Page 5 of Vodka And Virtue
“I don’t know. I guess I saw the kind of guys my brother was into, and I don’t want that.”
I planted my ass on a barstool and leaned closer. “So what do you want?”
Color rose to his cheeks. Was he bashful? Sensitive? He always seemed so self-assured, like he could handle any situation with his hands tied behind his back and his eyes closed. Yet, my simple line of questioning seemed to make him squirm.
“Somethingmore—I don’t know, just…something more.”
“So like, a relationship.” Was it possible we shared the same goals? And just when I thought we were making progress, he did a total one-eighty right before my eyes, completely confusing me.
“What do you care? Why are we even discussing this?”
He shook his head, as if to clear it, and then smoothed his ruffled feathers by straightening his vest and collected his manners.
“Please excuse me. I just remembered I have things to do in the store room. Have a good evening.”
He turned on his heel and walked with purpose to the back room, never sparing another glance in my direction.
And I still hadn’t gotten that smile.
* * *
The following evening,I donned my usual all-black ensemble, T-shirt, pants, boots, and blazer, and drove my truck to the bar. I was looking forward to having another shot with Carlisle, even if it were just a quick conversation, a few stolen minutes alone with him. Anything to earn that smile.
But when I arrived, the blonde woman was seated at the bar again, flirting with Carlisle and effectively cock blocking me. Yesterday, when I brought it up, he hadn’t mentioned having a girlfriend, so maybe she was just hopeful?
The problem was, I didn’t know enough about him to guess whether I even stood a slim chance with him. But the last thing anyone would ever call me was a quitter, so I waited for my opportunity, biding my time by the door.
I wasn’t actually required to babysit the damn door, it just seemed like the best place to stay out of the way and observe. And the further I moved into the lounge area, the more tempted I was by the delicious food and distracted by the entertainment.
I finally had my chance when I saw Carlisle leave the bar area and head to the back room. Figuring he would return with something heavy, I started off in his direction to lend a hand. Just as I rounded the corner at the end of the hallway, he exited the store room carrying a large case of Guinness.
“Let me help you with that,” I offered, taking the weight from him. I transferred the heavy case into my arms and deposited it behind the counter.
“Thank you. I appreciate the extra hand.”
“Any time. I’m happy to help.”
When I lingered, shoving my hands in my back pockets, he fidgeted, glancing down the bar to where the blonde girl sat.
“Girlfriend?” I asked, praying the answer was no.
“Something like that.”
That was hardly an answer. “You aren’t sure?” I teased with a smile.
“She’s my ex. We dated briefly, and then she dumped me. Now she’s back for a ‘trial’.” He used air quotes around the last word, and I got the impression it didn’t sit well with him.
“And how is that working out for you?” I followed his gaze down the length of the counter, to where she sat, sipping a fruity red cocktail.
“I wish I knew what she wanted from me. I have a feeling her rebound man didn’t work out so well and now she’s using me as a distraction until something better comes along.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. You deserve to be somebody’s first priority.”
He regarded me skeptically. “What did you say your name was?”
“Gregory, but you can call me Rory. Rory MacGregor.”
“Carlisle Carrick.” He stuck out his hand, and I shook it, sliding my fingers down the length of his palm as I slowly pulled away. His touch was soft and warm, and I wanted it to last longer than a mere ten seconds.