One to Keep (One to Hold 2)

“I don’t know, but we’ll find out.”

Inside the pub, we were two of a handful of patrons, but it was early. I ordered us each a beer before Kenny cut me off. “I’ll have a frozen margarita.”

“I don’t think—” Her black-tipped finger pointed to a swirling frozen drink machine hidden in the back corner. Shaking my head, I had to laugh.

“There are actually people who don’t like beer,” she said in that tone. “Can you believe it?”

It was like I was back in college, buying frozen drinks for underage girls. “How old are you anyway?”

“So we’ve passed the pleasantries and gone straight to rude.”

“Hey, you started it.”

“I’m twenty-four.” Her chin lifted, but I shook my head.

“Baby.” I lifted my beer and took a long sip.

“And you’re…”

“Older than twenty-four.”

Thirty wasn’t that much older, but my conversation with Nikki had me feeling a little superior. She took a hard pull from her straw, and I couldn’t tell if she got any of the frozen drink. I took another easy sip of beer.

“I like this version of you better,” I said. “Yesterday you acted like you either wanted to run or punch me in the mouth.”

“I did not.” That blush was on her cheek again, and I turned on my stool to face her.

“Yes, you did. So why the switch?”

She took another hard pull on the straw, and with a little growl, she pulled the top off the cup, drinking a large mouthful that way. I couldn’t help but grin as she repeated the process and then sat straighter, pushing the long side of her hair over her shoulder.

“After you left, Carl told me you work with Derek, which makes you a good guy.” She cocked a dark brow at me. “But with that body and those hazel eyes, you’re too good-looking. And you know it.”

I exhaled a laugh and turned back to the bar, lifting my beer again. When I glanced back, her expression had changed. Now she was studying me like I was the puzzle. “So what’s your story? Why are you here with me?”

“I could say the same to you.”

She shook her head and took another mouthful of frozen margarita. “Not on your first night.”

I nodded. “I agree. Moving along. Explain this Bingley thing.”

Her head ducked with her laugh, and that dimple appeared. “Bingley is a character from Pride and Prejudice. He’s all Mr. Sunny, rich and handsome. The perfect nice guy.”

My jaw clenched, but I let her continue.

“Compared to the dark and brooding Mr. Darcy.”

“I take it you’ve met Derek.”

“Only once.” She poked the frozen drink with her straw. “He has a really good reputation.”

I waved over the bartender, who pointed at my drink. “Another beer?”

“No—vodka. Neat.”

Kenny’s eyebrows rose.

“I’m in the mood for something stronger.”