Page 3 of Whiskey Kisses
“Somehow, I find that hard to believe,” I shot back. “See you tomorrow.”
“Be careful out there,” he said to my back as the door closed behind me.
I exhaled a heavy breath and crossed my fingers my old car would start. I don’t think I could go back in and ask him for a jump!
My eyes popped open. My heart was pounding, and my hands were between my legs. I’d had a dream about Colton. Dark brown eyes stared into mine as our bodies met, thrust for thrust. Our bodies were covered in a light sheen of sweat as we moved with a perfect rhythm. My finger circled the little bundle of nerves as my release traveled through my veins, sending a tingling sensation to all my nerve endings. I really needed to have sex and soon. If I did maybe I’d stop dreaming about Colton. Nothing good could come of that. If we slept together, it might make things awkward at work. I might even be forced to find another job, and in this little town, jobs are hard to come by.
If Miranda did ask him out, I’m pretty sure my heart would crumble to the floor. I didn’t need another Jeff. If I were to be cheated on again, I don’t think I would survive. Besides, being stood up at the church was nothing but humiliation for my whole family. Sometimes I still see people stare and whisper and I know they’re still talking about the poor woman who got stood up at the altar.
I was in the kitchen, trying to decide if I should eat before I go to work or wait until after, when I hear my cell ringing and I rush down the hall and grab it off my nightstand.
I flopped back on my bed with my cell to my ear and listened to my friend Emma go on and on about what she was wearing to work tonight, which happened to be New Year’s Eve.
“Wear that cute little black shirt you bought when we went shopping last weekend,” she told me. I could hear what sounded like hangers being moved around in her closet.
“I can’t wear that! It’s too low neck. I would bend over, and half of Iowa would see my breasts.”
I snorted. “Old man Weston would have a stroke,” I said. “I can’t have that hanging over me for the rest of my life.” I shiver at the thought. After all, the man was in his seventies and still went to bars looking for his sweet Millie, who passed away five years ago. His best friend always came with him and explained to the staff he had dementia, and he forgot sometimes that his wife of fifty years was gone. “Here it is!” I pulled the white tee shirt with the bar logo on the front from my closet and tossed it on the bed.
“What is it? Tell me what your wearing?” Emma begged. She had always been about fashion, including the latest trends in hair dye. Her hair was a lovely shade of cinnamon, and I must say, it looked great on her and made her green eyes pop.
“You’ll see when I get there. Now let me go so I can shower and do my makeup. I don’t want to look like a total hag.” I grunted as I bent at the waist to untie my boots.
“Fine. Have it your way. Just remember Colton is working the bar tonight. I’m sure his eyes will be glued to your ass all night.” She razzed.
“Please. Colton doesn’t even know I exist.” She laughed.
There was no way I was going to tell her what happened last night. She would take it and run with it. I couldn’t have her sticking her nose where it didn’t belong.
“You’re crazy, girlfriend, if you think that’s true. I’ve seen him looking at you when you’re not looking. That man has it bad for you,” Emma said.
I rolled my eyes.
“Emma, he’s probably watching me to make sure I’m doing my job. Did that ever cross your mind? He is part owner of the bar and my boss.”
She sighed loudly on the other end.
“Bitch, I’ve got to go. I need to get ready. I don’t know why you keep talking my ear off.” Emma laughed.
“Bye slut,” I shot back with a snort.
My phone dinged with a new text. I snatched it from the dresser and frowned when I saw it was from my low life, good for nothing ex-fiancé Jeff.
Lacie, please call me! We need to talk. I swear I’m sorry. I got a serious case of cold feet and feel like a total ass for leaving you at the church the way I did.
Me-EAT A BAG OF DICKS! YOU ASSHOLE!
I made sure to type it in all caps so he would know I was yelling at him. The moment I fired off the text, another one chimed in.
Come on, Lacie. It’s New Year’s Eve. Let’s make a resolution and start over fresh,he practically begged.
It had been a year and he acted as if it happened yesterday, and he was wildly in love with me. Unfortunately, I knew different. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have left me standing in the church with over one hundred guests to explain why there would be no wedding.
This text was so over. I tossed my phone on the dresser and headed for the shower. After a long time beneath the hot spray, I flat ironed my brown hair and left it loose around my face. I did my make-up a little more dramatic tonight, being that it was New Year’s Eve and the bar was sure to be busy. I grabbed my white tee shirt with the bar logo then chose my darkest jeans and black boots and headed for the door.
The weather was predicting a snowstorm for tonight, and the last thing I needed was to get my old Corolla stuck on the side of the road and freeze to death before anyone found me because I wasn’t smart enough to dress accordingly. I grabbed my winter coat from the hall closet and stepped into the chilly air.
I pulled into the back parking lot behind the bar and checked my hair and make-up in the mirror. I looked good if I do say so myself. Not that I had anyone to look good for, no matter what Emma said.
