Page 3 of Thirsting for the Lumbersnack

“She needs some fun, and I thought she’d say yes. But she’s being a tad difficult.”

“No worries, man. It’s probably better for me to stay out of the dating world.” I teased, hinting at a few of my crappy dates he knew about.

“Don’t tell me you’ve had more crazy dates. Because then all of my hopes and dreams are crushed.” Kel said with a chuckle.

“Well, I hate to break it to you, but dating can be rough. Don’t be so hard on yourself, man. Your person is out there.”

“Same to you. By the way, how do you like the ale?” Kel asked as I sipped on the Ocean Breeze one, the flavors splashing on my tongue.

“Delicious. How you pack so much flavor into them is impressive.”

“A little secret.” Kel said.

I nodded as my mind drifted back to Kaia. Kel continued the conversation, turning it one sided, while I set my mind on one thing. Stunning Kaia. Her eyes…bluish green were unlike any color I’d ever seen and her long dark brown wavy hair she gathered into a bun at the nape of her neck looked soft and bouncy. Kaia was stunning. Absolutely sunning.

How had Kel kept her hidden for so long?

While I told him it was better I stay out of the dating world, I didn’t mean it. I’d rather find my partner to share life with. Something I rarely revealed because I never saw the need to. I was fine on my own. I got through by myself this far.

“Does she like flowers?” I blurted out, effectively cutting Kel off. A weird look came over his expression, and a small smile lifted one corner of his mouth.

“Does who like flowers, Rune?”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have cut you off. Your sister. Kaia. Does she like flowers?”

Kel threw his head back in laughter. “Sorry, I don’t mean to laugh, but Kaia like flowers? No. She’s more of a collector. Her biggest one being shot glasses from all the country. The world even.”

A surge of feel-good happiness ran through my veins and lifted my mood. “Perfect. I have a few she’ll like.”

“I thought you said it wasn’t such a good idea to date?”

I shrugged. “She’s different, Kel. And not just because she’s your sister. There’s something about her. A connection I can’t explain. Besides, I told you I’d take her out.”

“Good. I was hoping you’d say that. Make her happy. She needs it.” I finished the sample as Kel casually slipped me his sister’s number on a piece of paper.

“She needs what? Who’s she?” Kaia asked as she came up from behind. Once again, her beauty left me with my mouth hanging open like a damn fool. I quickly snapped it shut as I tried hard to focus on only her face, her arms crossing over her ample chest which now swelled over the edge of her shirt.

Don’t be a dickhead. Don’t look!

“Hey sis. Already done with all of your work?” Kel asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

“Almost. Thanks for checking. I actually came out here for a drink.” Kaia said as she grabbed a clean glass from underneath the bar.

“Perfect timing. I was just saying goodbye to Rune. You can help him finish his ales.” Kel said and stood up from his barstool.

He took the glass from Kaia’s hands and urged her forward towards his now vacant stool.

Kaia hesitated, but she walked over to me, a curious smile on her gorgeous lips. She picked up the pumpkin ale and lifted it into the air for a cheers. I met her halfway in the air and when our glasses collided, our fingers brushed against one another and a spark ignited between us.

At least it did for me.

We swallowed our samples down. “Go out with me, Kaia.” The caramel vanilla notes danced in my mouth together.

She stared at me as silence stretched between us. Damn, her and Kel’s ale was yummy.

“Rune, you don’t have to ask me just because my brother asked you to.”

“It doesn’t matter what your brother wants. I’m asking you because I want to.”