through the Aussie haze that covered me while I tried to process Gage's compliments.
The strains of Luke Bryan's song called to me as Riley's request sank all the way in. I pulled myself together and looked across the crowd at Riley, who was pointing straight at me. His finger was crooked and beckoning me to the dance floor.
What was he doing ? Abandoning my stool, I waded through all of the country girls shaking their things on the floor. When I reached his booth I gave him my best glare, before being bombarded by Sara and Candace.
"What are y'all doing here?" I shouted. Relief flooded me at seeing them and knowing I wouldn’t be alone for the rest of the night.
"A little birdy told us you were lonely," smiled Sara.
"Riley?"
"Guilty baby," he admitted. "Couldn't stand watching you get ogled by the masses any longer. I needed reinforcements to keep you safe."
"I could kiss you guys right now," I laughed; starting to let loose and dance in our private little circle.
Riley leaned over the booth. " I'll take that kiss."
I assumed he was kidding, but as I went to plant a friendly kiss on his cheek, he turned his head and allowed me to kiss his lips. It was a quick kiss, but it was unexpected and certainly something new for us.
"Meowww," teased Sara.
Candace pulled me back from the booth and raised my hand to twirl me while the band played another song. We danced to the band for another hour before my cute little heels staged a revolt. Sara had taken up with one of her many "friends with benefits" partakers, and left once the band finished their last set.
"I'm beat. Do you need a ride home?" I asked Candace. I was ready to go home and soak my poor little piggies. When she agreed, we waved to Riley that we were off. His face flashed with disappointment but he smiled and signaled that he would call us.
Or me.
I really wasn't sure. I hadn't thought much more about his flirting from earlier. I was hoping I wouldn't have to.
As we walked to the exit, I motioned to Candace to hold up. Gage was leaning against the bar and I limped my way over. He was talking animatedly to a few ladies and pouring them wine.
"Hey," I called out. The redhead directly in front of him turned around, and I noted her hand was resting on the forearm that he had draped over the bar top. "Sorry," I apologized. Inside I groaned at myself for yelling, yet again. "I wanted to thank you for the drinks."
His eyes met mine, his mouth opened slightly, and then it closed. He simply nodded instead, as he finished pouring wine and placed the bottle in front of him. I stood there for a moment expecting him to say something, but he didn't reply. He corked the wine bottle, leaving his free hand resting around the neck. His other arm was being stroked by the redhead, who was giving me a serious evil eye.
I coughed in embarrassment. "Well, okay then. See ya."
Spinning on my heels, I hustled over to Candace's side and ignored the questioning daggers her eyes were shooting at me. We quickly made our way to my car and I clicked the doors unlocked. I was fidgeting with my key chain and stopped short when I heard footsteps rushing out of the bar, coming our way. Jerking my gaze up, it took a moment for my mind to register what my eyes were seeing.
It was Gage hurrying towards us. Candace was already seated in the car and I was still making my way around to the driver’s side. I pulled the door open and stood there mutely as Gage slowed down and stopped. I watched as he stuck one hand in his pocket, his face half in shadows.
There were two cars between us when he finally called out, "I didn't get your name."
I stood there. Candace hissed “Answer him” at me from within the car, but I froze.
He glanced behind him and I wondered how much trouble he would get in for following a patron, a female patron at that, outside while on shift. I was sure he probably wasn't supposed to do that. Why did he want to know my name? Why was he so freaking hot? Why was I a
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