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Somehow, like she sensed me walk in, Bailey’s eyes meet mine. She doesn’t look bothered to see me, but it’s worse. She looks excited. I doubt her tunnel vision even allowed her to see how close Kara is standing to me.

I don’t know why I feel the need to do it, but I grab her hand. That should do the trick.

Except my girlfriend— maybe I shouldn’t call her that in my head, but oh well— doesn’t like that at all. It’s the first time I’m genuinely disappointed that she’s an affection-phobe.

A look of disgust fills her face when she pulls away.

“Why would you do that?”

I sigh, playfully.

“Normal people hold hands, babe.”

“Don’t call me that. And don’t hold my hand.”

I take it one step further, and give her a pat on the ass. Not obvious enough to draw attention, but it’s enough to see her ears go red.

Ugh.Such a fireball.

“If I’d known you were going to—“

“You can take your anger out on me later.”

Her expression falls blank, as if there’s a lag while one emotion is being flushed by another. I know it’s the case when I wink at her, and any sign of irritation vanishes.

She wants me so bad.

I smile to myself as I guide her up to the bar, mentally preparing myself to pretend I don’t even know who the bartender is.

And silently praying she lets me.

The same guy I recognize from the last time I was here is also back there working, so I intentionally end up on his side. He moves fast, takes our drink orders even faster. By which I mean Kara

Bailey touches my hand that’s resting on the bar, and I’m a pile of fear. Things I know for a fact: I don’t want to sleep with ___ again, and I really want to keep sleeping with Kara.

I don’t think Kara is going to be eager about the latter if I sit here and let this other woman flirt with me.

I slowly pull my hand away, but I’m polite enough to pretend it was so I could fix my hair.

“I’m relieved of my duties in about fifteen minutes, so speak now if you want any more free soda.”

I glance at my almost empty glass. I do wish it was full.

“I’ll take another one. Thanks.”

I don’t appreciate the way her returning smile looks accomplished.

“While you’re giving them out, I’ll take one.”

I look to her with raised brows. Kara hates soda.

Bailey’s smile falters, but she nods in her direction, agreeing to grab her the drink.

For ten long minutes, I sip on my drink while Kara’s sits in front of her. Untouched.

I wait until Bailey is busy on the other side of the bar before asking.

“You going to drink that?”