Ask Me Why(19)

I wheeze, the quicksand pulling me under. It was a mistake coming here. The sky opens and freezing droplets pelt me from head to toe. The rope tying me to reality is fraying. I decide to let go for a minute, or maybe hours. In this space, time doesn’t really matter. I close my eyes and let the darkness take me.





Brance



Cheers



I step into The Lair and take a moment for my eyes to adjust. The lighting is dim, glowing in certain spots to set a relaxed atmosphere. The main attraction is the glossy oak bar that takes up most of the space. I spot Jordan perched on a stool waiting for me.

“Glad the ball and chain let you outta the house,” he greets. Jordan claps my shoulder when I sit beside him.

I shrug his hand off. “Fucking hilarious. My son isn’t a shackle.”

My friend chuckles. “I was referring to Mary.”

That gets a genuine laugh from me in return. “I’ll tell her you said hello.”

The bartender stops by, and I order my usual draft. I’ll save the bourbon for after dark.

Jordan smiles at me. “In all honesty, I’m glad you could make it. It’s been too long since we’ve had a night to ourselves.”

I give him a slow nod. “Sorry, man. It’s getting harder to be away from Ollie.”

“No apologies. We aren’t young bucks in law school anymore, which is super fucking unfortunate.”

A shrill screech whips up my spine and I shudder. “Not sure I want to relive those days.”

“Ah, you’re right. But our first year wasn’t bad. Before Veronica ruined everything.”

Her name is nails on a chalkboard. I almost cover my ears. “Let’s not talk about her. I just wanna chill.”

A reflective silence surrounds us. Before I can get stuck in a ditch with those memories, my beer arrives. I take a few healthy gulps to wipe the slate clean.

While settling in, I do a quick glance around. The bar is relatively quiet for a Saturday, which is fine by me. This establishment isn’t appealing for the rowdy crowd looking to party. That’s why I like it. Lair is a place to unwind without the pressure of more. I don’t need women constantly breathing down my neck, begging for drinks or a quick dicking in the bathroom.

Don’t get me wrong, I love to fuck. I’m the furthest from an abstinent saint. Having a woman purr in my ear to take her harder gets me off. But more often than not, that hassle is greater than the reward. Especially lately. Or maybe it’s because I’m getting older and wiser. I’ve come to appreciate a quiet, laidback evening. That’s all I need today.

Jordan clinks his glass against mine. “Here’s to making partner.”

I shift my weight on the padded seat. “I haven’t gotten it yet. The promotion has been dangling in front of me for months. I’ve been busting my ass and still no word.”

“That job is yours. There’s no doubt. Don sees the work you’re doing. He values you on the team.”

“No, he certainly doesn’t.”

Jordan shrugs. “That’s because you’re a Grade A threat. You’re younger, more attractive, and smarter.”

I snort into my beer. “It’s a little early to be hitting on me, man.”

“I’m just stating facts. If you wanna take a ride on my cock, I’ll need more drinks first.”

“Your services won’t be necessary. I’m not that desperate,” I chuckle.

He clutches the place above his heart. “You wound me, man.”

“I think you need to get laid more than me.”

Jordan waves me off. “I’m all good. But don’t let me keep you from fishing.”

He clearly didn’t get my earlier message. Women are the last thing on my mind, except one. I almost bang my head against the bar over that one. Instead, I finish off my brew and order another.

“How about her?” Jordan juts his chin toward a buxom brunette. “She’s sexy as fuck.”

And she is. This chick is everything I’d typically eat for dessert. She’s dressed to fuck in a skin-tight dress, the color a deep shade of red. Her dark hair falls in loose curls that almost reach her ass. Ruby gloss coats her lips. This woman is a pop of color against the bar’s muted hues. I’m sure she planned that on purpose.

She glances around while sipping her martini. Maybe she’s waiting for someone, or hoping to find company. Either way, she’s drinking alone. Easy prey. This vixen would deliver, no doubt. But I’m not in the mood to wake up with claw marks crisscrossing my back.

I lick my lips, finding the lingering taste of hops and malt. There’s no flavor of desire waiting. My dick stays down, not even a slight twitch. As of late, my preferences come in a different package. Much to my displeasure. The war between body and brain continues.

“Sure, she’s hot, but I’m not feeling her.” I turn to Jordan and find him slack-jawed. “What? I’ll never complain about beautiful scenery.”

He narrows his eyes. “Someone else on your menu?”

“Nah, not at all. I’m just focusing on my priorities for now. Ollie comes first, getting partner is a close second. Mostly so I can provide the best for him.”

Jordan’s features soften. “Such a good dad. My pops could’ve learned some valuable lessons from you.”