Page 3 of Love in Overdrive

“So, you did see them come in.” Addison laughed. “Come on. Let’s go. Ladies get the first drink free tonight at The Barn.”

Ugh! She’d forgotten all about their plans to go out tonight. “I don’t know. I’m really tired. Having two jobs drains my energy. I don’t know if I’m in the mood for the bar scene. Especially tonight.”

“Fine, but I’m not letting you go home and sulk. Pete sure as shit isn’t sitting home on Valentine’s Day.”

Laney had been trying all day to forget the stupid holiday. The kids at work were all jazzed about the valentines, and tonight, she’d sold enough boxes of candy to fill the community pool.

“A couple of drinks and a little dancing will liven you right up, like a jolt of electricity.” Addison swiveled her hips in a move that would make a pop star proud.

Her friend was too cheery and confident, not to mention perfect. If Addison wasn’t her best friend, she’d hate her on principle. Laney groaned. “Fine, but only one drink.”

“We’ll see. Don’t worry about paying for them. I haven’t bought my own drinks since I was eighteen.” Addison grinned.

“That’s a skill I don’t have.” Laney slipped on her coat. Flirting was not one of her strengths, unlike her friend, who exuded charm and sexuality with each breath.

“Stick with me. I’ll teach you.” Addison hooked her arm through Laney’s.

Laney wasn’t sure she wanted to learn. At this point, all she wanted was to make it through her first Valentine’s Day without Pete.

“Whoa. You’re tall. I like it.” The guy shot her a grin. It was the first time he’d taken his attention off of her chest the whole dance.

Laney forced a smile. He wasn’t the first man to ask her to dance. But he was the first she agreed to. She didn’t know if it was the fact she was on her second margarita or Addison’s elbow jab that made her accept.

He dropped his eyes back to her average C-cup chest.

Seriously, dude. It’s not like they’re magical.

She cleared her throat, and he pulled his focus to her face. “How tall did you say you were again?”

“Six feet.”

“Cool.” Unlike the other guys who asked her to dance, at least this one hadn’t changed his mind when she stood up, even though she towered over him. Now she knew why. He was a boob man.

She sighed. Did this guy ever blink? He could win a staring contest, as long as it was to a pair of breasts.

The song ended, and Laney sent up a silent prayer of thanks. She muttered a thank you, not out of appreciation, but because her mom raised her to be polite. Then she hurried back to her table. Why, she wasn’t sure. Her friend wasn’t there. Addison was being whirled from one guy’s arms to another.

Laney sighed. She glanced around the bar before checking the time. Her quiet, comfy little house was calling her. Five more minutes. She couldn’t leave without telling her friend first. So, she sipped her drink and waited.

The song changed. No Addison.

Laney scanned the dance floor. There she was, dancing with an older man. She squinted. She should know him. Was that Addison’s boss?

Five minutes later, Addison finally came back to the table. “Ready for another round?”

“I’m ready to head home. It’s been a long day.”

“Oh, come on. That guy was a dud, but check out the room. There are plenty to choose from. I mean, look at the lineup at the bar. We can take our pick.”

Laney wasn’t in a picking mood. But she was curious. “Who were you just dancing with?”

“I don’t know.” Addison picked up her glass. Her focus ping-ponged anywhere but to Laney.

“It looked like Mr. Louis. Your boss.” Laney leaned in.

“Oh, yeah. It was.”

“Isn’t he married with kids? I’m surprised he would be at the bar tonight.” She gave her friend the truth stare, and Addison’s cheek color deepened. Laney didn’t think it was from the alcohol or the dancing.