I shake my head, my jaw tensing as my anger rises. He’s wrong.
“Actually, the last chick I took on a date told me she didn’t see us having a future together, and we mutually broke it off before the second date ended.” Which is true. We met through a friend and didn’t even sleep together. My dating life has been pretty much nonexistent.
Riley slow claps as if he’s supposed to be impressed, and it pisses me off further.
“Whatever.” I walk away, finished with this fucking conversation.
“Yeah, whatever. Stay away from my sister!” he howls at my back.
“I’m pretty sure Riley’s gonna kill me,” I tell Rowan, then chug my glass of whiskey. “Like actually stab me, cut out my heart, and then display it on a wall like a deer head.”
Rowan looks at me wide-eyed in horror. “That’s quite graphic.”
“I know he’s been telling me for years that you were off-limits, but he’s been extra asshole-ish about it lately.”
“He’s also sleep deprived and taking care of a newborn. He’s probably just edgier because of that,” she explains with a sad smile. “At least, let’s hope that’s what it is.”
I take off my cap, brush a hand through my hair, then replace it. “I don’t know. It’s like he’s determined to make my life a living hell right now.” I rub my eyes, inhaling slowly as I think about the consequences of Riley finding out the truth. It’d suck if being with Rowan ruined my lifelong friendship with him.
Thankfully, Riley hasn’t come in the bar since Zoey found out she was pregnant, so I know we’re at least safe in here for now. But if he catches us even remotely being friendly, there’s no way he won’t figure it out.
“Well, I think we both need to get better at hiding our happiness so everyone stops asking. It’ll calm down, and we can just go back to hanging out without guilt.” She refills my glass.
I pick it up and take a sip. “Do you feel guilty?”
She shrugs, lowering her eyes before meeting mine again. “Only about lying, not that we’re dating.”
That makes me smile. “Good. Because even with all the outside noise bullshit, I’ve never been happier.”
Rowan leans against the bar, placing her hand over mine. “Me too.”
I could stare into her gorgeous brown eyes for hours. “I wish I could kiss you right now…” I whisper.
The corner of her lips tilts up mischievously as she looks around the bar and checks to make sure everyone’s drinks are still full. “Come to the office in one minute.”
She tells Claire she’s going on a short break and then walks away. Luckily, she’s been too busy to notice how close the two of us have been all night. I’m completely under her radar when I follow Rowan to the back a moment later.
As soon as I shut the door, I pin her against the cool wood and bring my mouth to hers. I wrap my arms around her body and hoist her closer as she loops hers around my neck. She slides her legs around my waist, rocking against the hard-on I can’t contain.
“Fuck, baby,” I whisper. “You’re driving me wild.”
“Mmm…that sounds even sexier in person.”
“Yeah?” I slide my mouth against the softness of her neck
Rowan releases her thighs and lands on her feet. “We have at least fifteen minutes before Claire even notices I’m still gone.” She locks the door, then gives me a devilish look.
“What’re you up to?” I taunt, watching her and admiring how beautiful she looks. Some strands of her reddish brown hair have fallen loose from her half ponytail, and she tucks it behind her ear. Her jean shorts show off her long legs, and her band T-shirt hugs her in all the right places. Rowan’s curves are what my wet dreams are made of.
“Let me fix that problem for you,” she says confidently, tilting her head toward my groin. “You want to stand or sit?”
I blink. “What?”
She asks so casually as if we’re talking about the weather.
“I want to get on my knees for you.” She licks her plump lips.
My eyes widen in shock, certain she’s joking. “Here? Are you serious? Don’t fuck with me.”
She chuckles, then nods eagerly. “Yes and we’re gonna run out of time if you don’t tell me. So sitting or standing?”
“I-I, uh…” I’m tripping over my words like a teenage boy about to get head for the first time. “Baby, you don’t have to. Not here.”
She comes closer, moving her hands to my belt buckle. “Adam…” She says my name seductively, and I melt into a puddle. “Let me suck you off and send you home a happy man, okay?”
“Jesus fuck, Row.” My throat goes dry. She’s the only chick who’s ever managed to nearly put me into cardiac arrest. I must hesitate too long because she drops to her knees in front of me and torturously unzips my jeans.