Charlie Grace felt a quick intake of breath. She wasn’t a guy ogler, but Capri was right. This guy was very good-looking. He wore a brown leather jacket that matched the bourbon-amber color of his hair. As if on cue, he turned, and they locked gazes.
Her heartbeat quickened.
Even from here, she could see his chiseled jawline and athletic build. His body language was confident—the epitome of an attractive and charming man who undoubtedly left a lasting impression on anyone who crossed his path.
His near-perfect face broke into a warm, inviting smile.
Maybe it was the tequila, but she felt flushed and quickly looked away without returning the gesture.
Reva noticed. “What’s all that about? Why’d you do that?”
“Do what?”
Reva rolled her eyes.
Charlie Grace grunted. “Unlike Capri, I’m not into heartthrobs.”
Capri shrugged. “Suit yourself,” she teased before carrying the tray back to the bar.
Reva leaned close. “The bigger question is why are you dating someone who is about as much fun as the legal doctrines of desuetude.”
Charlie Grace ignored her friend’s barb and lifted her second margarita to her lips. She took a long swig and winced. “Who made this? It’s strong.”
Lila pointed. “Pete made it. He might not have known it was for you.”
For a second, Charlie Grace considered returning the cocktail and asking for a lighter version. She quickly dismissed the idea. The last thing she wanted was to act like a Karen and make a fuss. She’d simply have to drink slower.
As the night wore on, the bar filled with more patrons. The music got louder, and the conversations became more boisterous. Lila ordered another round of drinks.
Charlie Grace was surprised to find her glass empty. She held up her hand. “Not for me.”
Capri gave her a stern look. “Oh, come on. Live a little. Have some of that spur-of-the-moment fun you talk about.”
“No, really. I already feel that last one.”
Lila wasn’t buying it. “Look, none of us wants you inebriated. But the first barely had any tequila, so technically, this will only be your second.”
Charlie Grace hesitated, then shrugged. “Okay, maybe one more. But make this one a root beer.”
Reva laughed while Capri and Lila groaned in unison. “You’re hopeless, you know that?” Capri teased.
When the drinks arrived, Capri unscrewed the top on her own beer. Suddenly, she stood and announced, “I’m going to dance.”
The others looked at her incredulously. “Dance?” Lila asked, raising her eyebrows.
Capri grinned. “Yes, dance! Come on, girls. Let’s have some fun!”
Charlie Grace and Reva exchanged an amused look, then stood and followed Capri onto the dance floor, where a few couples were already swaying to the music. Laughing, Charlie Grace, Lila, and Reva joined in.
Charlie Grace felt the stress of the week melting away as she let herself get lost in the fun.
As the night wore on, they danced and drank and laughed, leaving Charlie Grace feeling like a carefree student once again. Finally, the bar began to empty out, and they decided it was time to call it a night.
As they walked out of the Rustic Pine, arms looped together, the chilly night air hit them.
Charlie Grace looked across the street and saw that guy—the one who had been sitting at the bar. He stood with his hands in his jean pockets, watching them.
Their gazes locked again, and he smiled in her direction.
