal?” Roxy asks, raising a glass. “You can cut this Romeo act, and I’ll mix the best damn Manhattans in town.”
There’s really no choice. “Fair enough,” I agree, lifting my glass to toast. “Friends, co-workers, sparring partners. You have yourself a deal.”
It’s probably for the best. I’ve been enjoying my bachelor life for so long, I’m in no hurry to give it up. But as we toast, our eyes lock, and I feel that prickling sensation again. Like I have no idea what I just got myself into.
But something tells me, it’s going to be a wild ride.
TO BE CONTINUED…