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I laugh. “Not even vaguely interested. At this rate, even Rex will be married before I go down. And Rex hasn’t spent two consecutive nights with the same woman… well, ever.”
“Honestly? I’m not really interested in dating anyone either. I just got out of a serious relationship last year. Now I’m like… allergic to anything other than light and fun.” She wrinkles her nose and sighs. She looks around the room. “I should probably try to mingle.”
Her reluctance is as clear as the day is long.
"Or," I suggest, leaning in with a conspiratorial whisper. "You could hide out with me. I’m thinking about sneaking out onto the patio with a bottle of whiskey."
"Is that so?" She quirks an eyebrow, amusement flickering across her features. "You know I love whiskey. How would you feel about making that a bottle of cinnamon whiskey?"
"Gross," I say, feeling a smirk tugging at my lips. “Cinnamon whiskey tastes like chugging those little heart-shaped candies. Bleh.”
“I can just find somebody else to talk to,” she fires back.
“Hey now, there’s no need for threats. If cinnamon whiskey is a requirement, I can procure the supplies. I think I saw a bottle behind the bar.”
“Oh, it’s on.” Pearl flashes me a naughty grin.
That grin goes down as smooth as a shot of real, un-cinnamon-flavored whiskey. I’ve chatted with her before, but this flirtation is a new thing, and I could get used to it.
I smirk at her. “Who knew dodging forced social interactions could lead to a secret whiskey mission?”
“I’ll be Mata-Hari. You be Jason Bourne. Let’s rendezvous on the terrace at 18:30 hours.” Pearl gestures with a flourish. Her hand lands on her hip and her eyes issue a challenge.
Strangely, I’m looking forward to rising to that very mild provocation.
Moving separately but making a lot of silly faces, we navigate through the throng of guests. The DJ is starting to spin an old disco tune and we have to side step a few overzealous dancers.
We reach the fully stocked bar, an oasis in a desert of social niceties. The Cape Winery not only has every wine under the sun, but a selection of top shelf liquor too. The bottles are arranged in precise lines and the bottle of cinnamon whiskey is very close to the door.
I wait until the bartender turns away, then filch the bottle I want, leaving fifty dollars in its place. "Looks like we found the treasure," I whisper to Pearl.
"Definitely worth the expedition," she agrees. She gives me a cheeky grin that I can’t help but like.
I might actually be having fun at this engagement party. Who knew? Pearl follows me out of the overcrowded bar and onto the patio.
It’s the end of March, and still quite crisp outside despite the sun shining down on us. I sweep my jacket off and offer it to her.
We make eye contact. I’d never noticed before, but her darkened amber eyes are the same color of a very expensive shot of whiskey.
Our eye contact holds for a few seconds too long. Pearl blushes and accepts the coat, pulling it on. “Thanks.”
I open the bottle of cinnamon whiskey, and take a couple of gulps. It burns as it goes down my gullet and I wince. It’s so sweet that I’m pretty sure my gut is going to rot out on contact.
I make a disgusted sound. Pearl eyes me, but I just raise my hands in surrender. “It was an honest reaction.”
“Uh huh.” She takes the bottle and sips from it, wiping daintily at her lips when she’s done.
I find myself wanting to stretch out the moment that we find ourselves reveling in. Her glossy lips keep catching my eye.
The last thing I want is for Pearl to catch me staring at her lips. Our flirtation is still very much in the silly phase. Being caught lusting after her would move us firmly to the ‘should we do this already?’ phase. And I don’t think we’re ready for that just yet. Still, I’m already at half-mast just standing here.
Imagine if she actually touched me with those lips. I would likely not survive the fallout from the explosion. I clear my throat.
"So, Pearl," I say. "How's life treating you?"
She hesitates, taking another sip from the bottle before passing it back. "Actually, things are terrible." Her voice trails off as glances toward the beach in the distance.
"Sounds serious." I take a shot of the whiskey and prod her, nudging her gently with my shoulder.
