“Ah, she remembered my name,” he chuckled. “That’s gotta be a good sign.”
“I wouldn’t read too much into it.”
“I don’t know. That and the ‘come-hither’ wave is hard to ignore,” he teased, eyes dancing. “That’s practically a proposal where I’m from.”
“I did no such thing.”
“You didn’t just wave at me?”
“Well, yes, but I was just being friendly.” I cocked my brow. “Besides, I could’ve been waving at your friend.”
“Who? Skid?” He glanced down at the guy who was now watching us both and shook his head. “Nah, we both know that wave was for me.”
“You’re reaching.”
“Whatever you say, princess.”
“I’m here with Sergei.”
“Is that right? Hard to believe he’d be fool enough to leave you out here all alone.”
I rolled my eyes, and he took it as encouragement, stepping in just a little closer. He smelled like leather mixed with bourbon and cologne, and he had this kind of lazy confidence that made it hard not to smile at him, even when he was doing everything he could to get under my skin.
“Can I get you a drink or something?”
“No, thanks. I’m fine.”
“You most certainly are.” His eyes skirted over me, and that smirk still remained. “I don’t mind going down and grabbing you something. Maybe some wine or one of those fruity drinks you girls like?”
Before I could answer, Sergei came up behind me and announced, “If she needs a drink, I’ll be the one to get it.”
“Sure thing.” Goose’s brows lifted, but he didn’t look surprised or concerned. Instead, he looked amused. “Whatever you say, boss.”
Sergei glared at him in a way that would’ve made most men shake in their boots, but Goose didn’t flinch. He just stood there like he wasn’t taking the hint. Clearly annoyed, Sergei snapped, “You can go now, Goose.”
“Now, why would I do that?” He crossed his arms. “Me and the pretty lady here are having ourselves a friendly conversation.”
“You’re walking on thin ice, brother.”
“I know. I know. I’m just fucking with ya.” Goose paused for a moment, considering his next move, then turned his attention back to me. “Catch ya on the flipside.”
“That ice is cracking.”
“I’m going. I’m going.”
I shook my head as he turned and started his descent down the stairs. Once I knew he was out of earshot, I let out a breath and asked, “Is he always such a flirt?”
“With anything that breathes.”
“At least he’s honest about it.”
“If you say so,” Sergei muttered, but there wasn’t any real anger in it. Just annoyance laced with protectiveness. “You ready to get out of here?”
“What about Viktor?”
“What about him?”
“This thing between you two. I don’t like being in the middle of the game you are playing. It’s not right,” I told him, my voice tinged with annoyance.
