Page 34 of Forgotten Comeback

Why does a certain redhead always fuck up my plans?

Of course. The more the merrier.

And if I want you all to myself???

“Hey, get me a beer,” a guy calls to my back.

Ignoring the asshole, I go to reply something flirty, but my fingers aren’t cooperating. I’ve got Mia right where I want her…except I don’t want her.

And here we go again, with Taylor fucking up my head.

“Hello?” The guy shouts.

I pocket my phone and turn around, making a point of helping someone else at the other end of the bar.

Nearly twenty minutes pass before Taylor, Mia, and Kat make their way into the bar; not that I’m keeping track or anything. I flash a smirk at Taylor, who ignores me completely.

“Hey, Gavin. Thanks for scoring us tickets,” Mia says, and I snap my attention to her.

“I’ll snag us a table,” Taylor quietly tells Mia and Kat. Refusing to look at me, she walks off.

Well, that’s no fun.

“Two cosmopolitans,” Mia says.

I get busy mixing her drinks, sliding them over. “On the house.”

“Thanks.” Mia looks like she wants to say more, but she carries the drinks to hergirlfriend.

“Gavin. I didn’t know we ran in the same circles,” Kat comments, having watched the interaction from a stool.

Tearing my attention away from Taylor—who’s doing a hell of a job ignoring my existence—I smile. “Small world. What can I get the heartbreaker Katerina to drink?”

“Whatever the shameless flirt thinks will get me feeling good in a hurry,” she retorts.

I whistle. “Long Island ice tea, but I can’t do that to you in good conscience.”

“Don’t let your conscience guide my buzz,” she tells me.

I laugh. “Alright, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” I grab a cocktail shaker, hitting it with ice and a hangover-inducing mixture of spirits before giving it a shake.

“You working any more poker parties at Ace’s Wild?” Kat asks.

“Why? You miss seeing my pretty face?” I glance at Taylor, who’s deep in conversation with Mia. Something niggles in my chest; an unfamiliar sensation. I top off Kat’s drink with a splash of soda before sliding it over.

She takes a sip, making a face. “Would I be able to see your face after I finish this drink?”

“You were duly warned.” I chuckle. “I’m bartending at a poker party next weekend. You want me to see if they need another dealer?”Or two?Because if Kat’s there, then that means Taylor will be there, and apparently, I’m a glutton for punishment.

“Maybe. Gimme the deets. Whose party?” Kat asks.

“Have you met Inferno?”

She shakes her head. “The man who runs these parties?”

“Yeah. He’s a part owner of Ace’s Wild,” I tell her. “Inferno operates this party scene. Pays in cash; everything under the table.”

“Sounds right up my alley. Let me give you my number to pass along to him,” she suggests.