Page 69 of Fierce Storm
Nico’s deep-brown eyes crinkle with his smile, and when he winks, a spark ignites inside me. “You weren’t here before. Right? Did you just start?” The girls and I were alternating between ordering from the bar and our table, and I don’t remember seeing him. He definitely has a face to remember.
“I asked my friend to swap,” he tells me. “I’ve been serving over there.” He points to the smaller bar across the room and my gaze follows, finding the server we’ve had for most of the night.
“Why’d you swap?”
“You.”
“Me?” My eyes go wide while the little spark morphs into more of a fire. “Are you sure you don’t mean the beautiful Hayley Jackman?” I point to Hayley as she watches the dancers, oblivious to our conversation.
“She’s beautiful, sure. But I prefer redheads.”
“Okay.”
Nico moves away to make my drink and I watch him as he goes, comparing him to a man that could very well be his father—in age and in looks. I’m clearly attracted to a strong jawline, a light dusting of stubble to run my hand over, and piercing dark eyes, because they’re a match where those features are concerned.
I’m completely lost in my ogling until Hayley jabs me under the ribs, and I jolt with a squeal. “Hayls!”
“Oops.” She smiles innocently while I shake my head with a laugh.
Nico returns with my drink, complete with a little umbrella in the top, and our hands brush as he passes it over. I smile flirtatiously, wishing for that fire to move between my legs, but it doesn’t happen.
This guy is gorgeous. He’s about six feet—which is shorter than Sal but taller than me and that’s what counts—he’s got tattoos covering his muscular biceps, the ends of whichdisappear beneath the sleeves of his tee, and his eyes… My God, they could melt panties.
Just not mine.
Dammit.
“He’s cute, Keels.” Hayley winks, glancing his way. “Do you want me to disappear?”
“No, thank you. I don’t need your matchmaking services right now.”
“Matchmaking? God, no. He’s not the guy you take home to meet the parents. He’s the guy you fuck in a bathroom and never think twice about.”
I suck my lips into my mouth, biting back the thought.
“Just look at him. He knows what he’s doing with that smirk. And I have no doubt he’s done it many times before.”
“I don’t disagree. Only I thought you’d all decided it was my turn to find a man.”
“Oh, we have. But this guy is not him.”
“Any ideas who is? I have pretty high standards.”
“As you should. You need someone who matches your boss-babe energy and respects the hell out of you for it. An equal. I’ve been thinking about it a lot.” The smallest of smiles tugs at her lips before she hides it away.
“Okay. Let me know when you find him.”
“I will. Just to be clear, you’re definitely a no to athletes?”
“A hard no. Always.”
“Shame. Beckett is one fine-looking man.”
“You noticed that too?” I question and she nods as she bounces her eyebrows.
“How could I not?”
“He’s gorgeous, but even if he wasn’t a football player, he’s too quiet for me.”
