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“You paid a hundred dollars for two drinks?”
Another devastating smile. “Technically, the drinks were free. I paid a hundred dollars to have them delivered. Bartender is a friend of mine.”
When he moves closer to me, I’m not sure if I should back up, to preserve my sanity. Or stand my ground, to show him he doesn’t affect me.
Which is the most blatant lie I’ve told myself since I pretended I’d only join the bachelorette party for one drink.
“That’s insane.”
“Take a sip.” He sounds exactly like I’d imagine the devil would. Tempting me. “You wanted another drink, and you have one. I promise it’s safe, and I didn’t buy it.”
Why do I think taking a sip of this drink is actually a metaphor for something more? Really, it’s just a drink, the same one I’ve been partaking in all evening.
“Are you always this presumptuous?” I stall.
He doesn’t miss a beat. “Yes.”
I realize now what it is about him. His partner is just as good-looking. And yes, the fact that he’s way too cocky is a draw because, well, I’m flawed.
But it’s not just that.
I’ve never met anyone who held eye contact for this long. It’s disconcerting.
And also attractive.
“If I take a sip of this drink,” I say, aware that I’m now bargaining with the devil, “it doesn’t mean your review will take even a day less.”
In answer, he brings his beer bottle to his lips and drinks. A long, slow sip that I’m sure does nothing for the detached, professional demeanor I’m attempting to channel.
Dear lord, this man is sexy.
“It’s just a drink,” he says.
Which only makes me more certain that it’s not.
From the corner of my eye, I see a hand waving frantically. Karlene is attempting to get my attention from the bar. She holds up her drink.
Do I need one?
I glance between her and Hay—Mr. Tanner. Somehow he knew exactly what I was drinking, except for the vodka upgrade, and it’s honestly silly for Karlene to waste her money.
I’m being ridiculous.
Shaking my head, I lift up the full glass to indicate I’ve got a drink. I finally take a sip, and although his expression doesn’t change, I see the look in those impossibly sexy eyes.
He considers this a victory. So I take away his power over me.
“Thank you for having this very expensive drink delivered to me.”
There. No big deal.
“Thank you for working so diligently to get us approved.”
“Like I said, don’t expect any special treatment. I won’t do anything for you that I wouldn’t for every other sponsor.”
“Really?” He doesn’t even attempt to hide his skepticism. “How about the way you summoned me over here?”
I nearly spit out a mouthful of vodka. “Summonedyou? Hardly.”
