Chapter One
Stark
The crowdat Big Daddy’s bar is even bigger than it was last year. The swish of beads and the loud thumping bass fill the air as I make my way to the front of the bar to get myself another beer. I’ve lived in this town my whole life, and I’ve never seen half of the people here, but that’s Mardi Gras. It tends to bring the crazies out of the woodwork.
“Thanks for coming out, man.” My buddy, Lance, elbows me as we slide into the open spot, straining for the busy bartender’s attention.
“You owe me one.” Lance slumps his shoulders, and I give him a playful punch in the arm. “Buy me a beer and we’re square.” He nods, knowing I’d rather be at home sipping on a glass of bourbon and watching YouTube videos on woodworking. My temperament isn’t suited for crowds like this, but considering his woman just dumped him after three years of marriage, it’s the least I could do. Unfortunately, it landed on the biggest party day of the year around these parts.
Finally, we flag down the bartender and order our two drinks. I lead the way back through the crowd, heading out to the heated patio when I see her–blonde hair down past her shoulders and a smile that nearly knocks me off my feet. Everymuscle in my body clenches, the reaction so strong, so rare that I feel almost faint.
Her tight jeans hug her curves like a second skin. Her fuzzy pink sweater is cropped just enough to show off a sliver of her soft tummy. She’s a pinup come to life, sipping on a cocktail and laughing with her friend.
“Christ, she’s gorgeous.” My buddy Lance leans in, breaking my concentration.
“Who?” He’d better not be talking about her.
“The brunette by the wall.” I let out a sigh of relief. With my man on a serious rebound outing, I’d hate to be a jerk and tell him the blonde’s off-limits. Fortunately, he’s referring to my blonde goddess’s friend.
“Go talk to her.” I nudge him, yelling over the crowd.
“I don’t know, man.”
“What do you mean you don’tknow? You said you wanted to come out and get laid so you could forget about Marta.”
“Look Stark, I know what I said, but now I’m…”
“You’re what?” A crowd of college kids nearly barrel me over. My fists clench at my sides. I fucking hate crowds and am growing more and more agitated.
“I’m chickening out.”
“No.” I grab my best friend since grade school by the shirt and drag him behind me.
“What the hell are you doing?” Lance’s voice goes up an octave, making it easier to hear him over the roar of the crowd.
“You’re talking to her.” He doesn’t have a chance to argue but pulls loose from my grip.
“Fine, fine.” Lance straightens his shirt, red-faced. I can’t tell if it’s because it’s so hot in here or if he’s truly nervous. Maybe a little of both. “But don’t be an asshole about it. Let me do it on my terms.”
A smile stretches across my lips. “You know I’m just giving you shit. I hate what Marta did to you, and I just want to see you move on.”
“I know. I will. Wish me luck.”
“Good luck.” He’s off before the words come out of my mouth.
I hang back for a moment while Lance makes his move. Both women focus on him as he approaches them, their smiles fading slightly. My blonde nibbles on her straw, and I notice the slightest little gap between her front teeth.
Lance goes right for the brunette. My heart races as I silently cheer him on. I’m unable to pull my eyes away from the gorgeous blonde. After a few minutes, I can’t take it anymore; it’s time to play wingman, only I have an ulterior motive. I plan on taking that beautiful woman home with me tonight.
I dodge a few wasted, swaying patrons, trying not to let my anger get the best of me—if you can’t handle your liquor stay the hell home—and head directly for Lance and the ladies. The brunette is laughing at something Lance is saying, but the blonde eyes me the minute I come near. Her bright blue-green eyes take my breath away. Her freckles give her a girl-next-door vibe, but that body of hers is total woman.
Lance eyes me in his periphery and grips my shoulder. “This is my buddy, Stark.” I give a curt nod in response. “This is Victoria.” He gestures to the brunette. “And this is her friend, Teddie.”
When I look over at Teddie, she narrows her sparkling eyes. “Spark? That’s your name?”
“Teddie? That’s yours?” I maneuver closer to her while Lance chats up Victoria.
“It’s short for Theodora.” Her bubble gum tongue brushes her teeth when she says her full name. It immediately makesme rock hard imagining what it would feel like to taste her full, sultry mouth.