The waitress for table forty-two, Jamelah, came from the kitchen, and Kacey waved her down. “What’s going on with the food for forty-two?”
Jamelah glanced at Monique. “I thought she was off tonight.”
Monique shrugged. “She is off.”
“I am off,” Kacey said.
“You’re never off,” Jamelah said with a chuckle. “They didn’t want mushrooms with their steak and Bobby messed up their order. Don’t worry, I’ve already let them know and your momma is giving them a free dessert.”
Kacey nodded, satisfied that what she’d noticed was already being handled by the staff. Not that she should be surprised. Jamelah was one of their best waitresses, and her momma wouldn’t let any customer leave unhappy.
Jamelah leaned in. “Now go have some fun and quit worrying about table forty-two. You can bark orders at us tomorrow.”
Kacey flicked the towel at Jamelah, who scooted out of the way and chuckled. “You worry about your table.”
Jamelah shook her head and sauntered off. She grabbed a pitcher of tea and water and started going through the tables, giving refills.
“Jamelah’s right, you don’t have to be here. The restaurant will survive when you’re away.”
“I know that,” Kacey said, turning back to her sister, who was rolling her eyes.
“If you know that, then why aren’t you grabbing a hottie and having your way with him instead of coming here, singing, and asking about wait times?”
“I’m not looking for a hottie,” Kacey said. “I don’t need any distractions right before school starts. I barely started my last semester on time after the weekend I spent with you in Nashville during my last break.”
Monique laughed and slapped the bar. “That weekend was awesome!”
“My hangover wasn’t,” Kacey said with a laugh. The only time she let loose was in her breaks between semesters, and only because Monique usually dragged her out to have fun. With Monique working, Kacey’s ideas of ways to have fun became limited.
“Fine, if you’re only interested in hanging out here with me and momma, then don’t talk about work, or complain when I leave with the hottie at the bar instead of going to hang out with you.”
“What hottie?”
“The one on the end, with the hair and eyes that say let me screw you so hard you’ll speak in tongues.” Monique bit her lower lip and grinned. “I’m taking him home tonight.”
Damn it! She should have known Monique would have noticed the same guy. Their weakness in men ran along similar lines. Usually she let her sister be the more daring, then fill her in on the details of her fun time. But something about this guy made Kacey want to be the daring sister. She still probably wouldn’t do it, but she also didn’t want to hear about how awesome he was in bed if Monique went home with him.
“Come on, Monique, you don’t even know the guy.”
“Yeah, but I know my body. And right now…” She looked around Kacey and wiggled her fingers. “My body says go home with him.”
Casanova returned Monique’s wave. Then his gaze connected with Kacey’s and he gave a smile that made her heart trip all over itself. Heat flashed up her cheeks and a tickle started in her midsection.
The thought of the bedroom eyes that had watched her entire performance landing on her sister made Kacey’s stomach clench. “How do you know you’re leaving with him?”
Monique shrugged. “Because I’m the path of least resistance. He also bought you a drink, but you’ll pretend all night like you’re not interested because of some old-fashioned sense of good behavior. I, on the other hand, want to get laid.” Monique rapped her long nails on the bar, then went back to helping customers.
Of course Monique had inherited the Coke bottle figure from their mother. Didn’t hurt that Monique’s father had a little extra meat on his bones. If given a choice, Kacey was pretty darn sure Casanova would go home with the thick sister. Guys usually preferred thick over thin.
Kacey tried not to be jealous. Except she hadn’t had good sex in over a year and refused to have another mediocre—beggars can’t be choosers—hookup with her ex-boyfriend Howard. Her lady parts needed tending to and had snapped to immediate attention the minute Casanova walked through the door.
Honestly, she wanted to get laid, and it wasn’t as if she couldn’t easily get laid. The women in her family had no problem attracting men. The problem was, they attracted men who were experts in drama, heartbreak, or potential scandal. Kacey’s momma and her married-to-someone-else father were the perfect example. Kacey wanted to get laid without complications or distractions, and sex with Howard, or one of the other regulars, would come with one or the other. School started on Monday, and she’d be forced to go without for another twelve weeks. Her options were either to continue to be the grown woman afraid of a one-night stand, or take the hot guy at the bar home.
She picked up the beer and took a long sip. She’d start by thanking him. That wouldn’t hurt, and if it turned out he was a complete jerk, then she’d go home and give her vibrator another round of action. Even though that was getting old.
She took another sip and made her way down the bar. Howard immediately sat up straight and grinned the knowing, hopeful grin of a guy who knew where he fit into her life. Howard was a decent enough fellow, but she knew he hadn’t been lonely since she’d broken things off with him last summer.
“You did great, Kacey.” Howard bounced like a seven-year-old at a professional wrestling match.
Casanova turned in his bar seat next to Howard to stare at her. Yep, his eyes were just as sexy up close as they were far away. His sexy comes naturally five o’clock shadow perfectly framed smiling full lips.
“Thanks, Howard.” Kacey lifted the beer in her hand.
“Is that the beer I bought you?”
Kacey shrugged. “I’m not sure. Monique mentioned that it came from this end of the bar.” She looked back at her distraction. His gaze was taking the long route across her body. Kacey’s body sizzled in response. “I came to thank both of you.”
Howard frowned. “Huh.”
Her distraction slowly lifted his gaze to hers. Her heart hitched and her stomach clenched. Deep in her bones…well, deep in another heated part of her body, she felt more stirrings of desire. How long had it been since she’d felt stirrings not related to the it’s been too long, I guess I’ll have sex feelings that normally came after finishing a semester in school?
“Finally decided to meet my eyes,” she said in a voice that hid her inner yearning. He still had time to screw up the very crazy thought budding in her brain.
He leaned his elbows on the back of the bar and tilted up kissable lips. “Just saving the best for last. You have beautiful eyes.”
The line was older than eight tracks, but the corner of her mouth flexed. “Is that tired line an indication of what you’re all about?”
“That was no line. You do have beautiful eyes.” He winked and lifted the beer to his lips. “But to be clear, it’s also no indication of what I’m about. I’m not easily tired.”
She perked up at the double meaning, and was surprised by how much she didn’t mind. “Then are you one of those bouncing-around jackrabbit types?”
“Not at all. I’m nice and easy. Things are so much better when you take your time.” His dark eyes stared deep into hers, caressing the long-dormant part of her personality that wanted to witness his definition of nice and easy.
Howard cleared his throat and coughed next to them. Kacey blinked and focused her attention back on him.
“Are you okay, Howard?” she asked.
Howard looked from her to the guy next to him. His shoulders slumped just a little, and he pulled money out of his wallet. “Nah. You sang really well tonight, Kacey.”
“Thanks, Howard.”
Howard tossed the money on the bar. He looked back at the guy, then met Kacey’s eyes. “Be careful tonight, okay?”
She nodded. “I will.”
Howard squeezed her arm, then walked away from the bar.
“Don’t tell me I chased off your number-one fan,” his hotness said.
Kacey slid into the seat Howard abandoned. “He’s probably on his way to his girlfriend’s place.”
The guy raised his brows and chuckled. “And here I thought his heart belonged to you.”
“I’m not trying to own any man’s heart right now.” She met his gaze. “I don’t have time to take on any new complications.”
His eyes widened slightly, and he leaned a little bit closer to her. “Good thing I’m not complicated.” He took another sip from the beer and his tongue did a quick sweep afterward.
Kacey’s nipples tightened and visions of the tip of his tongue gliding across the tips of her breasts had her sucking in air. “Really? The way I see it, most men do have some complications.”
He held his arms out to the side. “What you see is what you get. I like to have a good time and meet new people.” He dropped his arms. “But that doesn’t come with any extra demands.”
Monique strolled over and placed a burger and fries in front of him. Another button was loose at the top of her fitted white button-up shirt. A red bra and an abundance of cleavage peeked from the deep V.
“You need anything else, cutie?” Monique asked.
His scorching gaze remained on Kacey, which was unheard of when her sister’s bosom was in the vicinity. “Nah, I’m good.”
Monique slowly stood straight. Kacey met her sister’s eyes and looked for any signs of disappointment that her plan for the night had ignored her. She grinned at Kacey and winked before walking away.
“So, mister I don’t come with any demands, what do you come with when you’re meeting new people and making new friends?”
He grinned. His lips weren’t overly full but plump enough to make her wonder how soft they might be.
“I come with the promise of a good time.”
“And how do you know the friends you’ve made had a good time? Please don’t give me another line about people begging for more of your time.” She sipped her beer.
“Number one, that wouldn’t be a line. But before you roll your eyes and walk away—”
“Who said I’m an eye roller?”
“You’ve got that look. As if you’ve heard all the lines a man could possibly throw your way and you’ve perfected the not-interested eye roll.”
Kacey grinned at his adept evaluation. She’d been hit on nightly in her twelve years working here. “Fine, I’ve been known to occasionally roll my eyes.”
He picked up a fry and nodded. “I was correct in my assessment.”
Her brows lifted and she leaned back. “Oh, so you’re assessing me now.”
“I always assess people. Can’t help it.”
“And do you spend most of your time assessing women?”
“Only the ones as captivating as you are,” he said in a low, deep voice, those dark, soulful eyes staring straight into hers.
She almost wanted to believe him. Kacey blinked and looked away. “Another tired line. I’m beginning to think you’re mistaken about those friends who’ve had a good time with you.”
“And yet you’re still here talking to me.”
“I can’t help it. I like to look out for other people, and I couldn’t possibly let you subject a non-eye-rolling woman to those lines.”
He let out a deep chuckle. “Oh, really now?”
Kacey lifted her shoulder flippantly. “Part of my civic duty, you see.”
He leaned close again and his arm brushed against hers resting on the bar. A light brush, but enough to jolt her awareness.
“What other civic duties do you have?”
“Well, for one I can’t have you promising people a good time and then not following through.”
“I wouldn’t expect you to,” he said with mock seriousness. “Here’s what I propose.”
“What’s that?”
“I show you a very good time and then you can verify that my tired lines, as you call them, are not tired but in fact the truth.”
She’d seen enough guys come through Momma’s Kitchen looking for a one-night stand to know that was exactly what Casanova was about. But that was all she needed tonight, if she went through with being the daring sister. “Finish your burger and fries while I consider that offer.”
Chapter 3
Aaron was almost done with his burger, which was delicious, but he hadn’t enjoyed it nearly as much as he had his conversation with Kacey. Not once had she asked him his name. He wasn’t sure if that boded well for the vibe he felt humming between them.
Her sister had left the bar to sing onstage, and the woman who’d sung before was now at the bar. She too was young, busty, and flirty. Aaron again noticed the appeal of the place.
He looked back at Kacey, and when her wide, dark eyes met his, he forgot what he was going to say. A woman hadn’t struck him speechless since he was in middle school.
“Your singing voice. It’s beautiful, by the way,” he blurted out.
“It’s a family thing,” she said with a shrug.
Aaron glanced at the new bartender and then her sister. “Are you all related?”
“Most of us who work here are in some fashion or another. But not everyone.”
He pointed toward Monique. “After talking to you, I wouldn’t have pegged you two as sisters.”
“Most people don’t, but why do you say that?”
“Most sisters have similar vibes. You’re more intense than her. It hit me the moment we made eye contact.”
Kacey’s brows drew together. Aaron couldn’t believe he’d let that slip out. He’d spoken the truth, but knowing she liked to call him on his “tired” lines, he doubted she’d believe him. In that case, he might as well voice all the expressive thoughts she conjured up in him.
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
He sipped his drink. “I’ll have to work a little bit harder to get to know you better.”
Her brows relaxed, and she slowly lifted her head up and down. “Aha, I see.” She lifted her shoulder. “Maybe you should go the easy route.”
He leaned his elbow on the bar and met her eye. “I like a challenge.”
“Most men do, but that doesn’t mean having a good time with you tonight includes me sleeping with you.”
He liked that she dropped the innuendo and put the idea out there, even though he didn’t believe she wasn’t considering taking him home.
“I don’t think I have a chance in hell to get you in bed. But I never refuse a conversation with a beautiful woman.”
She smiled. She had the thickest, sexiest lips, which, like her eyes, made him lose his train of thought when he focused on them. Aaron cleared his throat and glanced around. If he stared too long his body would give an adolescent reaction to her sexiness. “So, tell me, what do you do when you’re not working here?”
“What do I do?”
“Yeah, tell me.” He leaned forward and took another sip of his drink.
She raised a brow. “What do you do when you’re not trying to pick up women in bars?”
“I’m driving Bertha.”
“Bertha?”
“My truck.”
She frowned. “You’re a trucker?”
He heard the distaste in her voice and disappointment filled him. “You disapprove?”
Her face cleared and she shook her head. “No, truckers come through here all the time. I’m just surprised. So, why Bertha?”
He shrugged, but felt as if he’d lost some points with her. No problem, he’d encountered that with women before, and he usually overcame any doubts they had about his success.
“She just felt like a Bertha.” Kacey’s chuckle made him grin. “When I’m not driving, I’m hanging with my family. I’m the youngest of three boys with one sister after me. I like playing video games, baseball, and sometimes still think about pursuing my childhood dream to hold professional wrestling’s
intercontinental championship.”
Kacey cocked her head to the side. “Why not the world heavyweight champion? I mean, that’s a title worth holding.”
Aaron leaned back and his eyes widened. “What do you know about world heavyweight championships?”
She shrugged and smirked. “I know the heavyweight champion is pretty much the face of wrestling. And they have the bigger belt.”
So she knew a little bit about wrestling. “Bigger isn’t better.”
“Is your insecurity showing?”
He was really starting to like her sassy mouth. He wagged a finger at her. “Aha-ha, you’ve got jokes.”
“Just an observation.” She dragged out the last word before taking another sip of her beer.
Aaron’s thoughts fled, chased away by the sight of those luscious lips wrapped around the long neck of the bottle. He blinked and shook his head. “Who’s your favorite heavyweight champion?”
Kacey refilled his glass. “Easy. The Mountain.”
Aaron slapped the bar and shook his head. Most women liked that guy because of his looks and the successful acting career he’d started after leaving wresting. “No! Are you serious? You have to go back to when wrestling was great. That’s when Hardy Boy Ricky Mable held the title.”
“Hey, I’m not hating on Ricky, but the Mountain was awesome. He is still awesome!”
“I can’t believe this.” He tapped the shoulder of the guy next to him. “Can you believe this?”
The guy looked from him to Kacey and shrugged. Aaron turned back to her. “Tell me why you think he’s so awesome.”
That started a debate of the best and worst champions and tag-team duos in wresting history. Kacey proved she knew more than a little bit about wrestling, and impressed the hell out of him. The bartender brought his check, and Aaron paid after Kacey challenged his ranking of the Wild Hawaiians in the place of all-time best tag-team champions.
“I give it to you,” Aaron said as he signed his credit card receipt. “You know your wrestling.”
“I’ve watched since I was a kid.” She leaned in close. “It’s my guilty pleasure.”
From One Night to Forever Page 2