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“This is my cousin Tammy,” Macy said. “She’s new in town.”
“Hi, Tammy,” the man said, catching on quickly. “What are you drinking?”
“I’ll take a bottled beer,” I said shyly.
“Not a wine drinker?” he guessed.
“Oh, I’ve been known to drink wine, and occasionally tequila shots, but my favorite is beer.” I stepped up to the bar where Macy made room.
“Tequila?” he asked, intrigued.
“If it’s a special night,” I said.
He signaled the bartender. “Two shots of tequila.”
The man behind the bar frowned and went back to serving another customer. Macy leaned over the counter to get his attention. “Three shots of tequila,” she ordered.
The bartender came right over, smiling brightly. “Good evening, Macy. How are the kids?”
“They’re just fine,” she said. “This is my cousin Tammy. She’s staying with us.”
The bartender set out three shot glasses and filled them. “Should I run a tab?” he asked.
The guy I was flirting with put a twenty down on the bar and waved the man away. It was strange that the bartender didn’t seem to want anything to do with this guy. I wondered if there was some history there. We each took our shots and threw them back, wincing at the immediate burn.
I laughed. “Something tells me you’re not much for hard liquor.”
He grinned. “Yeah, I’m a beer man myself.”
“Well, I’d order a beer,” I said, “but the bartender seems snooty.”
“It’s just a little misunderstanding,” he said.
“Why don’t you guys go grab a table. I’ll get us some beers,” Macy offered.
We looked at each other and shrugged in unison. It seemed that we were both on the prowl and each aware of the other’s availability. We slid easily away from the bar and back to a booth in the corner. I chose the seat opposite him, my gaze locked onto his. I could barely see anyone else in the place; the depths of his blue eyes drew my attention like a magnet. There were some hard lessons learned there—he definitely hadn’t had an easy life. But there was also kindness and a gentle quality that made me think he would be just as comfortable cuddling as he would be screwing.
I wasn’t looking for anything more than a one-night stand, I told myself. Who cared if he was a teddy bear? All I needed was one frantic session in an impersonal hotel room to cast out the demons of Austin and ground me firmly in Singer’s Ridge. It would be better if I could forget him when it was done, so I lowered my gaze and focused instead on his chest.
“So, what brings you to Singer’s Ridge?” he asked.
“There’s nothing for me in Austin anymore,” I said.
“That’s where you’re from?”
I nodded.
“So, you’re here for good?”
“I hope so,” I said. “I’m gonna find a place and a job.”
“And a husband?” he teased.
I blushed. “I’m looking for something a little more the other end of the spectrum. Like a good time.”
Macy found us and placed three beer bottles on the table. She took one look at the chemistry between us and declared, “I think I see my friend Ava.” She picked up her own bottle and disappeared into the crowd.
“Macy’s your wingwoman?” the man guessed.
