Until Talon (Until Him 4)

“Hmm,” I mutter, and then my eyes widen when a very large bucket of ice and what smells like a whole lot of tequila is placed in front of me. “Umm.” I look up at our waitress and ask her quietly, “What’s your name?”

“You can call me Tita.”

“That’s sweet.” My chest warms, because I know that’s similar to “aunt.” “Tita, is this really the drink from the picture?”

“It is.” She beams.

“Well, okay then,” I mutter, and she laughs before letting us know she will be back shortly with our food.

“So where’s your boyfriend today?” Harry asks. “You’re still dating him, aren’t you?”

“Talon, yeah, we’re still seeing each other. He’s working today.” I wave him off, taking a sip from the straw while praying Talon gets here soon. “So tell me about yourself, Harry.”

“There’s not much to tell.” He picks up his beer, taking a drink from it, so I take another sip from my straw, the alcohol burning my throat. “I grew up here in town, went away to college, and moved back when I was given the opportunity.”

“What do you do exactly?” I ask, leaning in and hoping I look interested.

“I own part of a land developmental firm. We buy land to build subdivisions on.”

“That’s impressive.”

“I don’t know about impressive, but I’ve done well for myself.”

“Have you always wanted to do what you’re doing?” I take a long sip from my bucket.

He seems to think about my question for a minute before answering. “I always wanted to be successful. I was just lucky enough to find a job that made that possible.”

“That is lucky,” I agree then jump when a hand comes down hard enough on the table to make my drink shake.

“Mia!” Bax booms, looking between Harry and me, and I look up over his shoulder at Talon, fighting back a shiver when I see the look on his face. “Told you it was her. What are you doing here?” he asks as he takes a seat next to Harry, forcing him deeper into the booth.

“We’re having lunch to celebrate Harry’s new purchase. What are you guys doing here?” I scoot over, making room for Talon to sit, then grab his thigh when he rests his arm around my shoulders. “I thought you were working.”

“We were, but everyone needs lunch, right?” Bax drags my bucket of tequila across the table toward him and takes a sip from the straw. “Shit, babe, that’s strong,” he hisses, and I laugh. I can’t help it; there is something about Bax that is endearing and adorable even if he is a little rough around the edges.

When Talon’s arm around my shoulders tightens, I remember this isn’t just a normal lunch. “Sorry.” I clear my throat. “Harry, you know Talon, but this is his brother Bax. Bax, this is Harry.”

“Nice to meet you, man,” Bax mutters before taking another sip of my drink, something I doubt will affect him like it is currently affecting me right now, because he’s about four times my size. Even after just a few sips, I feel warm. Then again, I probably just took two maybe even three shots of tequila without even knowing it.

“You too,” Harry says, not looking even a little happy.

“You look familiar, man. Do we know each other?” Bax asks, and Harry seems to tense at the question before composing himself.

“I was thinking the same thing,” Talon agrees.

“I don’t think so. Then again, this town is small. We’ve probably passed each other a time or two at the grocery store.”

“You’re probably right,” Bax mutters, grabbing the laminated menu from the holder in the middle of the table. “I hope you guys don’t mind if we join you for lunch. I don’t want to ruin your date.”

“It’s not a date, just a celebratory lunch,” I repeat, not to make a point to Harry, but because, although I’m sure Talon talked to Bax about what is going on, I don’t want him to think I’d go out with another man when I’m seeing his brother.

“What did you order, baby?” Talon asks, and I look at him while he tips his chin down, a move that brings our mouths close together.

“I got the fajitas.”

“I’ll share with you.”

“Okay,” I agree, really wishing he’d kiss me to let me know we’re good.

“I’m gonna get the nachos,” Bax states, then asks. “So what is it that we’re celebrating?”

“Mia sold me a few trucks.”

“Oh yeah?” Bax asks, looking at me.

“Yeah.”

“How many?” he asks.

“Twelve.”

“Well shit, that is cause for celebration. Good job.”

“Thanks.” I laugh as he pushes the bucket back toward me, and like an idiot, I take another drink as he focuses his attention on Harry, asking him something about what kind of work he does.

“So,” I say quietly, turning toward Talon, and he dips his chin down to meet my gaze once more. “Ken told me today that I made the number one spot in sales this month, even before Harry’s purchase.”