Back in the Saddle (Jessica Brodie Diaries #1)(56)

“Hey Brad,” I stepped forward when he opened his body to welcome me over.

“What, no drink?” He glanced down to my wrap filled hands.

“Oh, uh, no. I think I might head.”

“Nonsense, have one more.”

William glanced back over his shoulder, gave me a half-second flat stare, then returned to Boobie McGee.

Well, hell, screw you, man. I thought sourly.

“Okay.” I sighed, allowing a relieved smile. At least someone wanted me around.

Brad immediately dug for his wallet.

I rested my hand on his arm to stop his reach. “Relax, soldier, I got it.”

This time William looked at me fully. His face showed no expression. Ordinarily I would feel self-conscious that I was slightly cock-blocking, because Boobs-R-Us was pissed that I was stealing attention, but at present, I didn't care. Not one bit.

Also, I was feeling slightly vindictive. Being left at the bar will do that to a girl.

I dug in my arsenal. Oh, here’s a good weapon. Taunting. My favorite.

“Do you and your lady friends want a drink, Davies? I’m paying.” I was hamming it up, playing the sincere lamb. Based on what I knew of his dad, and how he’d probably been raised, he did not think a lady should pay for herself, or worse, for him. He’d be annoyed I offered.

A fantastic scowl replaced the blank face.

Ha!

Just as I was about to taunt him a second time a solid beat vibrated through the bar scene. The DJ was up and running, and he was spinning some good stuff!

“Brad, quick, dance!” I said excitedly, grabbing his hands.

“Wha—no, Jess, I don’t—“

“C’mon!” I tugged at him, mostly dragging him across the bar, not caring that William’s eyes were following our progress.

Chapter Twelve

Brad was right when he shook his head no to dancing. He was doing the white man shuffle. No beat, no rhythm, no clue as to what to do with his body. Shoulders bounced, arms flapped, and legs shuffled from side-to-side. It was cute and hilarious at the same time. The problem was, he was extremely intent on watching my body move, and happy to move up close.

He was cute and fun with an easy smile. But he was a stranger and I did not want to go home with him. I would consent to give my number, if he wanted it, but that was as far as it could go.

I needed to tell Candace to remind me of that when I was draped over him later.

Dance done, and Brad not needing to suffer through another, we headed upstairs to Candace.

“I thought you left!” she exclaimed.

“No. He wasn’t kidding when he asked you for a ride. For me.”

“What a douche. Which I knew, but…Well, I didn’t want to spoil your date. You’re better off!”

Perfect words. I smiled in relief. We weren’t from the same pod, but we were still a couple'a peas. She was a good friend.

“No more work dates." I nodded at her. "Hey, What is Brad’s story?”

“Girlfriend two towns away.”

Damn it! “Really?”

“Apparently they are not around each other much, but they are basically engaged. Why, you like him?”

“I was thinking about it. Not anymore.”

A flash of blond drew my eye. “He brought the boobs up.”

“What?”

I pointed. Candace noticed the girls and rolled her eyes. She shrugged, unconcerned. She had her man.

A cocktail later I was standing at the balcony, surveying the dancers below. The floor was half-full of people with a fairly good grasp as to how to move their bodies. Not great, but there were a lot of white guys that, in their youth, were too busy being taught to run the world and missed the lessons on rhythm.

“Drink.”

Startled, I noticed Adam with a drink thrust my direction.

I smiled and accepted. “Thanks. You seem to be following me around tonight. Not that I mind.”

He chuckled. “I can talk to these guys any ol’ time. Why do that when there’s a beauty to talk to instead?”

“What about those blond ones?”

“Beauty, I said.”

I laughed.

His soft brown eyes took me in. “You seem down in the mouth. What’s up?”

“Nada mucho, Senior.”

“In other words, you don’t need no never mind.”

“I have no idea what that means, Adam.”

“Leave ya the hell alone.”

“Yeah, that’s about it.” I laughed and settled on to the railing with drink in hand.

“So...” He leaned against the railing with me, sharing a moment.

“Adam, you’re not going to hit on me, are you?” I blurted without thinking. He let out a bark of a laughter and rubbed his chin. I immediately backpedaled in absolute horror. “I’m sorry! Oh my God, that was so rude! I’m so sorry! I’ve had a weird night with guys. You want to hit on me, take your best shot! I’m totally up for it!”

“Totally!” he mocked. He hadn’t straightened up in anger or embarrassment, somehow steering through my craziness with expertise. “I was half thinkin’ on it. But I reckon you’re too much woman.”

Ouch. But then, I’d just thrown water on his fire!

I took a moment to reflect while I took a sip. He was attractive and just as much a gentleman as William, but… I’d just never thought of him that way. He was good-looking, yes, but when you first meet someone during an attempted rape episode... For some reason he just fit snuggly in the “friend” category, and up until that second I’d thought he was on the same page.