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He shakes his head and says, “Do you see that woman over there? She’s hot as fuck, and she’s been here alone for at least twenty minutes. Do you think she’s being stood up? I should go talk to her.”
Holly and I both look at the woman right, and my eyes widen in shock as Andreas approaches her. She stands and they embrace. Once they’re both seated at the table, I look at Holly. “Is that your table?”
“No, it’s Gwen’s. Why the fuck would you bring a date into the shitty bar you own? He’s gotta have money. Shouldn’t he be taking her somewhere a little nicer?” Holly says. Her face pinches together like she ate something sour, and it makes me laugh.
My eyes unwillingly shift back over to Andreas, and I notice he’s wearing a blue shirt the same color as his eyes, with khaki pants that make his ass look sinful. I’m surprised he’d bring a woman in here after I agreed to have dinner with him. I don’t like mind games, and he doesn’t seem like the type to play them. Guess I could be wrong.
It’s also none of my business. Just as I turn around and get back to work, Andreas swings his head lazily my way. When our eyes meet, he shoots me a panty-melting grin. Then, he turns his head back to the pretty brunette and begins a conversation with her.
Yeah, not my business.
I get back to work, still avoiding Shane as best as I can. Thankfully, the bar picks up, and ignoring him isn’t hard because I’m swamped. My fingers fly over the screen while I enter orders for three new tables. Anger courses through me when I hear Shane whistle to get my attention. I ignore him and pour three Stellas and walk them to the well.
I turn around and hear, “I know you heard me, love. Why don’t you come over here and entertain me? I’m lonely.”
I swivel my head toward Shane and pack as much venom into my voice as possible. “Shane, I wouldn’t entertain you if you planned on tipping me ten grand. You’ve been extra fucking annoying tonight, and I’m done pretending your creepy sexual advances aren’t exactly what they are: disgusting.”
My eyes roll into the back of my head, and Shane’s mouth hangs open in surprise. Clearly, people don’t tell him to fuck off enough. I brace myself for the argument I can feel brewing and pray I don’t get fired.
21
Chapter Twenty One
Andreas
“Damn, Alana. I didn’t realize you were so feisty. That’s exactly how I like my women.”
Three deep breaths are the only thing keeping me from wrapping my fingers around the throat of the perverted ass old man harassing Alana right now.
On my walk over to say hello to the cute purple-haired bartender, I overheard the start of this conversation. One of the other servers also mentioned this regular, Shane, was a creep to every woman within a ten-mile radius. If anything pisses me off, it’s a man who makes passes at women who are just trying to do their job.
I slide toward the end of the rail so Alana can’t see me. “I promise, Shane, if you never leave me a single cent again, I’ll still be able to pay my bills. Stop with the gross shit, or next time you come in, I’ll refuse to serve you.”
With that, she turns around, prints his check, and takes it to him. Admittedly, seeing her this pissed off is a turn-on. Women who don’t take shit from anyone have always been my type.
“I’m not ready to cash out. I’ve only had two beers,” he argues like a petulant child.
Before Alana can begin her next sentence, I cut in. “Two beers is enough for tonight, Mr. Evans. Pay your tab and leave.”
Alana’s eyes are wide when she turns around and sees me.
“And who the hell are you?” Shane spits.
“Mr. Evans, I’m glad you asked. My name is Andreas Rivera, and I own this bar. I’ve received no less than ten complaints from several female members of my staff about your lewd comments and advances. If you’d like to avoid being banned, I’d get the fuck out of my store,” I spit back.
Shane throws his debit card onto the bar rail, his red and alcohol-bloated face several shades darker than normal. Alana grabs the card and cashes him out, then passes the receipt, his card, and a pen back to him. He scribbles his name on the line, intentionally neglecting the tip line. He shoves his bar stool back and storms out dramatically.
“Thanks for the backup. He’s insufferable,” Alana says.
She busies herself by grabbing Shane’s tip slip. She shifts her eyes around the bar, avoiding me. I see them land on Francesca a time or two. I wonder if she thinks we’re here on a date. I could tell her we’re not, but I like the idea of letting her wonder.
“Please. If anyone habitually harasses you or anyone else in a sexual manner, let me know. This is a bar, yes, but I will not tolerate unwanted advances being made to my staff. That goes for the men and the women.”
My hand covers hers as she wipes down the spot where Shane was sitting. Electricity jolts where my fingertips rest on her wrist. Her eyes finally flick up, and I see a blush creep up her neck while I stare at her.
“I will. I’m sorry I didn’t mention it sooner. Everybody made it seem like that’s just the way Shane is, so I mostly just ignore him. He’s gotten worse over the past week or two, though. I had enough tonight.” The blush on her face deepens with every word she says.
“Why are your cheeks so red, Alana? What could you possibly be thinking about right now to cause that?” I narrow my eyes and lean over the rail so I can whisper, “I fucking love how you look when you think about me.”
