Whiskey Nights

by Fabiola Francisco

  “You tell that to all the girls?” I counteract.

  “Nope. Just you, babe. You should know by now that I’m not looking for a one-night stand with you. I’m not that kinda guy.”

  “Oh yeah? What are you looking for?” My own judgments about him clear in my question.

  “More.”

  One word. That’s all it takes to knock the air out of me. Jake and I have spent more time teasing each other then actually getting to know each other. How does he know he wants more? And how does he know he wants it with me? So much for trying to keep myself together! My entire body is betraying my emotions right now, and I have the urge to pull him in and kiss him. Experience a real kiss with him, but instead I stay silent.

  “Enjoy that drink,” he says before walking down the bar to the customer who was calling out his name.

  I chug half of the contents in my glass and slam it down. Damn him for making the best Kentucky Mule I’ve ever had. I may need something stronger than whiskey right now.

  “Hey, B! Sorry about that, I ran into some college friends that I hadn’t seen in some time. Got another drink? I need to catch up.” Lacy is oblivious to the inner conflict I have going on and orders a drink from Dave while I finish mine off.

  “It’s okay,” I respond.

  “Boy do I miss this place.” A breathless Savannah makes her way back to us. “Georgia has some great bars, but I miss the feel of Southern.”

  They continue to talk while I wonder what more with Jake would be like. Is he really not the kind of guy that would take girls home after work, or fucks them in the storage closet of the bar? Savannah told me he’s not, so do I just want to believe what I want?

  “I gotta pee,” I announce randomly and make my way to the bathroom. The thought of Jake giving me more than a kiss has my core clenching, and I rinse my face with cold water to relax. I apply lip-gloss and prepare myself to go back out there. Maybe I was wrong about Jake all along and there is a reason behind his flirting with me. Savannah said it herself, and she knows him pretty darn well. Who knows what he’s told her privately.

  I walk out of the bathroom and bump into someone and stumble backwards. I really need to stop doing that.

  “Sorry,” I say as I look up to apologize to whoever is in front of me.

  “’T’s okay.” I meet Jake’s smiling eyes.

  “Are you stalkin’ me?” I drawl.

  “Nope. Are you okay?” His hand reaches for my face and I try to not let it affect me, but who am I kidding?

  “Uh huh,” I nod my head.

  “Good. Wouldn’t want to be the reason you get hurt.” His thumb brushes along my cheek, and I just stare into his eyes. Before I can react, his head is dipping low and his lips meet mine in a gentle kiss. I feel warm flesh against mine, and I melt at the contact.

  My body leans into his and I sigh against his lips, giving him access into my mouth. His tongue brushes mine, and I moan softly.

  Fuck it. I’m going to enjoy this kiss.

  I tilt my head and move my lips against his, enjoying the scratch of his stubble against my skin. Allowing myself to get lost in him, I brace myself against his chest while my heart thumps at an accelerated beat.

  Jake breaks away first. I try to compose myself before opening my eyes. When I look up at him, I find his eyes sparkling but not with mock humor. They seem to be shimmering with something else. His thumb brushes along the outline of my lips, wiping my lip-gloss there and he smiles. A genuine Jake smile is the most gorgeous smile I’ve ever seen.

  “Go out with me,” he says as he places his forehead against mine.

  “Why?” I blurt out and instantly regret it. Why am I such a bitch sometimes?

  “Because, I really want to take you out.” He doesn’t even flinch at my reaction.

  “Sorry. I didn’t mean that.”

  “I know. So?”

  “Maybe,” I smile mischievously. “But only if you promise to kiss me like that.”

  “I can kiss you like that anytime you want.” He gives me a peck and says, “I’ll call you.”

  Determined to give in to what I’ve been feeling since December, I say, “Okay” and walk back towards the bar. Jake is a much better kisser than I could have imagined. I wonder what else he’s good at.

  “Hello?” I cringe at my own annoyed voice.

  “Well, hello there sunshine! Are we feeling bright today?”

  “Hey, Sav,” I sigh.

  “You okay?”

  “Yeah, I’m just in one of my moods.”

  “What’s goin’ on?” she asks, ready to offer a listening ear if I need one.

  “Nothing,” I don’t want to talk about what has me frustrated. “How are you?”

  “I’m good. I was actually calling because we have an opening date for Sweet on You!”

  “That’s awesome! When is it?”

  “We’re celebrating the grand opening on May 22nd. It’s soon, but everything has been going smoothly and I really want you to come!” I smile at her enthusiasm, and for a second I forget that I’ve been waiting two weeks for Jake to call me.

  “You know I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I’m so proud of you!”

  “Thanks! We’ve been busy working long hours, but I’ve had Em, Wes and Parker helping me out as well as some of Parker’s friends. By the way, some of these guys are hot! You’re going to drool when you meet them.”

  “I love you. Thanks for making me smile. I can’t wait to meet Parker’s hot friends.” I smile but know that the one hot friend I want to “meet” is Jake.

  “So, are you going to tell me what’s got you all pissy?”

  “Fine,” I sigh dramatically, and Savannah chuckles.

  “Drama queen.”

  “Wait ’til you hear.” I go on to tell her about running into Jake when I was coming out of the bathroom at Southern two weeks ago and our kiss. The stupid butterflies in my stomach flutter again and I shoo them away. Aren’t butterflies supposed to die after a few days? Even metaphorical ones?

  “So I haven’t heard from him except for one text message apologizing for his crazy schedule and saying he’ll call as soon as he can to make plans. Of course, I’m paranoid thinking he regrets it or was just toying with me by being the usual flirt he is.”

  “His schedule is busy, and last I spoke with him he sounded stressed. I don’t know what to tell you, but he is coming for the grand opening. I also told him to call you so you guys can carpool.”

  “Ugh! You did not!”

  “I did. I had no idea.”

  “Whatever. I can drive myself. I don’t want to sit with someone in a car for four hours, who regrets asking me out.”

  “I doubt he regrets it. Jake’s schedule hardly allows him to do anything outside of work. Give it time.”

  “Yeah, whatever.” I know she’s mostly right. Jake is always at the bar or catching up on sleep or errands when he has some free time. I get that his job has a twisted schedule, but he could have called to apologize verbally. This also makes me wonder if it could ever work between us. His job is demanding and so am I. I want to be able to relax on a Friday night or at least have the option of going out, not having to visit a bar to see the guy I’m into.

  “The drive over will give you some one on one time,” Savannah adds suggestively.

  “At this rate I’m going to go rolling to Georgia. I’ve been binge eating my emotions.”

  “As long as you’re happy.”

  “At least I am happy with that. Today I’ve eaten carbs, a donut and I’m drinking. I haven’t gone to yoga in three days. Rolling. If anyone wants to judge me, they can suck my dick.”

  “You don’t have a dick.” Savannah states the obvious, raining on my parade.

  “Fine. They can lick my pussy,” I say without flinching.

  “Eww, no! Not lick my pussy. That sounds so dirty. Lick my cunt sounds better.”

  “Hell no! Cunt is like saying suck my cock, it’s not intimidating enough.”
/>   “Fine. Why not, bite my vajayjay.”

  “No! That’s stupid, you’re not eating it. Well . . . actually you are.” I try to stifle my giggle at the ridiculousness of this conversation.

  “Where’s Lacy when you need her?” Savannah asks, and I hear laughter in her voice.

  “She would tell us, ‘Let me tell you how it’s really done. You don’t bite, you suck and you lick. You haven’t done it right until you learn it from a lesbian.’” We both burst into laughter, and I bend over with tears running down my face.

  “That is so Lacy.”

  “It is.” I wipe my eyes. “Thanks, sweets. I needed that laugh.”

  “Anytime, I can’t wait for you to see the new bakery. I found some amazing vintage picks at the stores in Roswell. You’re going to love it!”

  “I know I am. I love the pictures you’ve sent. I’ll be there on May 22nd to celebrate in person.”

  We hang up after a few more minutes, and I chug the rest of my wine before getting lost in my latest romance novel. Sigh. If only I could find a guy like this hero.

  A bottle of wine later, my eyes are glued to the page I’m on. The steamy scene is making me horny, like wet your panties horny. I debate whether I want to take care of this problem or not when my phone vibrates on the table next to me. Jumping at the sound, I grab the phone instead of masturbating, and I roll my eyes at the name across the screen.

  Jake: Don’t hate me yet. I’ve had to cover a few extra shifts so I can go to GA in May. Come by the bar tomorrow.

  Me: can’t

  I don’t want to give in to him so easily. He has barely made an effort to see me, but now I’m even hornier thinking about him.

  Jake: I want to see you.

  Me: W/E . . . u just wanna kiss without strings.

  Jake: kiss without strings? lol

  Me: don’t u dare laugh at me . . .

  I try to shift and get more comfortable on the couch, my movements sluggish.

  Jake: Not laughing.

  Me: Good . . . no more free kisses.

  Jake: You’re going to charge me now?

  Me: yup . . . and I don’t need ur perfect lips anymore.

  I stumble to my bed too mad to even fantasize about my current hero or the asshole I’m hung up on. I need to remember to slow down on my drinking so I can keep up with Jake’s text messages. Sleep is welcome.

  I wake up with a headache and blurry memory of . . . oh, shit! I didn’t. Please tell me I didn’t drunk text Jake. I grab my phone and panic as I search my messages.

  Fuck. I did. I so did. I curse as I read through the messages. Way to keep yourself unattached. The last message I received was after I fell asleep.

  Jake: Perfect lips, huh?

  I put my head in my hands embarrassed about that exchange. He was so cool and confident and there I was sending messages that didn’t even make sense. Who the hell says kiss without strings? What does that even mean? No way in hell I’m going to Southern after that no matter how much I really do want to see him.

  I shower quickly and take some ibuprofen with my coffee before walking out of my apartment. I hope the caffeine and pill work their magic and cure this headache. I need to focus on the recipes and baking.

  “Are you going to answer that?” Lacy asks me as I’m bringing the cupcakes out of the oven.

  “No.” I let the cupcakes cool before frosting them.

  “You don’t even know who it is.”

  “I have an idea.” Fortunately my headache went away, but I’m still soaking in embarrassment over my conversation with Jake last night. This is the second time he calls and I haven’t had the balls to answer.

  “If you don’t answer it, I will.”

  “You wouldn’t.”

  “Hello?” Lacy answers my phone before I can even finish my thought. I’m going to kill her. “Hey, Jake. Yeah, she’s right here. Gimme a sec.” She hands the phone over to me. “It’s for you,” she says with a smile.

  “No shit.” I yank it out of her hands and she laughs. Taking a couple deep breaths, I get ready for the teasing. “Hi.”

  “Hey, it’s Mr. Perfect Lips.” I roll my eyes.

  “I was drunk.” Apparently that will be a good enough excuse for what I said last night.

  “People always say the truth comes out when you’re drunk.”

  “Don’t count on it this time. What do you want?”

  “I already told you. I want to see you. I really am sorry I haven’t had a chance to plan our date. Forgive me?”

  “I know you’re busy, Jake. Don’t worry about it.”

  “Are you kidding me? I’ve wanted to ask you out on a proper date for a long time. You finally agree to it, and I can’t get a break in my schedule. I meant what I said last night. Come by the bar. I’ll make you the best Kentucky Mule you’ve ever had.”

  I smile at his attempt. “Actually, Dave makes it better than you do.”

  “Bullshit.”

  “Think what you want.”

  “Does he kiss as well as I do too?” His voice is hoarse, and I close my eyes to compose myself.

  “I don’t kiss and tell.” I try for nonchalant.

  “Good, because neither do I. I’ll see you today. I’ll be waiting for you, Beth. Oh, and you are going with me to Georgia. No way are you driving alone when I’m driving over there.”

  “You’re stubborn.”

  “You’re feisty.”

  “Bye, Jake.”

  “I’ll see you tonight,” he repeats for emphasis. I hang up without another word and find Lacy staring at me.

  “You so like him. Give him a chance, B!”

  “We were supposed to go out, but he hasn’t been able to keep it. It’s been driving me crazy. Apparently work has been hectic, and he hasn’t been able to take the time off since he’s going to Georgia for the grand opening,” I explain somehow wanting to defend his motives.

  “So go see him.”

  “That’s what he was calling for. He sent me a text last night apologizing again and asking me to come to Southern tonight to see him. I was drunk on a bottle of wine and my responses were not in my favor.” Lacy laughs and I wince. Why is it that I can drink whiskey like a champ and wine affects me so much? Because it was a fucking entire bottle!

  “You’re going to Southern tonight even if I need to drag you over there myself. You two make the cutest couple!”

  “We’re not a couple.”

  “Not yet!” Her excitement is kind of contagious and I smile at her. “Come on, let’s finish the pastries.” We get back to work but I secretly love the idea of Jake and I being a couple.

  I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little nervous about going to Southern but as soon as I walked in, Jake spotted me and smiled. His gorgeous smile makes my panties melt. After talking to Lacy at work, I decided I was going to come tonight and put aside my initial hurt for him being busy with work. Maybe our cat and mouse game is part of our “relationship.” It’s something we both do within our limits because it’s fun. He’s a natural flirt, and I’m naturally straightforward. He puts the cheese out, but I don’t fall for the trap.

  I drink my whiskey straight today, looking for some liquid courage. We both know I’m here to see him. He asked and I came. I already agreed to go on a date with him, so it’s no secret I’m interested. I guess this is the best we can do for now when it comes to a date.

  “How’s your drink?” Jake leans over the bar and his eyes smile.

  “Perfect,” I respond with a smile. I’ve always thought Jake was gorgeous, but seeing him with my eyes open adds to who he is.

  “I’m glad. I am the best bartender in town.”

  “Cocky, are we?”

  “I need to keep up with your confidence.” He leans closer so his lips are as close to my ear as the bar allows, “Which is one of my biggest turn-ons.”

  I stare into his shimmering eyes, lost in what he just said. Okay, I can’t deny Jake is really interested. My breath quickens as I
think of how to respond to him.

  “I gotta keep you on your toes.”

  “Oh, you do.”

  We hear someone call him from across the bar and he heads to them. “I’ll be back.”

  I smile as I take a sip of the sweet bourbon in my glass before it burns a path down my insides. I tilt my head and stare at his ass from a distance. He always gives me the best opportunities to admire it.

  I watch him mix drinks and interact with the other bar patrons. He’s so charismatic, and I notice he’s even like this with the guys. I start to realize Jake isn’t so much a flirt as an extrovert, who loves to spark conversation with others. It’s perfect for his job. The women here swoon over him and the guys all want to be his friend.

  The sleeves of his plaid button down are rolled up to his elbows and I can see how his arms flex under the material.

  “Are you enjoying the view?” He hands me a fresh drink, and I thank him.

  “Thanks. I actually am. You do realize everyone here loves you.”

  “Told you I am the best.”

  I roll my eyes and smile. “Seriously. You really are a favorite.”

  “Am I your favorite?”

  “I haven’t decided yet.” His hand cradles the side of my face and his thumb brushes lightly across my lips.

  “I think I may be able to change your mind.” Jake places a soft kiss on my lips and I inhale his warmth. When I open my eyes, I see him biting down a smile, but I can see the triumph on his face. “I gotta get back to work. Stay a while?”

  “Keep serving me these drinks and I may have to.” The butterflies are back, and they’re putting up a fight to make sure I’m aware of them.

  “Want somethin’ to eat?”

  “Yeah, I’ll look at the menu now. That’s probably a good idea.”

  “Let me know.”

  I take a look at the menu and decide on a salad. I have to admit that Jake has been attentive the entire time I have been here despite the number of people coming in and out of the bar demanding his attention. He’s proven that he wants this to work and that his lack of time had nothing to do with doubts but only with work and his schedule.