Page 73 of Full Service
So instead, I keep this entire thing to myself. Out of respect for Dr. Sinclair and for my sanity. I don’t need to be getting all up in my head about this. There’s a very good chance this will all end terribly.
Doesn’t stop me from trying though.
Even if I only get scraps from him, I want it.
After saying goodbye to my dad, I do what any college guy would do on a Friday night and head to Shenanigans, the local bar. My infatuation with Dr. Sinclair is nothing a drink or two can’t solve. As I push my way to the bar top, I see Perry, the bartender, flirting with a guy with a head full of curls. Curly-hair-guy flirts right back, and who could blame him? Perry is hot. All that tanned skin and those whiskey-colored eyes. They’re almost hypnotic. If I wasn’t obsessing over Silas, then maybe I’d be interested.
Seems I only have eyes for a forbidden man.
“Hey there,” Perry says when he catches my gaze. “What are you having tonight?”
I cock an eyebrow at him and tap my fingers against my lips. “How about a whiskey sour.”
“Hm, I like it. Matches my eyes, you flirt.”
“Oh my god. Stop it,” the other guy says.
“Aw, come on, Puppy. I’m cute when I flirt,” Perry tells him.
“You’re always cute.”
“Not as cute as you,” Perry winks at him, then looks in my direction. “He’s my boyfriend. Isn’t he hot?”
I eye the guy. Yeah, I mean, he is, but it seems like if I say that I’ll get in trouble. “Can we get back to my drink now?”
“Oh yeah, the drink that’s like your eyes…” Puppy says. I don’t know what the guy’s actual name is. Clearly, I can tell they’re just being playful, and these two only have eyes for each other.
“I wasn’t flirting with you, just so you know,” I clarify.
He grabs some bottles and starts making my drink.
“Um, are you sure you aren’t flirting with me? When Puppy and I first met, he was flirting with me without even knowing.”
Puppy shakes his head, his curly hair flopping onto his forehead. “No, I wasn’t. I just didn’t know you were flirting with me.”
I let out a loud laugh and then lean forward, making sure they can hear me.
“No worries, really. I have a thing going with someone right now.”
“Oh, really? This is getting good,” the boyfriend says.
“Yep. Someone forbidden.”
Perry’s eyes twinkle, dancing in the lights of the bar. “Tell us more. We do love a good forbidden romance.”
“It’s not romance. It’s obsession.”
“Well, I certainly didn’t expect to hear that. Sounds fun though. Care to share who this obsession is with?”
I shake my head as I take a sip of my drink. Just like with my dad, I keep that little tidbit tucked away inside of me. I don’t want Dr. Sinclair to get into trouble because of me. I want him to lust after me, not hate me.
“Well, fine. Don’t share with us. But if you ever need someone to talk to, let us know. We’re awesome at relationship stuff.” Perry winks at his man.
I don’t remind him my thing is more about obsession and pocket that friendly suggestion, taking another large gulp. The bourbon hits me hard, and I cough slightly.
“I’ll keep you both in mind. Thanks.”
I reach over to pay, and he accepts it, charging me with a flick of his wrist. A moment later, Perry wanders off to help someone else. My gaze lifts to the mirror behind the bar top, and I see myself reflected back. My eyes are alight, my skin flushed, my stomach fluttering in anticipation of going home and seeing Silas again.