STRIPTEASED (Roommate Reverse Harem Romance)

“Yeah, they’re really amazing.”

The brunette managed to catch the bartender’s eye, and he worked his way down to us.

We were silent for a few moments, watching him refill drinks and chat with customers. Though he fit the definition of tall, dark, and handsome, I felt more comfortable watching him than I did the twins on stage. I’d never liked it when men leered at me, so I didn’t feel truly comfortable ogling them back. Not that I seemed to be able to help it when it came to the twins on stage.

Sonia’s friend had her eyes on the bartender, too. “He’s cute.”

“Yeah, he is.” I turned to her. “I’m sorry, I don’t remember your name.”

“It’s Maddie.”

“Oh. Thanks for coming tonight.”

“Thank you for letting me,” she said, as if Sonia wasn’t running this show. “I’ve never been to a place like this before, but it’s kind of fun.”

“It’s my first time, too.” Maddie seemed nice. Why couldn’t she be my future sister-in-law instead of Sonia?

“Buenas noches, señoritas. What can I get for you?” The bartender’s voice was loud enough to cut through the din even though he didn’t appear to be raising it.

“A drink here for my friend,” Maddie said. “This is her bachelorette party.”

The bartender turned his deep chocolate eyes on me. “Congratulations! What would you like?”

Wow, was there something in the water in this place that made the men so damn good-looking? The bartender could’ve easily been up on stage, too. His dark hair and olive skin surrounded deep, soulful eyes. His short mustache and beard outlined full lips. The look he was giving me made me feel like I was the only woman in the room instead of one of hundreds. While it wasn’t likely intoxicated women stuffed bills down his pants, I had no doubt he made good tips.

Maddie nudged me, and I realized I hadn’t answered the bartender.

“Surprise me,” I stammered.

He smiled, a charming affair that started at one side of his mouth and slowly traveled to the other. Then he winked, nodded, and went off to make the drink.

Wow—I practically had to tear my eyes away from his cute backside as he strode away. What was with me tonight? I’d never been boy crazy, not like most of the girls I went to high school and college with. I didn’t get crushes easily—at least not on real men. I read a lot, though, so I had a lot of book boyfriends, as they were called. I’d always thought I was destined to be single, unable to find a real-life counterpart to the incredible men I read about, but then Clint and I had started dating. It hadn’t exactly been a storybook romance, but after growing up with just a stern, strict grandmother, it felt wonderful to have a man truly care about me.

I thought all those youthful romantic fantasies were over, yet here I was, drooling over the twins up on stage and this darkly handsome bartender when the man I should’ve been longing for was waiting for me back at his parents’ house.

No, wait—Clint had said he was going out with some high school friends tonight. He’d been doing that a lot since we’d arrived here over a week ago. It made for a lot of long evenings full of strained small talk between me and my future mother- and father-in-law.

“Oh my God,” Maddie said, and I turned to follow her gaze. The twins had just whipped off their pants and thrown them into the crowd. I should’ve realized by the increase in decibels. Both had on combat boots and olive-green boxer shorts. “I’ve never seen hips gyrate like that.”

“Me either.”

“Some women at work said that Austin and Denver were the best—now I know why they thought so.”

I nodded my agreement. Even if the twins hadn’t been shirtless—gorgeously, breathtakingly shirtless—it would’ve been worth it just for their dancing. They were really talented.

“Milady.”

I whirled around to find the bartender holding out a glass of light red liquid. Fresh strawberries lined the rim. I took it from him, and for just a moment I felt the warmth of his fingers. “Thank you. What is it?”

“A strawberry berryoska—something told me it’s the right drink for you. It’s basically lemonade with vodka and berries,” he said. His irresistible smile and dark, soulful eyes rendered me momentarily speechless. “You said to surprise you,” he added.

“You did—I’ve never had one before.” I took a sip, and it was delicious.

He smiled at my appreciation. “Here’s the second part of the surprise. We always keep a few extra behind the bar.” He slid a white cloth over to me. I set my drink down and smoothed the silky fabric out on the counter. It was a sash that read: BRIDE-TO-BE.

“Hey, cool,” Maddie said. “I was wondering why Sonia didn’t get you one of those.”