At the sound of my nickname, I hop off my own chair and grab my purse. Maverick’s hand closes around my wrist. My eyes snap to his and the concern I see in them instantly annoys me. Normally, I wouldn’t care. It’s endearing that my best friend cares about me and my well-being, but tonight is not the night. Maybe it’s the tequila in my system or the fact that he called me his sister when I can’t seem to stop thinking about him as more than a friend. I yank my arm away with a glare and follow Leyla.
“What the fuck was that about?” Colson asks behind me, but I ignore him.
“Girl, what was that?” Leyla asks when we get far enough away from the table. “Brian was totally flirting with you.”
“I know but it was awkward with Colson and Mav there.” I groan.
“It shouldn’t be though.” Leyla shoots me a look as we lean against the bar. “It’s Maverick, isn’t it? You like him.”
“I might.”
“You might.” She laughs. “When did this happen? I thought he was your big brother and all that.”
“He was. He is.” I sigh. “It’s a recent development. I’m still processing it.”
“Well, process it whilst losing your virginity to Brian. He’s walking over here right now.”
“Leyla.” I stand up straighter and fix my hair.
I don’t know why I bothered straightening it tonight. I already feel the halo of frizz developing around my face. In typical North Carolina fashion, yesterday the weather was splendid and today the humidity is out of freaking control. I tug on the hem of the short dress I’m wearing and Leyla sets a hand on my hand.
“Stop. It’s short, it’s tight, but you look bomb. Stop messing with it.”
“Okay.” I exhale and bring the two drinks the bartender hands me over to us, giving one to Leyla, and turn around to lean my back against the bar.
“I thought I saw you two heading this way,” Brian says once he reaches us. “So, what’s up? What are we drinking tonight?”
“I’m having tequila,” I say.
“We are drinking whatever you want to buy us,” Leyla says, shooting me a look.
I sigh. I know my friends think this is the reason I’m in this predicament, but I wish they’d take a moment to hear me when I say that I don’t want to get a guy to pay for my things. It’s not that I refuse for someone to buy me a drink, but I don’t want it to come with a condition. I look back over to the table we vacated and see Maverick and Colson are now swamped with women. As usual. I roll my eyes and look back at Brian.
“I’m good.” I shake the short glass in my hand. “I’ve had two, so I’ve reached my limit.”
“That’s too bad.” Brian smiles. “Maybe I can take you out for a drink this weekend.”
“Why not?” I shrug a shoulder and manage a smile.
“What’s up?” Maverick asks. I blink up to realize he and Colson are both here now, instantly crowding our space by the bar.
“Just shooting my shot,” Brian says.
“With whom?” Maverick frowns, looking around. It’s sad that he doesn’t even think that I’m an option.
“The hottest girl at this restaurant slash bar,” Brian says, looking at Maverick like he’s crazy. “Rocky.”
“Oh.” Mav glances in my direction and his eyes capture every single curve on my body as if he’s analyzing me.
Maybe I’m imagining it, but I swear his expression heats up when he meets my eyes again. My heart flips as I hold his gaze and take a sip of tequila, hoping the liquid gives me enough courage to either look away or actually do something about this stupid crush. I push that thought away as quickly as it appears. No way in hell am I going to fall for my best friend. I’ve heard horror stories about that. People who lose life-long friendships because they hooked up.
“We’re going on a date,” Brian says.
“A date?” Maverick says, his voice a shout in the otherwise fairly quiet restaurant.
The band hasn’t started playing their live music. There are conversations happening, but not loud enough to drown us out.
“Yeah, a date,” Brian says. “What is up with you, dude? I have sisters. I know how to treat a lady.”
At that, I smile. Brian is really handsome and obviously a decent guy. Maybe he’ll be the one I finally lose my virginity to. Not that I’m in a huge rush. Okay, maybe I’m in a bit of a rush, but not enough to just sleep with whomever. I have a checklist. He has to be handsome, have nice breath, good hygiene, not burp in front of me like it’s no big deal and then laugh about it, be nice but maybe not too nice. Admittedly, my list kind of sucks, but it’s the only thing I know to stay away from or look for based on my limited experience. I hang out with as many guys as I do girls, but my guy friends haven’t given me any indication that they’re good boyfriends since the majority of them have never been in long relationships either.