"Why art?"
"I guess I’ve always loved to see the way others saw the world. Like how they can take something so normal and make it look extraordinary," I answered with my eyes closed. A small purr actually escaped my throat when he flipped my arm over and his fingers began to lightly run up and down my forearm.
"Why bartending?" I asked. I mentally kicked myself for asking it in a way that sounded like it was a meaningless job.
He laughed low. "It's what I do. I'm actually here on research."
I opened my eyes rather reluctantly and tilted my head to the side so I could see his face. "You research bartending?"
"No, not exactly." He started to say more and then sat up abruptly. "Let's unpack this basket. I'm hungry."
I sat up and pulled the lid off of the basket, practically gasping out loud when I saw all of the stuff he’d packed. There was fresh fruit and cheese, crackers, slices of meat, as well as single serving sized orange juice and champagne. I had to laugh when he pulled out two plastic wine flutes.
“What, no shrimp on the barbie?” I teased, and Gage broke out into laughter.
"Gage, honestly this is amazing. How in the world did you have time for all this?"
"This is my date kit," he answered with a very straight face. "I keep it stocked every weekend in case a hottie like you needs a man."
"You seriously did not just say that." I picked up a grape and threw it at him.
"A man never reveals his secrets, Savannah," he chided. A grape pegged me in the nose and we both burst into laughter.
From that point forward we took turns tossing fruit at each other as we ate; sometimes as punctuation to a conversation. My bubbly giggles and his baritone laughter mingled together, creating a perfect melody. I saw several people walk by and stare at us as if they longed to switch places. I tried to imagine what we must look like from their point of view: a young couple enjoying a beautiful spring picnic, carefree and laughing like they were in love. It had really turned into a halcyon day, and I didn't want it to end.
"Can I ask you a question?" he asked seriously as he began to pack up our empty dishes.
"Of course."
"Is there a reason you don't tell anyone who your parents are?"
I felt my face go red and started pulling on my jacket to cover up the feeling of awkwardness that suddenly washed over me.
"I mean, I’d already guessed it after hearing different people talk about you at the bar, but when I saw the picture of you with them at your house it was confirmed."
"It's not like it's a secret or anything, but I don't broadcast it. You know, being heir to one of the world’s largest whiskey companies comes at a price. Especially when your peers are college kids," I confided.
He sighed when he checked his watch and closed the lid to the basket. "I imagine the frat boys really love you, huh?"
"Oh my gosh," I drawled, thinking back to my first year at school. "It's honestly part of why I don't party much. I got so tired of people hitting me up for free booze all the time. It's not like I keep crates of whiskey stashed at my house, people. Does it matter to you?"
"Come again?"
"Never mind." How could I ask him if he cared? If I asked 'Does it matter that I come from money and you’re just a bartender?' it would offend him. On the other hand, what if that was why he’d asked me out in the first place? He said he’d already figured it out before seeing the picture. I wasn't sure I really wanted to know if his plans included using me.
"It's about time to go," Gage sighed.
"Is it?" I asked. I was seriously bummed to end the morning. "I guess this is the portion of the date where you turn into my friendly neighborhood bartender and tell me what you thought of my escort." I tucked my knees under me and waited expectantly for his reply.
Gage's face was cloaked in heavy concentration. "He's pretty cool. I definitely think you should go on a second date with him."
"You do, do you?"
"Most definitely," he murmured. He stood and offered me a hand. "You need to give him a chance to really impress you," he said; confidently pulling me right up, leaving mere inches between our bodies. I was so close that the spicy scent of his cologne tickled my nose.
We simply stood there with our hands entangled; staring at each other. I took in the small dent in his cheek that turned deeper when he smiled. The dark strands of his hair were spiked up, but not to cloying perfection. His eyes were a warm brown, with golden flecks that I hadn't noticed before. He was undeniably gorgeous.
"Would you let me draw you sometime? I have this class I'm taking, and well…" I blurted out, proceeding to turn ten flaming shades of red.
"You want to draw me?"
"Sure."
"Like Jack and Rose from Titanic?" he asked. "That kind of drawing?"
"Um, yeah Gage - I want to draw you in nothing but one of your shot glasses," I teased saucily, rolling my eyes dramatically at him.
"Sweetheart, we're gonna need to find a bigger glass if that's where you wanna go."
My face began to warm and I pulled away, starting across the grass to the parking lot before he could see my acute embarrassment. He jogged a few steps and pulled up beside me laughing.
"I've said it before, but it bears repeating. You are so full of yourself," I grumbled in feigned annoyance.
He suddenly stopped walking, which made me pause as he tilted his head first one way and then the other. Scratching his jaw, he challenged, "You've said that about me? Out loud? When?"
"Well I've certainly thought it. Maybe I didn't say it to your face," I conceded, walking again.
"Aww, thanks sweetheart," he harassed me, throwing his arm over my shoulders. "Nice to know you were thinking of me."
"Case in point," I calmly pointed out
"Touché." He laughed. "Now get in the car before I'm tempted to say anything else stupid."
"You know, there's this bar I know that serves some pretty kick ass drinks. The bartenders there are easy on the eyes too," Gage commented as he walked me to my front steps a few minutes later.
"Yeah? How easy?"
"I have it on good authority that there's this one guy who is so perfectly made, he’ll be posing soon for a beautiful young artist. I mean, she begged him for the opportunity. He is that fabulous."
"Oh," I quipped, putting my finger to my lips. "That must be John. He is dreamy."
"Am I going to have to kick John’s ass?"
Laughter burst out of me at his serious tone and I leaned against his chest lightly. "You really are too much. The girls and I are grabbing some Mexican tonight. It is Cinco de Mayo, after all."
Feeling somewhat shy I pulled back and swiftly hopped up the two steps to my front door. My key pushed into the lock and I grumbled as once again, it stuck. After jiggling it around to get it to turn, I made a mental note to self: Get a new lock. I turned, surprised to see that Gage had remained on the ground. His wide smile caused his eyes to crinkle at the edges.
"Maybe I'll see you later?" There was a hint of hope in his voice. A touch of optimism in his face. He looked like a kid waiting to be handed a beautifully wrapped Christmas present. The child in him was hoping for the perfect gift, but reality kept him from getting too excited. I could already read Gage that clearly. He knew what he wanted me to say, but wasn't cocky or confident that I would actually give him what he hoped for.
It was in that moment that I realized I wanted to jump down off of my porch and fling myself into his arms. The jolt of that vision took me by surprise and I smiled weakly and waved; stepping into the house before he could say anything else. Shaking my head of the pleasant vision of our limbs tangled together passionately and my lips pressed against his, I collapsed against the closed door.
I sighed, my hand pressed to my rapidly beating chest. Then sudden, painful mortification washed over me at the way I’d bolted into the house like a coward without saying goodbye…or even thank you.
"Aww crap," I cursed myself, grabbed my phon
e and quickly sent him a text.
Me: i forgot to say thank you for the wonderful morning
I pressed Send and anxiously awaited a reply. After ten minutes of silence, I assumed that he either missed the message or ignored it completely. I chastised myself for thinking negatively and decided to settle into a chair with a good book. I was opening the book to the first chapter when my phone rang back with a text.
THE Aussie: sorry, i was driving. you are MORE than welcome. it was a great morning. almost perfect.
Driving. How stupid of me to forget that little detail. I smiled at his reply and feverishly typed back.
Me: why almost?
THE Aussie: it ended
Like a teenage girl I squealed. I instantly wished that Sara or Candace were around to walk me through what to say next. Instead, I racked my brain for the perfect reply.
Me: for now. i'll see you tonight.
THE Aussie: yeah?
Me: yeah, i'll be stopping by to see john ;)
THE Aussie: can't wait!
Sunday - May 5, 2013
Calling Dibs
Sara and Candace were adamant that we grab a Mexican dinner before stopping by The Garage to visit Gage. Two margaritas and several hours later, the three of us wandered into a full blown party going on at the bar. In full Cinco de Mayo mode, there were red, green and white banners thrown up around the ceiling. The music was pumping loud and the alcohol was obviously flowing.
As my eyes searched the mob for Gage, I smiled and waved at a few people I knew from school. Sara, Candace and I inched our way past the crowd and stood by the half wall that bordered the dance floor.
Hands came up behind me and lightly touched my elbow as a voice spoke into my ear. "I need to tell you something."
It was Gage's whispered voice, his accent thicker when he spoke so low. I turned to say an excited 'Hi' when I saw the serious look on his face.
"What's up?" I asked, frowning. It worried me slightly to see him so austere after leaving him in such good spirits earlier in the day.
Candace came around me and thrust her hand into Gage's for forced introductions. "You must be the fabulous bartender from down under," she interjected playfully.
"It's nice to meet you, Candace. I've heard a lot about you."
"All lies, I'm sure," she snickered.
"I hope not," he played along, but I could tell that his smile wasn't as brilliant as usual. "I need to steal Savannah for a moment though, if you don't mind. Tell the guys at the bar that I said drinks are on me."
"Drinks are on you? You can have her all night, sweetie."
"That's Sara," I informed him when she suddenly appeared and looped her arm through Candace's.
They exchanged quick pleasantries and then Gage led me to the office. He called over to John as we went, letting him know he would be back out in a minute.
Gage followed behind me and I stepped into the office. As soon as he shut the door, his face looked grim, and he ran his hand nervously over his neck.
My voice wavered when I asked him if everything was alright.
"I should have told you something this morning, but then I saw you and you just looked so beautiful. It wasn't how I wanted to spend our morning," he started, motioning for me to take a seat. "Your date the other night, Jax?"
"Yeah?"
"Well apparently he didn't show up wherever he was supposed to be yesterday, and I guess some of his buddies alerted the police about the scuffle here with you."
I was shocked as he continued. "They showed up last night to speak with me."
"They showed up here to speak with you? Why didn't they call me?"
"I guess they were checking up on where he’d been. The guys and I filled them in on the facts of me punching him and how they sent him home alone in a cab. Nobody’s in trouble, but I wanted you to hear about it from me."
"So they still don't know where he is?" I thought about Jax and how sweet he was until he’d proceeded to get wasted. I hoped nothing bad had happened to him.
"I really don't know. Savannah, he was fine when he left here. The guys made sure he was awake and alert. At least he was as alert as he could be, as wasted as he was." Gage stepped toe to toe with me and stared down into my eyes. "I'm sure he just felt like an ass and is somewhere safe sleeping away his misery and the massive black eye he most likely ended up with."
"Sure. He’s probably in hiding," I agreed, although I couldn't help the slight tremor of concern that ran through me.
Gage lifted my chin and smiled at me. "Hey, sweet thing - can I buy you a drink?"
I took in a deep, calming breath and tried to push Jax from my mind. I wanted to enjoy the evening with my friends.
"Actually, I'm here to see John. I hear he’s a pretty hot catch and would be willing to pose for some drawings."
Not missing a beat, Gage leaned in close, and for a moment my mind raced with the possibility that he was about to kiss me. But when our lips were so close that our breath mingled in the heated air between us, instead of the kiss I wanted he drawled out softly, "Is it gonna be a nude portrait, sweetheart? Because I'm willing to sacrifice myself for your art if need be." A twitch of pure desire jolted through my abdomen as Gage turned and walked to the door.
"Shall we?" He opened the door with a teasing gleam in his eyes.
"You play dirty," I grumbled his way, as I walked past him and returned to the bar. I was determined to get him back for that.
Two hours and several more margaritas later (I think that put my total of the night at five!), I found myself bumping and grinding with Sara and Candace on the dance floor. The floor was absolutely packed with countless sweaty bodies swaying and dancing to the heavy beats vibrating through the building.
Although Gage stayed busy behind the bar, we continued to make eye contact throughout the night. As I swung my hips and tossed my hair I watched Gage from across the dance floor. He was reaching over the bar, and a crowd of people, to hand a guy in a backwards baseball cap some beers. In front of him sat the same attentive cougar I'd seen in there before. She was angling herself close to him as he leaned over, and I watched as she lifted her hand to his chest like she was some kind of a good Samaritan trying to help him from toppling over the bar.
Jealousy seethed through me when she stroked her skinny fingers over him. He leaned back with a smile and I saw him mouth something to her in response. Argh! I didn’t want to be jealous over that, but I still wished I could see her face and hear their conversation. Luckily Sara grabbed my arm at the same moment I'd decided to head back to the bar and eavesdrop.
"Make him notice you, sweetie," she yelled at me with a wink. She motioned her hands to her boobs and playfully lifted them. I got what she was saying immediately, and decided GAME ON. Time to turn Mr. Aussie into a puddle of drool.
I let myself go as the heavy bass beat reached into my chest and grabbed me. My arms rose of their own accord and I twisted and dipped to the pulsing rhythm. I wore low riding jeans and could feel my shirt rise above the waistband of my pants and skim my upper abs. I glanced over at the bar casually to see if Gage was taking notice. He was.
Feeling emboldened by the drinks, I turned on the sex kitten. A smile curved my lips and I met his brown eyes; biting my bottom lip. He stood motionless and watched me as I did a little spin to the music and wiggled my fingers in a slight wave. His eyes narrowed and we stared each other down as if there was no one else but us left in the room. A body rubbed up against my back and I ignored it for a moment, expecting it to be Candace or Sara, until I saw Gage's face turn from amused to irritated.
I glanced over my shoulder to see an anonymous grinding guy. Ugh. Why did guys think that dancing at a club meant they had free reign to grope unsuspecting females? As his hands moved to my hips, I jumped and spun around; bumping into his chest.
"I'm dancing here," I hissed.
"All by yourself, gorgeous?" he drawled, eying me and giving me that "I know you want me" sexy gaze that he must have t
hought worked on all the ladies. He pulled me closer and nudged his leg between mine, trying to pull me into some sort of ‘Dirty Dancing’ move. "Come on, I just wanna dance with you."
The margaritas dulled my senses enough so that I was sluggish to combat his moves. It wasn’t as if I'd never danced with a stranger at a club before. There was no harm in just one dance.
"You're too sexy to be here alone," he shouted over the music. One of his hands slowly moved to rest on my upper thigh as he dipped low; grinding against me.
"Thank you, but I'm here with friends, actually."
"Are you going home with your friends too?" He winked. I frowned, not sure if I’d heard him correctly.
"Was that a proposition?" I asked; somewhat dumbfounded by his boldness. I took a moment to look for Gage to see what he thought of my new dancing partner, but he had mysteriously disappeared.
"If you're free, gorgeous, I'm free," he hinted, shouting above the music.
My head fell back as I was hit by a sudden fit of laughter, and that's when I saw him. My Aussie superman. He was currently upside down…no - my head was upside down. He was behind me, and his super laser beam eyes were set on me.
"Hi," I giggled. Giggle? I was pretty sure the alcohol had officially worked its way into my system. My head lifted back up and I smiled again at my unwelcome dancing partner. "I'm not sure if I'm free," I laughed and spun around. My butt was now being held firmly against Mr. Dirty Dancer.
Gage stood there for a moment, a slight frown on his face, while he took in the scene. His arms were crossed over his broad chest and I swear I saw his biceps flex. I bet he could crack a walnut with those arms. It really was lovely the kinds of things alcohol made you think of.
"Hey, this is…" I started, and then belatedly remembering I never got his name, I shouted at him, "What's your name?"
Last Call Page 15
