“I was a bartender a long time ago. This is a good day for you. Take it,” I said sternly, dismissing him as I grabbed my phone to alert Carson that I would, in fact, need him. I set my phone down, ignoring the two missed calls from my mother. I was in no mood to listen to her rants, choosing instead to do the responsible thing and finish my plate as the band started a new song: Nirvana’s “Heart Shaped Box.”
Aiden…I wanted him.
When he finished the song, he thanked Dave, who handed him a beer. I watched the entire performance, mesmerized as he wrapped his full lips around countless melodies I adored. His set was a mix much like the music played in the bar, a mingling of everything old and new with some songs I assumed were his. I loved every single thing that was played. The music seemed to drag people into the bar, but when the female patrons noticed the man singing, their reactions were always the same: a dropped mouth and increased proximity to the stage. I chuckled at my stupidity. This man probably got ass on the regular from any woman of his choosing. The whole situation seemed ridiculous and sobering.
Yeah, Nina, you’ve officially hit bottom.
I got up suddenly, refusing to entertain my stupidity any longer, and walked over to the bar, handing Dave one last tip. He shook his head in exasperation while thanking me profusely. At least one of us would go home smiling.
As I walked out of the bar, I felt foolish, my heart pounding and my face heated from the alcohol. I’d asked Carson to pick me up in his personal car to keep heads from turning and was about to slip in when I heard that lethal voice.
“Wait, excuse me.”
Turning toward the source, I saw Aiden was fast approaching me, and I had to fight to keep my mouth from dropping open.
“Hi, you left your phone on the table in the bar,” he said with a smile. The man was devastating up close. I couldn’t help the lightning streaking through my every limb, making me even more aware of my attraction.
“You were playing,” I said, sounding confused.
“Yeah, well, they still are,” he chuckled. He held my phone out for me. His voice was deep and tickled all my senses. I grabbed my phone as he held it out to me and could feel my limbs growing weaker.
Nina! Get it together.
All I could think about was fucking him, him hovering above me, my legs wrapped tightly around him as his amber eyes burned a hole through me as I moaned beneath him. I wanted to say something about his voice, to compliment him, but I couldn’t help my verbal outburst.
“I think about fucking,” I said sincerely.
Oh…my…God.
His eyes grew wide, and he burst out laughing as I attempted to keep the vomit from erupting out of me.
Shaking my head quickly, I tried to deny the words I had just spoken. I chose my next words carefully as he stood with his hands in his pockets and a huge smile on his face, still laughing softly.
“I don’t quite know what to say to that.”
There was no rock to crawl under, and absolutely no way this conversation was going any further. At least he didn’t know my name.
“I’ve had a lot to drink,” I offered, the humiliation in my face burning. “What I meant to say is, I think you’re fucking amazing, really. Your voice is incredible. Excuse me, goodnight,” I managed, stopping Carson from exiting the car by opening the passenger door. He stared at me oddly but stayed put.
“Don’t leave,” Aiden said quickly, holding the door open for me as I got in. He looked at the older Carson with a question in his eyes but didn’t ask.
“Seriously, your band is in there without a front man,” I said with a smile. I saw a few girls clamoring out of the bar, disappointed until they noticed Aiden in front of my car. They turned on their heels and headed back in, making me laugh. I nodded over his shoulder as he smiled wide at my sudden laughter. “I really think you’re needed back in the bar.”
“Let me buy you a drink,” he said before I could close the door.
“I’m all set. Goodnight,” I said, closing the door. Carson drove away while I looked in the rearview to see Aiden looking at the car, perplexed, as he slowly walked back into the bar.
“Interesting evening, Ms. Scott?” Carson asked, amused.
“Carson, how long have you been married?” I asked, changing the subject. Never in my life, not even at my most vulnerable point, had I ever screwed up my verbiage so badly.
“Thirty-seven years, ma’am,” he answered without hesitation.
“Wow, impressive,” I said with a smile. We sat in silence for a few minutes before my stomach started rumbling loudly. I turned to Carson with sudden excitement. “I haven’t eaten a carb in two years. Take me to Wendy’s.”
Carson looked at me with surprise.
“Wendy’s!” I ordered enthusiastically with my fist in the air.