His friend failed to hide a grin while looking between us before quietly slipping out of the restroom with a pat on Bob’s arm.
“Nope. Hadn’t figured out what to do. I considered calling in a bomb threat to clear the place out so I could leave with my dignity intact, but I didn’t want to end up in jail tonight.”
“Or onMaplewood Matters.”
I tilted my head in confusion but brushed it away. I’d look it up later. “I’m glad you came looking for me.”
“Came to take a piss, actually.”
I was growing too fond of that teasing smirk.
He set his paint palette on top of the paper towel dispenser. “I know the owners. I’ll take you to the office. I’m sure we can find tape or a stapler to fix you up enough to get home.” He moved to the urinals with his back to me.
“That would be great. Thanks.” My shoulders relaxed while I walked over to the sink to wash my hands.
Bob joined me a minute later, and after drying his hands, he handed me his paint palette. I held it in front of my groin as I followed him out. My knight in shining denim.
THREE
MICKEY
I failed miserably at trying not to look too excited when Garth followed me out of the bathroom clutching the paint palette for modesty. He hadn’t ditched me after all.
A hookup hadn’t been on my mind at all, that was, until I’d met Garth. Usually I avoided them in town because I knew way too many people, but since Garth was just visiting, maybe we could have a little fun tonight. I hadn’t had sex since Brandon dumped me, and I wanted a new taste in my mouth. Figuratively and literally. I bet Garth tasted delicious.
“Wait here, and I’ll go find someone and ask if we can borrow their office.” I gave Garth an encouraging smile as he clutched my paint palette for modesty in the hallway near the restroom.
“You need the office?” There was a playful tone in Rory’s voice as he approached carrying a crate of clean glasses.
“Rory! Hey. We’ve got a costume issue. Mind if I poke around your office for tape or a stapler or something?”
Rory’s eyebrows climbed as he took in Garth’s jeans situation. “Sure. All yours. Should be some duct tape in there.”
“Thanks so much. Great band tonight.”
“Glad you like it. Have fun.” He wiggled his eyebrows.
I could’ve sworn I heard his laughter over the music as I led Garth down the hallway toward the office and break room.
After opening the office door, I flipped on the light and squinted at the brightness compared to the softer lighting elsewhere in the pub. The office was small and tidy.
As I turned toward Garth, I sucked in a breath. His pale-blue eyes were more piercing in this light and his tempting smile pulled me in. I couldn’t shake the familiar feeling about him, but with the black-rimmed glasses, mullet wig, and pale skin, he resembled a number of guys I knew in town.
Before getting distracted by his appearance, I moved toward the desk. “I’ll find something.” While pulling open a desk drawer, I felt his body heat behind me.
“You were bummed when you thought I left, huh?” Garth smiled coyly, which was surprisingly hot given the mullet.
I grinned. “Mildly.”
Garth clutched his chest. “My wounded pride.”
“I have a feeling your pride is pretty resilient.”
“You’re not wrong.” He leaned against the desk.
“Duct tape or staples?” I held up one option in each hand.
“Tape. I don’t trust the staples to hold the fabric without maiming me.”
