Love, Laughter, and Happily Ever Afters Collection (106 page)

“Always. So whatcha doing?”

“I’m getting ready to head out.” In ten minutes.

“Where to?”

“I’m going to the Sky Bar. I’m meeting Dane there.”

“Oh, okay.” His voice deflates and I feel a pang of guilt.

Curiosity gets the better of me. “Why, what’s up?”

I hear hesitation, and the line is quiet for a minute. “Nothing. Just thought we could hang out.”

“Can we do it another time?” I’m starting to feel bad and try to sound upbeat.

“Sure.” He sounds anything but.

“Great. Talk to you later.”

“See ya.”

When I arrive at the Sky Bar, I’m greeted by the familiar smell of alcohol and body odor. My favorite combination…not. I don’t see Dane yet, so I push my way through the crowd of tightly packed bodies to get a drink. It’s just seven o’clock anyway. I plant myself on a stool and chat it up with the bartender. Sipping my drink slowly, I eye the door so I can make sure to flag Dane down. It’s really crowded in here and I’m not sure he’ll see me. When I see the door open, I’m sure it’s going to be Dane. But it’s not. It’s Brad. What on earth is he doing here? Then a tiny thought creeps in my head. You told him you’d be here; you practically invited him!

I watch him walk in. He’s wearing tight fitting jeans and a white button down shirt. His brown eyes are dazzling, even from a distance it’s hard not to notice them. Walking in further, he appears to be scanning the room. He really is handsome and I’m finding it difficult to look away. Our eyes meet and he smiles, walking toward me with that slow, lazy swagger. I’ve never really thought of Brad as sexy, but tonight, he looks the part.

When he finally reaches me, he smiles approvingly. “Gabby, you look really pretty.”

“Thanks. You do, too. I mean, handsome that is.” Gosh, Gabby. Get a grip, you’re here to meet another guy. What the heck am I doing? “So, what are you doing here?”

“I don’t know. I just felt like a night out.” He looks around, obviously searching for my date. “Where’s Dane?”

“I’m waiting for him, he’s a bit late.” My eyes dart to the door again.

“Well, then you have the pleasure of my company while you wait. If that’s okay with you.”

I look around the room again. No Dane. “Sure, why not?”

We sit and chat for a while. We talk about my life back in California and he tells me some stories about his family. I don’t chime in too much, I just let him talk. It’s strange, though. I feel so comfortable around Brad. Much more comfortable than Dane. And I’m actually listening to him. I laugh to myself. I guess throwing up in front of someone kind of breaks the ice. I like talking to him, though, so much so that I completely lose track of the time. It’s 7:45 and still no Dane. At this point, I kind of don’t care whether he shows up or not. My phone buzzes. Speak of the devil.

Dane: Gabby, so sorry, got tied up at work

Me: That’s okay

Dane: Can I make it up to you another night?

Me: Sure

Dane: Great

I close my cell phone and throw it in my purse.

Brad looks over at me. “Everything alright?”

“Yes, fine. Dane can’t make it, he’s stuck at work.”

Brad turns away, failing miserably to hide his smile. He seems a little too happy about it. Surprisingly, I’m happy about it, too. I don’t mind spending more time with him.

His dimple surfaces. “So, I guess we get to hang out after all.”

“Yup, I guess we do.” I lean my elbows on the bar and sip my drink with a smile.

He buys me another drink, and then another after that. We talk and laugh, a lot, and I’m genuinely happy that Dane canceled. After my third drink, I narrow my eyes and shake my finger at him. “Are you trying to get me drunk so you can take advantage of me?”

“Who me?” he says with an unassuming smile. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

The alcohol is making me brave. “You know, when I first met you, I thought you were kind of odd.” I stifle a giggle. “Odd, but cute.” And getting cuter by the minute.

He blinks a few times and his face reddens. “You know, when I first met you, I thought you were adorable. Clumsy, but most definitely adorable.”

My face flushes, and I almost choke on my drink.

After an hour of a lot more talking and a lot more drinking, I’m feeling extremely giddy. Brad is looking at me with those soft, dreamy brown eyes that, quite frankly, are hard to resist. I take a moment to really look at him. Everything is hazy; well, except for one thing. His lips. Pink, lush, full. There’s only one thing on my mind. Kissing them. Scratch that. I want to plunge my tongue into the farthest depths of his succulent mouth. Suddenly, my life’s mission is to become an explorer. Holy crap! Where did that come from? It must be the alcohol talking.

The more we talk, the closer he gets. I can almost feel his breath on my face. At some point, his hand moves around my shoulder and his fingers graze my bare skin. I feel tiny goosebumps pop out all over. Holy crap. I hope he didn’t notice that.

The music grabs my attention, and I pause for a second. “I love this song.”

“‘You and Me’ by Lifehouse,” he says.

“You know them?”

“Yeah, they’re one of my favorite bands.”

“Seriously?”

“No, I’m lying to you,” he says with a teasing smile.

“Ha ha. I can’t believe you like them. I don’t know anyone else who does. God, Jason Wade’s voice...it goes right through me. Plus, he’s kinda hot. There’s definitely something about a guy who can really sing.”

Brad’s eyes hold a mischievous sparkle. “I’ve been known to hum a bar or two.”

“Really?” I ask with an arched eyebrow.

“Yup.”

I set my hand on my hips. “Okay, well, let’s hear it then.”

“Here?!” His voice practically squeaks. Apparently he’s not drunk enough to sing in public.

“Of course, why not?”

“Well…because I usually reserve it for the shower.” He laughs with that deep throaty voice. I bump his shoulder playfully and laugh with him. Brad looks over at me curiously. “So tell me more about what you like to do for fun.”

“Well, lots of things, really.” Let the rambling begin. “I love the beach, hanging out with friends, reading, parasailing, photography, and then there’s my list.” That was a mouthful; nice work, Gabby.

Brad puts his fist to his chin, trying to look as interested as possible. “What kind of list?”

“It’s sort of like a bucket list. You know, things I want to do before I kick the bucket.”

“So, what’s on the list?” His eyes light up and I sense he’s hoping he can help me cross something off.

“You really want to know?”

“Yeah, I’m interested.”

“Okay. Things like traveling. Bora Bora, Italy, Australia, England. Things to do, like skating at Rockefeller Center, a gondola ride in Venice, snowmobiling, visiting the Space Needle in Seattle, helping to build a house for Habitat for Humanity, swimming with dolphins, a carriage ride in Central Park, jet skiing, going on a whale watch…and other stuff.”

“You mean there’s more?”

“Yeah. There’s always more, isn’t there? Trying new foods like duck, octopus, maybe bison. Your turn.”

“I don’t have a list.”

“That’s okay. We can make one.” I grab a napkin from the bar and a pen from my purse. What do you like?”

Brad’s brown eyes meet mine. “I like you.”

I drop my pen and sip my drink, eyes to the ceiling, trying to look as innocent as possible.

“You know, Gabby, you’re super cute when you’re embarrassed.”

My lips are frozen, so I do the best thing I can think of. I shut up and drink.

Brad opens up a bit more and tells me some pretty funny stories about his old girlfriends. “Yeah, I told Susan my dad wanted to meet her, and she kept telling me how nervous she was and that she wanted to make a good first impression. So, you can imagine how surprised I was when she showed up to my house wearing a ridiculously short skirt and a low cut tank top.”

“Oh my God!”

“I know, right? She certainly managed to garner a lot of Matt’s attention, but my dad was mortified. That was the exact point when I realized she was a complete whackjob. It turned out she was after Matt all along.”

“Oh Brad, that’s terrible.”

“It’s alright. I’m glad I found out when I did.”

It’s getting late, and the alcohol is really getting to me. “Brad, I think I’m gonna get going.”

“Would it be okay if I take you home?”

“Sure.” There’s nothing I’d like better right now.

There’s a chill in the air when we get outside, and I shiver, noticeable goosebumps rising from my skin. Brad picks up on that right away and offers me his jacket, which is warm and smells of him. I let out an audible sigh at how wonderful it feels to be wrapped in his jacket.

The subway and walk to my apartment pass in a comfortable silence. I’ve had a lot to drink, and at one point, I almost trip over a crack in the pavement. Brad grabs me and stops me from falling. Hmmm. His arms feel good. Strong, supple, and muscular. I can’t help wondering what else is supple on his body. The thought makes me snort.

“What’s so funny?” he asks.

“Nothing.” I say, but then I roar with laughter. I’ve had way too much to drink.

Brads return laughter echoes in my intoxicated ears. “I need to get you home. The alcohol is making you nutty.”

By the time we make it home, my bed is calling me. Brad walks me all the way to the door of my apartment. I’m propped up against it because it’s the only thing that’s holding me up at this point. Brad leans in so close that I can feel his breath feather my cheek. God, he smells good. He slides his hand behind my neck and pulls me close. Licking my lips and closing my eyes, I wait. And wait. I realize at this moment that I really want him to kiss me. In fact, I’m silently willing him to kiss me. I must be really bad at this, though, because he never does. Instead, he bypasses my lips and leans in to place a delicate kiss to my forehead before pulling away. Stumbling into my apartment, I sink to the floor, let out a huge breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding, and sigh.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

THE NEXT MORNING I’m a bit disoriented, and my head is pounding so loudly I think I hear voices in there. I put my pillow over my head and try to recall last night’s events. Oh, that’s right. I remember. Of course I remember. Brad. It makes me chuckle. In a weird way, I’m glad Dane didn’t show up. I had an amazing time with Brad. My whole face starts to tingle. I wanted to kiss him, badly. I still do.

It’s sadly Wednesday, and a workday, so my daydreaming has to end for the moment. I pick out a black pencil skirt and white blouse and pull my black heels from the closet. As I’m dressing, I notice Brad’s jacket hanging on the chair. I forgot to give it back to him. Letting out a huge sigh, I walk over and hug it to my chest. It smells like coffee…like Brad.

I’m looking forward to seeing him this morning, and of course I need to return his jacket. I smile to myself. Good excuse, Gabby; like you weren’t going to stop there anyway. I walk rather slowly on my way to the shop, holding onto his jacket a little too tightly, my mind on last night and our almost kiss. There’s a couple on the street corner in a heated embrace, and for a second, I smile. That is, until I bump headfirst into a woman on her cell phone and her drink ends up all over her white dress. I’m mortified. I look up at her with remorse. “Sorry about that.”

“Dammit! Why don’t you watch where you’re going?”

I want to tell her I’m not sure that would have made a difference, people that spend their time in faraway lands, like me, are destined to crash into others.

The door jingles and Brad flashes me his full-on, no holds barred smile. I don’t know why, but it’s just what I need, and I smile right back. I make my way through the line of starry-eyed girls who Brad seems oblivious to and finally reach the counter.

“Hey, you,” he says.

I bat my lashes like a starry-eyed girl. “Hey.”

“You’re up early this morning,” he teases.

“Yeah, I needed some caffeine.”

His lips twitch. “Rough night?”

“Yes, actually. Some drunk guy tried to take advantage of me.” I wink conspiratorially. “It was dreadful.”

“Really?” He nods as if he’s listening intently.

Flipping my hair over my shoulder dramatically, I make my way over to a table. “Yes, it was absolutely terrifying.”

Brad makes his way over with my drink and that smile of his. “What a coincidence! The same thing happened to me, except with a cute drunk girl.”

I can’t help but laugh.

He takes a seat next to me and clinks our coffee cups together. “So, how’s that head of yours today?”

I’m liking the table service. “Not bad, actually. Luckily I drank a lot of water last night.”

Brad looks over at me with those almond shaped eyes and I melt just a little. “I had a really nice time last night, Gabby.”

“Yeah, I did, too.” I’m suddenly feeling very self-conscious when I’ve never felt anything but comfortable with Brad.

“You’re pretty funny when you’ve been drinking. I enjoyed the giggling, it was fairly amusing.”

“Well, I’m glad I could entertain you.”

“Trust me, you were very entertaining,” he says with a wink.

We chat for a few more minutes and I’m almost ready to leave when I remember that I need to give him back his jacket. When I hand it to him, his fingers skim my knuckles and I feel those goosebumps puffing up my skin again. I quickly shake it off. “Thanks for letting me borrow your jacket.”

“Anytime,” he says, smiling and going back to the counter. “See you soon, Gabby.”

I head towards the exit and try to look back without being too obvious; he’s staring at me. Turning around quickly, I walk out the door, a smile completely overtaking my face.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

THE MORE I THINK about Dane standing me up at the Sky Bar, the happier I am that he did. It’s been a week since I’ve heard from him. He’s been traveling for business. He finally calls while I’m at work, startling me out of my post-it induced coma.