“What do you want me to do? It’s not like she makes it easy.”
“I know,” he grunted, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Just ignore it. Please, for me.”
“I’ll do what I can.” He gave me a look of annoyance. “Okay, okay. I won’t say anything.” I looked back over at the table. Declan was angrily pointing her finger at Alex while she sat there with her arms crossed and rolled her eyes. This might be harder than I thought, but I owed Colton. I promised him I would try my best to keep my mouth shut.
We managed to make it through dinner without any more drama. Colton and Declan kept the conversation going while Alex and I were quiet spectators. When dinner was finally over, I was practically jumping out of my skin to get out of there. Alex was hot, but she had just a little more attitude than I liked and I’d never worked this hard for a girl in my life and I wasn’t going to start now. When the check came, I threw in my credit card, and waited impatiently for the waitress to return with my receipt. I signed the slip and stood up. Colton looked at me confused. “Well, I would say it’s been fun but,” I looked at Alex. “that would be like admitting you like getting a hot poker stuck up your ass.” Alex barely blinked an eye, but she did give me a sarcastic smile. Somehow she even made that look sexy. Not worth it, I reminded myself. “You ready?” I asked Colton.
“Um,” he began, unsure.
“Oh,” Declan chimed in. It was obvious these two were hitting it off and not ready for the date to end.
“I was hoping we could hang out for a bit. If that’s what you want?”
Pussy.
“No, I’d love to. Unless you have other plans?”
“No, Casper doesn’t have anywhere else he needs to be.” Colton shot me a warning look.
“I’ll be at the bar.” I took off leaving the two lovebirds and the shrew at the table. I took a seat at the end of the bar. Not a minute later Alex took a seat at the opposite end. I watched her as she played with one of the napkins. The bartender approached her to take her drink order. Alex waved her off until the bartender pointed to a sign behind the bar that read, ‘you must order a drink to sit at the bar’. She rolled her eyes. “That’s stupid.” I had to agree with her on that one.
She took out her purse and pulled out three ones, holding them up to the bartender. “What can I get for three dollars?” The bartender, clearly irritated, took her three dollars and handed her a soda. Alex sipped it slowly, while playing with one of the little straws. She looked bored out of her mind, but I’ll be damned if I was going to try and entertain her. I did my job for the night.
I checked my watch. It was only ten thirty. I could see the table from where I sat. Declan was laughing at something Colton said. Colton wasn’t funny, so either she really liked him or was trying to be nice. I looked back down at the end of the bar where Alex was. And she was no longer alone. When the hell did that happen and how did I miss it? I watched as this guy really put on the charm. He ran his finger lightly over her hand. This guy was going to regret that. I sat back and waited, but nothing happened. Alex looked up at him with a…was that a smile? He put an arm on the back of her chair and leaned into whisper something.
Now he was definitely going to get it. I put my hands behind my head, pushing my chair back until the front legs were suspended, and smiled. Tonight might not be so bad after all. When the guy finally pulled away Alex was blushing. She hit him playfully in the chest. I let my chair drop back to all four legs. What the hell? She was actually flirting back with this guy. What did he have that I didn’t? He ordered a beer for him and Alex. Did he know she was under age? He sat down in the seat next to her. The bartender stood in front of me to take someone’s order behind me. There was a whole fucking open bar. Why did they have to stand behind me? I ducked my head under the bartenders arm so I could still see Alex and this guy. He moved closer to her. He had some nerve.
“Can I help you with something?” the bartender asked, giving me a strange look.
“Yeah, you can move out of my way and get me another drink.” He didn’t seem pleased by my request, but did it anyway. I rested my elbows on the bar and my chin in my hands. I felt a hand run across my shoulders. I tilted my head slightly to see that hand was attached to a very beautiful redhead. She wore a short, tight black dress that framed her very voluptuous curves. She smiled seductively at me and took a seat in the chair next to mine. Her hand rested on the back of my chair as she crossed her legs, letting her skirt hike dangerously close to her upper thigh. She was practically screaming “Fuck me now!”, but I wasn’t interested. Wait…what? Why wasn’t I interested? A blind man would kick me for not acknowledging this girl.
I sucked down my shot and turned to face her, giving her my best sexy smile. She turned so her legs were in between mine. This girl was a pro. “So, what’s a gorgeous woman like you doing here all by herself?” I knew it was lame, but I usually didn’t have to come up with anything clever. My hair and tattoos gave me an image of typical bad boy which all girls loved. They all wanted to be the ‘one’ to tame me. Unfortunately for them, I wasn’t looking to be tamed.
She smiled, exposing a small spot of lipstick she had on her tooth. I inwardly cringed. Let it go Casper. It’s just one tiny red dot on one very smokin’ body. You can get past it. “You’re sweet, but I’m actually meeting some friends later. I was a little embarrassed about sitting alone so I hope you don’t mind that I sat here?”
I leaned in closer. “Not at all.” She blushed, putting her hands in her lap. This chick would be easy. “Can I get you a drink?” I signaled for the bartender and noticed Alex was looking at me. The guy was still with her, but her eyes were on me and she looked…jealous? She quickly turned away and put her hand on the guys forearm. I smiled wide and turned back to my present company. I ordered us shots and even did the cheesy loop your arms together. I stole a glance at Alex who was now glaring. The guy pointed to something on his bicep and Alex touched it, laughing. Was she trying to make me jealous? Alright, let the game begin.
The guy went to order another drink for him and Alex. I signaled over the girl bartender who was checking me out all night. “Excuse me, but you might want to check that girl’s ID at the end of the bar.” She crinkled her brow at me. “She’s underage,” I whispered. Taking the hint, she marched right over and asked Alex for her ID.
With the noisy crowd, I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but I could somewhat read Alex’s lips. “Are you serious?” she said, pretending to be offended. I understood why the bartender didn’t card her in the first place, she did look old enough. When Alex wouldn’t provide her with an ID the bartender took away her drink and replaced it with a soda. I tried to hide my laugh, but Alex caught me, and she didn’t look happy. The redhead was saying something to me, but I was too busy living up my victory to listen. Alex’s gaze zeroed in on mine. Her dragon green eyes burned holes in my head. She excused herself from the guy who was mauling her and marched straight to me.
Not caring about being rude, she put her arm between me and the redhead. “Excuse me, but we were having a conversation,” the redhead complained. Alex turned to her and with just a look got the redhead to turn the other way.
Her attention now back on me, she asked, “What the hell are you doing?”
“Having a conversation with a beautiful young woman.” I winked at the redhead.
Alex tried to hide her disgust, but was unsuccessful. Win number two. “I know it was you who said something to the bartender.”
“You’re underage Alex. You shouldn’t be drinking. I’m just looking out for your best interest,” I said in my most sincere tone, but she wasn’t buying it. Instead of giving me one of her quirky comebacks she fixed me with a warning glare and rejoined the child molester. She said something to Mr. Grabby-hands, he smiled, and then they were off. Where the hell were they going? He placed his hand on her lower back and led her away to the back of the restaurant. Something in me snapped and it took everything I had not to jump up and
break his hand for touching her. I looked up to the sign above the archway they walked through. They were heading into the billiards room. An idea popped into my head. “Would you like to play some pool?”
“I don’t know how to play.”
“Come on, I’ll teach you.” I held out my hand for her, helping her off the chair and escorted her through the entryway to the next room. Alex and the overgrown man-child had already claimed a table near the back right corner. Alex was racking, stuffing each of the solid and striped colored balls inside the triangle. I smiled wide as I escorted my date over to an open table. “Why don’t you order us another drink and some shots while I set up the table?”
Red signaled for the waitress who was making the rounds and placed an order. Alex was too busy getting manhandled to notice I even walked in. I made it a point to walk right in front of her to grab a cue stick for my friend and myself.
Her irritation of my arrival was clear from the evil look she gave me. I had to pause by the wall so I could control my laugh. I cleared my throat to try and remove the smug smile from my face before I turned around. Alex stepped in front of me blocking my path. “What are you doing?”
“What does it look like I’m doing?” I held up the cue sticks.
“We both know the real reason you’re back here. So I would like you to leave.”
I looked at her puzzled. “Why Alex, I do believe you’re overthinking it or maybe it’s more, wishful thinking,” I winked. She huffed and I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. “And my intentions are to only entertain my new guest.”
“There’s an entire bar to do that.”
“Yes but I do really enjoy a good game of pool.” On that last note, I left her there, seething. This couldn’t have worked out better than if I planned it myself. My plan wasn’t to ruin her night – okay maybe a little. I found pleasure in getting under her skin and riling her up. Usually I enjoyed getting girls off, not pissing them off, but for some reason I just couldn’t help myself. Alex brought something out in me I never knew existed. I’ll have to thank her for that later.
By the time I was done racking, the waitress had returned with our drinks. I took my shot, clinking glasses with my new date. Then I walked her over to the game table and handed her the cue stick. She bit her lip and gave me a sheepish look. Smiling, I bent her forward and leaned over her to help her line up the shot. She didn’t even make a dent in the stack. “Sorry,” she said, biting her lip again.
“It’s okay,” I ducked down under the low, rectangular light and pressed my hands to the wooden edges of the table. “Let me break and you can take the next one.” I raised my stick, positioning it to take my shot when I caught a glimpse of Alex out of the corner of my eye. Her body was pressed low on the table, squishing her large breasts forward giving anyone in five feet of her the perfect view. Her eyes were slightly squinted as she reared back her cue stick, sinking the thirteen in the corner pocket without a problem. She straightened, proud of her shot. Opie came up behind her and gave her a high five. I rolled my eyes and went back to my game.
My concentration was off and I over shot. The ball cleared the table, hitting the opposite wall. “Oops,” I laughed, trying to play it off. My mishap grabbed Alex’s attention. I shrugged my shoulders at her making her pout.
I managed to keep the ball on the table this time and then I gestured for Red to take her shot. “Could you help me?”
I eyed the table for the easiest shot. “Go for the two,” I told her. I positioned her over the table, aiming the stick in the direction of where she needed to connect with the ball. I looked up in time to see Alex’s face get bright red, eyes narrowed into slits. I put my head back down and smiled. Red made the shot and celebrated by giving me a kiss on the cheek. I watched as Alex rubbed the chalk on the tip of her stick so hard dust particles were flying everywhere. Tonight was turning out to be a good night.
After the second game and fifth round of shots, I no longer went out of my way to try and annoy Alex. Apparently my presence alone was enough to make her claws come out. Opie decided to make his move. His woman-like arms enclosed around Alex’s waist while he boldly kissed her neck. I gripped the stick so tight I thought it would break in my hand. For the first time tonight Alex did not seem to enjoy dickhead’s advances. She smiled at his embrace, but I could see in her eyes this was not what she really wanted. I hated seeing him with his hands on her. The sleaze let go of her to put some more money in the table.
An idea formed in my head and I took the opportunity to weasel my way in. “How about a little friendly competition?” I proposed.
Alex’s eyelashes fluttered up. Her eyes tightened. “Why do I get the feeling you have ulterior motives?”
“Just thought we could make this night a little more interesting.” Alex crossed her arms over her chest. “You two against us two,” I threw a thumb over my shoulder at my date.
“What’s the catch?” She asked, shifting her weight from one leg to the next.
“No catch…just a small wager.”
“Fine,” she said, not wasting anytime. “When we win, you and your side show act have to leave.”
“Okay, what do I get if I win?”
“You’re not going to win,” she said with confidence.
“Let’s just pretend for a second that I do. So if I win,” I tapped my chin, pretending to think it over. Alex let out an exaggerated breath, annoyed at me for dragging it out. My grin widened as I came up with the perfect plan. “You have to go home with me.”
She tensed for a second, showing her bluff. Her arms fell by her side. “I’m not going to sleep with you,” she scoffed. “What kind of a girl do you think I am?”
“I never said anything about sleeping with me. I said go home with me. Haven’t you ever spent the night with a guy without sleeping with them? And you call me the slut.” She looked appalled, not believing I took it there. Alex crossed her arms defensively and then looked back over at the guy she was with. The look on her face said she didn’t know if she could win and she sure as hell didn’t know how good her partner was. I had her right where I wanted her. Her head swiveled towards the redhead. “Sorry, I’m not in to threesomes.”
“Didn’t even consider that an option, but I’ll keep it in mind.” She took the rack off the table and placed it back in its proper position. “The deal is just me and you.”
Alex picked up the blue chalk and rubbed it roughly against the tip of the cue stick. That small movement was more of a turn on then I ever would have expected. She placed the chalk back on the table. Her confidence returned as she assessed my partner. “Alright, deal. If by some off chance you would happen to win, you have me for the night and if I win you have to leave me alone. Not just for tonight though, forever.”
“That’s kind of hard considering I’m sure after tonight our two friends out there will be inseparable. Not to mention my band plays at the club you work at.”
“Hard, but not impossible. Just because we might be forced to see each other doesn’t mean I have to endure your pathetic and tiring attempts to get me into bed.”
I laughed. She didn’t know I had already given up on that. Now I was just more interested in getting under her skin. “Alright, deal.” I held out my hand. She hesitantly raised hers and then placed it inside mine gripping firmly. Her hand was soft, delicate. The placement of her hand fit perfectly in mine and I suddenly didn’t want to let go. I met her fiery green eyes and I saw them soften slightly. Then just as quickly the sharpness returned and she dug her nails into my hand before letting go. I didn’t question the shift in her mood. I was learning she could go either way in the blink of an eye. I ran my hand over the green felt table, smiling, and turned to the redhead.
“You mind if we play a quick game of doubles?”
She shook her head. “Just as long as I get to be on your team,” she purred, dragging a finger down my freshly tattooed arm. I could feel the burning before I even turned around. I looked over
my shoulder. Alex was drilling the chalk into the cue stick so hard it was about to break apart.
This is going to be easier than I thought. “How about we go introduce ourselves?” I extended my arm to my new date and walked her over to our opponents. “Hi, I’m Casper.” I extended my hand to Alex’s new friend.
“Lincoln, Lincoln Hawk.”
“That’s a little over the top, don’t you think,” I smirked. He didn’t get it, but I managed to make Alex smile which was a victory in its own. “Your parents Stallone fans?” The guy looked clueless and I noticed Alex tried to hide her laugh. “Never mind.” I turned to my date. “This is –” shit. I never got her name. This time Alex laughed out loud. I tried to hide my annoyance.
“Rachel,” she said. Mr. Eighties kissed her hand making Alex and I both give him a dirty look.
“Alright, you wanna break?” Alex offered, having enough of the show.
“Ladies first.”
She broke, scattering balls everywhere and knocked in two. She eyed the table, looking for her next shot. “The seven, corner pocket.” She sunk it with ease. “Fifteen, off the side.” Again, another shot. She called the next one but missed.
“Wow, you’re really good,” Lincoln said, putting his hand on Alex’s hip.
“Beginner’s luck. I’ll show you how a real player works.” I purposely walked in front of them to take my shot so dickwad would have to move away from Alex. That’s what I hoped he would do, but no, this guy maneuvers so he can pull her on his lap, keeping an arm tight around her waist. I sunk in three balls before I missed. Seeing the small worried look on Alex’s face made it all that more appeasing.
Alex gave Lincoln advice on what ball to aim for. He missed. He didn’t even call the pocket. “It’s okay. You’ll get the next one.”
“Maybe I’ll have to hit you up for some lessons,” he winked.
Oh please, could this guy be any lamer. I pulled Rachel over to the side of the table. I pointed to the ball she should try to aim for. “Could you help me? I’m not very good.” She batted her eyelashes at me and I noticed how clumped together with mascara they were. Stuff like this never bothered me before, but for some reason it was right now. I made myself look past it. It was just makeup, easily washes off. I smiled at her and moved in. I leaned over her and assisted her with the shot. I caught Alex rolling her eyes. I patted Rachel on the behind and told her good job, even though she missed. Alex’s turn was up. She pointed to the top right corner pocket and bent down to line up her shot. Lincoln, not so subtly, tilted his head to check out her ass. What I wouldn’t give right now to sock this guy. I tried to reel my anger in but it was getting harder to do with each shot Alex was making. I’ll be damned if I lose this bet.
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