“This is our big night out?” Aspen hissed, wriggling in the wooden chair for a better position. “Beer and nachos?”
Sierra regarded her with a haughty gaze. “You can have wine and potato chips.”
Aspen glared with frustration. The Beer Garden had a great outside vibe, but it wasn’t exactly the crowd she was looking to mingle with. Hidden from the main road and tucked in a backyard, the bar and tables were spread out on a patch of green lawn. Everything was done in faded driftwood. Groups of people clustered about, waiting for tables to open. The heat pushed into her lungs and sweat prickled her skin. She’d never craved air-conditioning as much as she did now.
“It’s really hot,” she said, pulling at her cute, white lace top that had looked fresh and clean an hour ago. Her denim shorts were damp and clung to her ass in not a great way. She thought to wear her hair down to look sexy and inviting, but the curls had expanded to mega lengths, creating an Aqua Net eighties vibe. “Stop laughing at my hair. Why didn’t you tell me we’d be outside and in Hadestown? Plus, you haven’t introduced me to one person yet. How am I supposed to have new experiences when I’m not meeting anyone?”
Sierra didn’t seem to care about her complaints. “You said you wanted a lively place with music. This place is packed with people I don’t know. Locals like to stick to less touristy places during the summer, like the simple bars with good food. And I’m not laughing at your hair. I’m more concerned it’s a deadly weapon.”
“Very funny. When does the music start?”
“Ten. I’m usually in bed. Did you know you can grab half-priced drinks at five?”
Aspen snorted and sipped her beer. “No wonder you’re not meeting new men! It’s only nine. Come on, we need to push some boundaries. Grab us another round and let’s mingle.” She held out a twenty-dollar bill and pushed it into her sister’s hand.
Sierra blinked. “You’re not done with that drink.”
“I want to be ready. Do they have an inside to this place?” She slapped at a mosquito. “I’m not really an outdoorsy person.”
“Yeah. I know.” Sierra shook her head but grabbed the bill and headed to the bar. Aspen took her time studying the crowd and surveying possibilities. Shadows darkened the area with the dying sun, but lights were strung around, offering a party atmosphere. The musicians were setting up, and a crowd was already forming. Good. Maybe she’d dance and bump into a sexy guy. A man with broad shoulders that filled a doorway, a jaw to cut glass, and thick, blond hair like Hemsworth. He’d look into her eyes with purpose, shivers would race down her spine, and she’d know he wanted her.
Maybe she’d even have sex.
One could dream.
She turned with a sigh, and her gaze caught on a guy standing by the bar. It was his towering height that first caught her attention—then stayed because of his ridiculous sexiness.
He was huge, easily six-foot-three, with well-developed muscles. But not overbuilt. Big hands were propped on the table, feet braced a few inches apart, looking like he was ready for battle. His dark hair was a bit long, slightly messy, and had some curl. Even from this distance, the strands hinted at a glossy sheen, which made her a little jealous. His features were classic: Roman nose, square jaw, slashed cheekbones, and, dear God, was that a cleft in his chin or her imagination? His brows were full and fierce. He wore ragged jeans and a simple T-shirt that
stretched over his broad shoulders. In a crowd of well-dressed, socially animated people, he stuck out immediately, like he didn’t give a flying fig what anyone thought.
A petite blonde hung on his arm. Literally. She was pretty much gripping his biceps and staring up at him with such adoration that Aspen winced.
The worst part? The guy didn’t seem interested. She appeared to be chattering away, looking desperate for his attention, and he nodded, a slight frown creasing his brow, his focus firmly on the TV mounted behind the bartender.
Talk about cringeworthy.
Sure, he was gorgeous, but no woman should put up with such behavior. Aspen frowned, wanting to walk over and talk some sense into the blonde. If he was ignoring her on a date, it didn’t bode well for future ones or a relationship.
Sierra appeared, plunking her drink down. “What are you staring at?”
Aspen jerked her head. “Who. That guy over there. He’s a lousy date.”
Her sister squinted, then shook her head with a laugh. “Oh, that’s just Brick.”
She blinked. “Who?”
“Brick. He’s a local. Runs a tour place. He’s the heartbreaker of Corolla.”
“You did not just tell me his name is Brick. From—”
“Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Yep, I’m not kidding.”
English (US) · 