All the Right Moves(46)

“You won’t be completely lying. I have enough pineapple juice for only one more drink.”

The door opened and they both looked over. No Tommy, but more customers. Great.

Cassie sighed. She was tired and unprepared for tomorrow’s exam. Part of it was her fault because she should’ve known better than to let John stay over last night. There wasn’t enough discipline in the world that would’ve allowed her to choose sleep over his clever hands and hard, warm body.

And what had she done after he left? Lazed around, sipping coffee and replaying one of the most amazing nights of her whole life. God, the man was sexy and talented. Funny. Smart. And he’d wanted her...Cassie O’Brien. There was no mistaking how much. Oh, she’d gotten in a couple hours of cramming, and then fell dead asleep on top of her open book. By the time she’d roused herself, she’d had to hightail it to the Gold Strike. Though not after calling Tommy, begging him to open so she could come in later. He’d turned her down, vowed he would if he could but he had an appointment.

She’d explained the importance of tomorrow’s exam, and was pleased when he actually seemed sympathetic. She was even happier when he promised to relieve her by seven-thirty. It was now eight-forty, and he wasn’t answering his phone. Stupid bastard. There’d been no misunderstanding. She’d been very, very clear. He knew how much she was counting on him, and that was what hurt. Really hurt, like a knife to the heart.

Putting on a smile wasn’t easy as she walked to the other end of the bar, where the newcomers had found stools, but it wasn’t the customers’ fault her brother was a selfish ass.

“Hi. What can I get you, gentlemen?” She didn’t know them, but the short guy with the shaggy hair and beard waved at Gordon and his crew sitting in the corner.

“Beer,” the younger, taller man said. “Whatever’s on tap.” He gave her a flirty smile, nothing offensive. In fact he was kind of cute in a yuppie sort of way, which made the pair even odder. Normally she would’ve smiled back, been more friendly, especially because of their connection to Gordon. But tonight trying not to scowl ate up most of her energy.

“And you?” She waited for the man to stop making hand signs to Gordon as if they were communicating in some juvenile secret code.

He finally turned to her. “What’s that, honey?”

“Would you like a drink?”

“Yeah. Let’s see...” He played with his beard and frowned at the bottles of booze against the back wall. His gaze jerked to the left, and he grinned. “I’ll have me one of those.”

She knew without looking that Lisa was pouring the piña colada blend into glasses. Wonderful...this guy who looked as if he drank straight tequila with a side of nails for breakfast wanted a froufrou drink. Just perfect. Tempted as she was to ask if he wanted a miniature umbrella with it, she kept her mouth shut and headed back to her station. He’d likely say yes.

The door opened again, and she prayed with everything she had that it was Tommy.

Even better, it was John.

He looked right at her, and his smile, oh, God, his smile was really something. Not only was he gorgeous in his worn jeans and tan polo shirt molding his biceps and fit torso, but she also knew what was under those clothes. Heaven help her, a blush started somewhere around her chest and surged up her throat to her cheeks.

She quickly turned away, and looked directly into Lisa’s amused eyes. Her gaze shot to John, and then came back to rest on Cassie’s warm face.

“You little sneak,” Lisa said, her grin taking over her features. “When were you going to tell me?”

“Tell you what?” Cassie gave her a puzzled frown, peppered with enough irritation to send a clear message. Then busied herself with getting out the last of the pineapple juice and maraschino cherries.

“Come on...give it up.” Lisa sidled up to her, totally ignoring the three drinks Cassie hastily garnished and set on the tray.

“Sure would help if I knew what you’re talking about.”

“Oh, please. You know what. Your cheeks are redder than those cherries.”

“Take these to Beth and her friends, and tell her no more, I’m out.”

“Fine. If you won’t tell me, I’ll ask John.” Lisa lifted her chin at the same time she hefted the tray.

“Go ahead.” Cassie snorted a laugh. “I’d like to see that.”

With a disgruntled huff, Lisa left.