Page 2 of A Love Bite
She laughs, a sound like music to my ears. “I can see that.”
There’s a lull in the conversation, and I find myself struggling to come up with something else to say. Normally, I’m a master of small talk, but with her, I feel like I’m stumbling over my words like a teenager with a crush.
She brushes her rich chestnut brown hair back, but a few strands fall forward again in loose waves around her shoulders in a casual yet chic style. It frames her face perfectly, accentuating her delicate features and almond-shaped eyes.
Speaking of her eyes, they’re a mesmerizing shade of hazel, flecked with hints of green and gold that seem to dance in the light. They’re warm and inviting, sparkling with intelligence and curiosity.
Before I can embarrass myself further, she speaks up again. “So, what’s your name?” she asks, her eyes locking with mine.
I swallow hard, feeling a flush creeping up my neck. “Jake,” I manage to stammer out. “My name’s Jake.”
“Nice to meet you, Jake,” she says, her smile warm and genuine. “I’m Alex.”
She takes another sip and looks at the bar, signaling the end of our conversation. I’m reluctant to move, though, and I watch her, discreetly I hope.
Alex has an air of effortless elegance about her, a natural beauty that draws the eye and commands attention. Her complexion is smooth and flawless, with a hint of rosy color in her cheeks that suggests a healthy glow. There’s a natural freshness to her appearance, a youthful vitality that belies her age.
She’s dressed casually yet stylishly, wearing a simple blouse paired with jeans that hug her curves in all the right places. Her accessories are understated but tasteful, adding a touch of sophistication to her ensemble.
As the night progresses and the initial curiosity surrounding Alex’s presence wanes, the usual chatter and laughter resume in Luna’s Moon. The other patrons return to their conversations and drinks, the bustle of the bar slowly returning to its familiar rhythm.
Despite the distractions of my duties behind the bar, I find my gaze continually drawn back to Alex. She sits at the end of the bar, seemingly content in her solitude, her attention focused on her drink and the world around her.
No one approaches her, and yet she seems perfectly at ease sitting by herself, a calm presence amidst the chaos of the bar. There’s something about her, a quiet confidence that sets her apart from the rest of the crowd.
I can’t help but wonder about her. Most humans seem to instinctively know that werewolves are different and stay away from us. What really brought her here? What secrets lie hidden behind those sparkling eyes? But I really should focus on my work, fulfilling drink orders and keeping the bar running smoothly.
Still, every so often, I steal a glance in her direction, catching glimpses of her laughter and the way her eyes light up when she smiles. There’s a magnetic pull to her, a curiosity that refuses to be ignored.
As the night wears on, I find myself growing more and more intrigued by this mysterious newcomer. Maybe, just maybe, there’s more to Alex than meets the eye.
Soon enough, Alex finishes her drink and pushes some cash across the bar. I’m taken aback by her sudden departure. My heart races as I fumble to process the situation, the sight of her leaving catching me off guard.
“Uh, thanks,” I manage to stammer out, my voice coming out more strained than I intended. “I mean, thank you for stopping by.”
She gives me a small smile, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “You’re welcome,” she says, her tone warm and friendly.
I try to steady my nerves as I count out her change, my fingers trembling slightly as I hand it back to her. “Here you go,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper.
She takes the money with a nod of thanks, leaving a small tip on the bar before turning to go. As she walks away, I can’t help but feel a sense of disappointment, a nagging feeling that I’ve missed an opportunity, my mind racing with a thousand questions and regrets. Did I say the right thing? Did I come across as too nervous? Was there something more I could have done to make her stay?
Before I can dwell on it any longer, the sound of shattering glass snaps me back to reality. I look down to see that I’ve knocked over a glass, spilling its contents across the bar.
Cursing under my breath, I quickly grab a cloth and start mopping up the mess, trying to regain my composure, but deep down, I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve let something slip through my fingers—a chance encounter with a woman who left a lasting impression on me in the briefest of moments.
Will I see her again? As the door swings shut behind her, I can’t help but hope that our paths will cross once more, if only to get the chance to make a better impression next time.
I’m still cleaning up the spilled glass, when Levi Marsden, one of the regulars at Luna’s Moon, sidles up to the bar with a mischievous grin on his face. I can already tell from the twinkle in his eye that he’s about to give me a hard time.
“Well, well, well, what do we have here?” he says, his voice dripping with amusement. “Looks like someone’s got a crush.”
I roll my eyes, trying to brush off his teasing. “Oh, shut it, Levi,” I reply, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment. “It’s not like that.”
Levi chuckles, leaning against the bar with a knowing smirk. “Come on, Jake, don’t be shy. I saw the way you were practically tripping over yourself back there. You’ve got it bad, my friend.”
I sigh, knowing there’s no use denying it. Trying to play it cool in front of him is pointless.
“Fine, maybe I was a little flustered,” I admit, feeling my cheeks grow even hotter, “but can you blame me? She was… different.”