AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The monster that came out at night when requested by Charlotte.
The animal with an off switch to her humanity.
“Out to lunch?” He asked with a light chuckle.
“Actually, yes. You?” I replied, feeling flustered and sliding a loose strand of hair behind my ear.
“Same. I was just heading to the sports bar across the way. Did you want to join me?” He gestured in the direction of the sports bar.
I was at war with myself. Part of me was screaming “yes,” and the other begged me to deny him and go home. Knowing I had already agreed to coffee tomorrow, the screaming won that fight.
“Sure, why not,” I said with a shrug. He smiled, held his hand out towards the bar, and rested the other one on the small of my back. “After you then.”
We walked across the street with the lunch crowd and entered a bustling open-air sports bar that had opened about a year ago. I had visited a few times to take advantage of their happy hour and game day specials.
We chose a high-top table facing the sidewalk. The waitress placed the menu in front of me, and I started browsing the lunch options. This restaurant is popular for its buffalo wings on Twins game days. They always have a killer deal; I've been here specifically for that a few times since they opened.
The light breeze that flowed through the interior of the bar was more than welcoming after my workout; my skin was still radiating heat from it—or was that Atlas?
The tables were deep navy, and the long oval bar was dark brown, glossy, and pristine. The bar's upper level hosted virtual golf booths, which guests could reserve on the weekends. During the week, when it was slower, they were open for anyone to use.
I decided on buffalo wings for lunch. Today, I was just an ordinary girl who enjoyed indulging in messy food. Whether that was appealing or a turn-off to Atlas, I would let him decide.
“Since we didn’t get to talk much last night, maybe we should start from the beginning?” He started, and I looked up at him, placing the menu back down on the table.
I had a feeling he would take the opportunity to turn this into an impromptu date. What has he done to me? Counting coffee tomorrow, I’ve gone from not dating, period, to two dates within twenty-four hours. I’ll never hear the end of this from Madison…
“Sure, you first.” I gave him an amused smile, lacing my fingers on the table. I’ll play this game—see where it gets me.
“Well, you already know my name, but in case you have forgotten since I messaged you this morning, I’m Atlas Jensen.” He smiled. A charming smile. One that showed off his beautiful dimples and caused my insides to melt. Those lush, smooth lips, I swear I could feel my skin tingling in all the places he kissed me last night. My blood turned molten, searing down between my thighs. I pressed them together and bit my bottom lip.
Without giving it a second thought, I blurted out, “I’m Chyler… Tate.” Wait!
“Chyler?” He nailed me to the wall with an incredulous look, and I realized the mistake I had just made. “I thought your name tag last night said Stella. Actually, I swear the other bartender called you that when she called for you in the alley.”
Well, shit—I already fucked this up.
I coughed and cleared my throat. This first “date” was going great so far. I’ve already built our foundation of trust issues with my first words. I imagined palming my forehead at my stupidity. Here is where I try to recover from the mess I just created.
“I was filling in for a friend that works there normally. Her name is Stella.” I said, pushing as much confidence as possible into my words. Nice recovery; high-five, Chy! Let’s hope he takes the bait, and we are home free.
“And the other bartender just decided to call you by that name instead of yours?” He raised a brow in curiosity. I couldn’t tell if he was or wasn’t falling for my bullshit excuse.
“She was new. Barely knew who Stella was.” I laughed and blew it off like it was nothing but a simple mistake.
The waitress came over to us just in time to change the subject of our conversation. Thank god.
“Good afternoon. Can I start you both off with some drinks? Or are you ready to order food?”
“I’ll take a Nordeast, and let’s go with the… house burger and fries, please,” Atlas ordered from the waitress, handing her his menu and returning his gaze to me.
“Coors Light with olives and the buffalo wings, please.” I handed her my menu, and she nodded.
“I will put that in for you and return with your drinks in a minute.” She smiled at us and left the table. The waitress returned shortly after with our beers, placing them on the coasters in front of us. The olives in my glass were bobbing up and down with the bubbles.
“Olives, huh?” He picked up his beer and took a sip.
“You’ve never had? They add the perfect amount of saltiness to the beer.” I picked up my glass with a smug smile, took a sip, and then placed it back down. “Ah, delicious.” I was overdoing it, but I really didn’t want us to go back to our previous conversation where I screwed up my own damn name. I suppose it's not so bad that he knows my real name now. I don't have to pretend to be "Stella" for however long this thing between us will continue. I never liked that name anyway, and it would have been painful to claim it as my own, even temporarily.
