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“Stafford, wait,” I shout, disregarding the questioning looks from the other guests.
He spins around, searching my face for a moment, a grin lighting up his features when it seems he’s found whatever it was he was looking for.
His reaction sends another uncontrollable flutter through my stomach.
“Yes, Ev?” he asks, tapping his foot while he waits.
“I want to go to the piano bar with you if the invitation still stands.” I hold my hand up when he opens his mouth. “But I’m holding you to your promise about it only being one drink. We’ll catch up, and then I’ll be on my way.”
August would be so proud.
“If that’s what you want.” He opens the door before I can question him further, placing his hand on my lower back as we step out onto the street.
That was too easy.
So much for just one drink. I’m buzzed enough to feel more like the Everly that Cash used to know than I have in years.
When we arrived at the piano bar, the line to get in was wrapped around the block, but we were ushered inside and taken to the best seats in the place, offering the perfect view of the stage.
We’ve been here for over an hour and I’m still awestruck by the charm of the place.
Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the plush velvet couches and polished marble flows. The massive space is filled with the notes of a grand piano playing a lively jazz piece as servers hurry from table to table.
Our waitress appears and shoots Cash a flirtatious smile while checking him out. She set her sights on him as soon as wewere seated at our table. The noticeable gap between us speaks volumes, indicating we’re not a couple. “Can I get you anything else, sir?”
“Yeah. Can we get another shot of tequila and another whiskey on the rocks?” he says as he taps his empty glass.
“Certainly,” the waitress coos, her voice dripping with honey.
I roll my eyes at her obvious display of interest. She couldn’t be more transparent if she tried.
“Thank you.” Cash gives her a grin before she walks away.
Our waitress isn’t the only one who has noticed him. Every woman in the piano bar steals glances in our direction, blatantly eye-fucking Cash every chance they get.
His wavy hair falls around his face, concealing most of his scar, except for a small section near his chin, adding a touch of mystery to his appeal. The top two buttons of his shirt are undone, and his muscular forearms are visible with his rolled-up sleeves, making him irresistible eye candy.
I appear to be the only one immune to his charm.
At least that’s what I’m telling myself.
“You were glaring at the waitress again,” Cash observes. “Did you want something other than tequila?”
“I was guessing how long it’ll take you to invite her back to your room tonight. Just say the word, and I’m happy to make my exit so you two can have your privacy.”
“Somebody’s jealous.” He scoots closer and throws his arm over my shoulders.
“What are you doing?” I hiss.
I attempt to move away, but he gently pulls me back into his embrace. “I’m making sure there’s no question that I’m here with you,” he says softly.
His words cause me to melt into his arms, reminiscent of our high school days when he would comfort me in the same way… I forgot how much I missed it.
The waitress reappears at our table with our drinks in hand. “Here you are—” She stops short when she notices Cash’s arm around me.
“Is there a problem?” Cash raises a brow.
“No, not at all,” she says as she collects our empty glasses.