“Sorry, that was weird. You sure you’re okay?”
“Yep, all good.” I took another sip and coughed again, but it was just a tiny cough.
He quirked a brow over his glasses. The thin black frames only drew more attention to his beautiful eyes.
Dammit. How strong were those two vodka sodas?
“Geez, Dani, you okay?” Miranda’s voice cut through my brain. I’d completely forgotten she was standing there, and I focused on her. On her stupid, grinning face.
She quickly schooled her expression. “Take small sips next time.”
“Shut up,” I muttered. “And I’m fine.” That last bit came out with a little more bite than I’d intended, but the woman was clearly laughing at me.
“Okay. Glad you’re okay,” Blue Eyes said, and I turned to look at him again. That small smile was in place as he slid back onto his barstool.
“Uh, yeah. Thanks,” I said, taking another sip of my drink. The bubbles tickled my nose, but I didn’t cough.
I heard Miranda take his order, but I focused on finishing my club soda, scanning my Instagram feed, and continuing to avoid texts from the exasperating men I didn’t want in my life.
“Coming right up. You’ll love it,” Miranda said.
“Great. I’ve heard the food here is fantastic, especially the burgers,” he said.
“Our burgers are the best, just ask Dani. She always gets them.” Miranda paused. “Right, Dani?”
I was starting to regret getting friendly with her, but I looked over at them anyway. Blue Eyes had his dimple out again with that too-nice smile, and Miranda looked annoyingly smug.
“Uh, yes. Very good. The staff can be mediocre, but the food is great.”
Miranda chuckled. “She’s kidding. She’s just grumpy today.”
“That sucks. Bad day at work?” He shifted back. “Sorry. None of my business. And you don’t seem grumpy.”
“Thank you.” I resisted the urge to glare at my friend.
Then my phone vibrated on the bar again, and this time it was face-up, so I saw Roger’s text pop up. It’d been a few minutes so I’d hoped that he’d given up, but apparently not.
Roger: Want to grab a drink and blow off some steam? I’ve missed you.
Roger: We’re good together and you know it.
“For fuck’s sake,” I muttered.
“Asshole again?” Miranda asked.
“Yup. He just won’t give up.”
“Men are the worst,” Blue Eyes offered.
My head snapped up and I snorted out a laugh.
His cheeks were tinged pink and Miranda smirked.
“Sorry. Ignore me.”
“You’re not wrong,” I said, annoyed that I was even having this conversation with a stranger.
“You should always block an asshole, but apologies. I’m invading your space. None of my business,” he rambled.
