Ten Tiny Breaths (Ten Tiny Breaths #1)(36)

I follow Storm’s black-clad form to the door. Just before she knocks, she turns and smiles, like she can read my mind. “They’re genuinely good guys, Kacey. I know it’s hard to believe, but it’s true. Cain’s been nothing but amazing with me. He lets me bartend, he set the stage and equipment up for me to do my act once in a while, and that’s all. No rounds, no lap dances, no private stuff. The bouncers collect my tips from my show so I don’t have to crawl around on the ground, collecting it myself. They’ll take care of you. You’ll see.”

***

When Trent shows up at half past eleven and takes a seat at the bar, my brain instantly scatters. The fact that I slept in his bed last night, and had dinner with him earlier doesn’t help me relax around him. I think it’s actually made me more nervous. One … two … three …Ugh! As usual, my mother’s advice doesn’t help.

I stroll over, trying to regulate my heart rate as I take in his beautiful features. They really are beautiful. He could grace the cover of any magazine. And that mouth … I bite my lip, trying not to get all flustered. “Triple scotch on the rocks?” I quirk my brow.

He flashes those disarming dimples at me. “Hold the scotch and add some soda to the rocks, and you’ve got a deal.”

I smile as I throw together his drink, and slide it toward him, our fingertips brushing for a millisecond. With a nervous glance over at Nate, I see his focus elsewhere, and I sigh in relief.

“Don’t worry, I know the rules at these places.”

“Frequent much?” I ask dryly.

He shakes his head with a wry grin. “Standard protocol. Some places are more strict than others, but they’re all the same. I have no interest in getting kicked out again. Once was enough.”

I feel a twinge of guilt over that, knowing it was my fault. Trent’s wink dissolves it instantly. I want to stay and talk to him but there’s a gaggle of customers waiting. I’m forced to leave him with a disappointed shrug. I spend the next hour pouring drinks for customers while my nerves prickle under Trent’s undivided attention.

“Too bad it’s so busy here,” he says when I get back to where he’s sitting.

“Yeah well, some of us have to work to survive,” I quip and I realize I have no clue what he does. I know nothing about him.

“And when are you off next?” he asks casually, sliding a coaster around under his index finger.

“Monday.”

Trent gets to his feet and throws a twenty on the counter. “So you’re free Monday night, say around five?”

“Maybe.”

His grin widens. “Great.” With a wink, he turns around. I watch him leave the bar, frustration that he’s gone weighing me down.

Storm leans in. “What was that about?”

I shrug, the lingering feel of his eyes still on my body. “I’m not sure. I think he just asked me on a date.” A rush of adrenaline bursts through me. That sure as hell better be what he just did or I’m going to lose my shit tomorrow.

Storm gives my shoulder an affectionate squeeze, and I don’t flinch. I smile at her. I smile at the guy across the bar, waiting for his drink. Heck, I even give Nate a goofy wide grin. I’m not sure, but I think I catch the corner of his mouth twitch upward for a second.

***

I feel like a lightning bolt struck me the second I wake up Monday morning. Not because I had another nightmare.

Because I didn’t.

That never happens. In the last four years, that has never happened. I don’t know what to make of it, but I feel … free.

And then I remember that I have a date tonight with Trent. All else is forgotten.

***

“Nice nails,” Livie notices two seconds after stepping through the door. She drops her backpack on the couch, her eyes widening with surprise for just a second. I spread my fingers out in front of me, admiring the black polish. “Where’d you get that done?” Her voice is slightly higher than normal and she’s trying not to make a big deal, I can tell.

But it is a big deal.

Today, I let a complete stranger touch my hands. And I didn’t flinch.

It’s like Trent has broken my curse.

“A spa down the street. They have a two-for-one manicure special on Thursdays. We should go together next time.”

“Uh huh, and what’s the occasion?” Livie strolls toward the cupboard to grab a glass, pacing her steps as if she’s a bridesmaid walking down a church aisle. I want to laugh. She’s trying so hard not to freak out.

“Oh, nothing.” I wait until she tips the Brita to her glass “I’m going out with Trent tonight.”

Her head shoots up to meet me and she misses the cup, spilling water all over the floor. “Like … on a date?”

I tuck my hair behind my ear. “Maybe. I guess you could …”

Livie’s irises flash with delight. “Where are you guys going?”

I shrug. “Probably the beach. Isn’t that what people do on first dates?” I have no idea. It’s been so long since I’ve done anything remotely date-like.

There’s a long pause as Livie’s thoughts wander somewhere, likely trying to process this new Kacey, the one who goes on dates and gets manicures. And cares. “You know, we don’t know much about Trent, do we?” Her head tilts to the side curiously. “What does he do for a living?”