“And that’s why I watch it.” I tap her on the top of her hand, slowly testing my boundaries. “Well,fall asleepto it.”
“Whatever, you probably call intoWatch What Happens Live.”
“Aha!” I point at her. “So you do watch it.”
“Christ.” She takes a sip of her beer, stalling. “I’ve seen it but that doesn’t mean I watch it.”
“Semantics.” I shrug, resisting the urge to pull her barstool closer toward me so I can feel the heat from her skin against mine.
“So, I’ve got a little liquid courage in me.” She swivels toward me, tossing her dark hair over her shoulder. “Your turn. Are you single? Dating? Married?”
“I’m married.” I pause, taking in Alayna’s shocked expression. “To three women. I’m a polygamist. They’re sister wives.”
Alayna rolls her eyes and slaps me on the arm. “You’re an idiot.”
I flinch, pretending her flirtatious tap actually hurt. “Nah. I’m single. Have been for a while.”
“Why?”
“Excuse me?”
“Why?” She repeats, setting her beer down on the bar. “You’re a good looking, successful man.” She leans in, widening her eyes. “What’s wrong with you?”
“Wow!” I lean back. “Judge Judy over here.”
“I’ve been single long enough to know that men like you don’t fall out of the sky. They’re always taken, or…” Air hisses through her teeth.
“Or they’re married.” She raises her glass in agreement. “So, what the hell is wrong with you?” The words barely leave her mouth. “Wait, are you…are you gay?” At this, I throw my head back, unable to stop the boom of laughter from escaping my mouth. “What?” Alayna’s voice is pinched. When I look back at her it’s almost too cute. She looks like she gave the wrong answer at a spelling bee.
“No, Alayna.” I lick my lips. “I’m definitely not gay.” If she knew that every night I’ve been jerking off thinking about what it would feel like to fuck her until she begs me for mercy, she’d know that I’m not even close to gay.
“Sorry.” She whispers, averting her eyes.
“Don’t be. Gay men are great. They dress well. They’re artistic.”
“I just figured…forget it.”
“No.” Without thinking I take her hand in mind. A wave of tingles rush up my arm. “Tell me.”
“It’s just that I can’t find anything wrong with you.” Her eyes challenge me, begging me to tell her the secret I’m keeping from her. The only secret is that I’m falling madly in love with her.
“Is that so bad?”
Alayna shakes her head. “No,” she says. “But do you know what is?”
Now it’s me who’s shaking his head. “No.”
“I’m out of beer.”
A smile slowly spreads across my face as I summon the bartender and order us another round.
ChapterFive
Alayna
“Where the hellare you taking me?” Xavier stumbles alongside me as we duck under the brush. The three beers warmed me, giving me a helping of liquid confidence, enough to show him one of my favorite spots that happens to be down the road from the bar.
“Shh!” I twist around in his direction. He’s having a hard time navigating in the dark, his gigantic shadow trudging along blindly. I pull my phone out and light the path in front of us until we come to a chain tied between two trees. I climb over to the other side, and hold my hand out to Xavier. “Just stay with me and we’ll be fine. I can’t leave this light on for too long, though.”