“Us too! And I can’t wait to meet your hot new man.”
“Oh, okay Ash, I see how it is. You care more about the man than me.” Smiling, I push her away.
“No, bitch. I’m just very curious to see who’s finally captured you.”
“Like I’m some rogue creature on the loose?” I joke.
“Well…” She shrugs. “You said it, not me.”
“Ash, shut up,” Ellie cuts in. “Ally, this house is so adorable.”
“I know. I love it so much. Come on, just wait until I show you the back.”
Taking them inside, I give them a short tour of the house before opening the back door. “Okay, now this is my favorite part.” We step out onto the back porch, and they all gasp.
“Holy shit, Al.”
“This is amazing.”
“I’d never leave.”
The three of them stare out at the backyard and the ocean beyond with the same look of amazement on their faces that I’m sure I had when I first saw it.
“I know. I sit out here and watch the sunrise whenever I can. Let’s go down to the water,” I say, and we all take a seat in an Adirondack chair.
“Ally, I can’t believe this is where you’ve been living for the past month. Shit, I would’ve quit my job and moved up here with you if I knew it was this nice.”
“You still can if you want, Ellie.”
“Pass. I wouldn’t want to hear you and Jake having sex every night.”
“We don’t always have sex here. I’m at his house all the time too.” None of them say anything, so I turn and find all three of them staring at me with smiles. “What?”
“You’re at his house all the time?” Mel asks.
“Yeah?”
“Where does he live?”
“He lives by a lake. He actually has a really beautiful home. I always expect guys to live all caveman and dirty, but nope. It’s very rustic chic.”
“Okay, you’ll need to send us pics.”
“Ash, that’s weird.”
“No, it’s not. Just take some when he’s not around and send them to us.”
“Yeah, okay.” I laugh.
“Tell us more about him.” Mel urges.
“Oh, um, well…” I smile, blushing. “He’s amazing. I’m painting again, and it’s different than before. Jake treats me like a priority, and I’ve never felt so close to another person before. I feel completely myself with him. Yes, he’s super gorgeous, but it’s the way he makes me feel about myself that outweighs his hotness.”
“Damn, Ally. I’ve never seen you like this. I’m so happy for you. You deserve it more than anyone I know.”
“Thanks, El.”
“And you’re painting again? That’s huge, Ally-cat,” Mel adds softly.
“Yeah, they’re in my room if you want to see them later.”
“I can’t wait to meet him. Will we tonight?”
“No, I thought tonight would be a girl’s night. Courtney is meeting us at the bar later.”
“We get to meet this Courtney, do we?” Ash rubs her hands together like an evil villain.
“Ash, you’re going to be nice. She’s my closest friend here.”
“Don’t worry your pretty little head, we’ll all be nice. I just have a few questions for her.”
“I’d expect nothing less,” I sigh, rolling my eyes.
Laughing, we all relax in our chairs, turning our faces up to the sun for a little while.
* * * *
“What look are we going for?” Ellie asks when we’re in the purple room an hour later, debating what to wear tonight. “Obviously not dancing all night outfits, but what do you think, Al?”
“I think we should go for a summer rooftop bar vibe.”
“Okay, perfect.” She smiles, searching around her luggage.
Going into my room, I dig through my closet and pull out a short white sundress with embroidered pink flowers on it, and pink heels to match.
“Oh, that’s cute, Ally,” Mel says when I come back and lay my dress on the bed.
“I’ve been dying to wear these heels since I bought them, and they match this dress perfectly.” Hopping up on the bed with my mirror, I start the makeup process. I haven’t really done up my makeup since I’ve been here. I love keeping it natural and light, but it’s always fun to do a little extra once in a while.
Applying my foundation and powder, I add blush and highlighter to give my cheeks a little glow. Playing up my blue eyes, I layer a gold shimmer eyeshadow over a light pink one, then add eyeliner to my top lid, and a few layers of mascara for the finishing eye-popping look.
It’s funny how I’ve always paid more attention to how I look when going out with just the girls. I like looking good for myself, but I love when we’re a girl gang of hotness against the world.
I’ve missed this. Whenever we would go out back home, we’d always meet at someone’s house and pregame while getting ready together.
Oh, now that I think of it… “Who wants a drink?”
“Yes!” all three answer together.
“Wine or liquor?”
“Maybe we’ll start with wine to get a little happy, and then we’ll have the hard stuff when we’re out.”
“Alright, Ash, you sound like a pro.” Laughing, I head into the kitchen.
“Hey, just because I have a drinking game plan doesn’t mean anything!” she yells after me.
Handing out glasses, I pour wine into each.
“To a fun night!” Ellie toasts.
“To being reunited with our bestie!” Mel adds.
“And to seeing what hotties this town has!” Ash throws in, and we all laugh, clinking glasses.
Curling my long blonde hair, I slip on my dress and heels and check myself in the mirror. Fluffing my hair, I do a little twirl.
“Damn, Ally, you look amazing,” Ash praises.
“Thanks,” I say, blowing her a kiss. “I’d say we all look good.”
Ash is wearing a short sundress and heels like me, Mel has on a navy floral maxi dress and wedges, and Ellie has on tight skinny jeans and a flowy off the shoulder top with wedges.
Sitting on the bed while they all finish getting ready, I sip on my second glass of wine, my mind drifting to Jake. Grabbing my phone, I decide to send him a quick text.
Hey, handsome. I’m all dolled up and ready for a night with the girls. But don’t worry, I’m not showing too much leg…
Smiling to myself, I hit send, knowing it’ll drive him a little crazy.
Swigging back the rest of my wine, I smooth on a pretty pink lipstick and turn to my girls. “Ready?”
“Let’s go! I’m starving!” Ash whines, hopping off the bed.
We all squeeze into my car and I text Courtney to tell her we’re heading out so she can meet us. The drive into town is louder than I’m used to, and I smile, listening to my friends banter back and forth.
I’ve missed this.
Opening the door to The Rusty Anchor, all eyes turn to us as we make our way to a table near the bar.
“I’m guessing they can tell we’re not from here,” Mel whispers as we sit.
“Yeah, they knew with me, too.” I laugh. “It’s a small town.”
“And who is that walking sex of a man behind the bar?” Ash asks, practically humming with desire.
“That’s Alex. Gorgeous, right? I flirted with him the first time I came here, but Jake came and shut that down, claiming me as his.”
“How?”
“I made him kiss me right then and there in front of everyone.” I smile, thinking back on that fuzzy memory.
“Seriously, Ally? Damn girl, you’re fierce. I’m going to go get the first round,” Ash tells us as she fluffs her hair and pushes her boobs out.
“Go get ‘em tiger.” I laugh, loving her confidence.
“So, what’s new with you guys? We talked about me, but not you.”
“Well, nothing is new with me.” Mel shrugs. “I’m still single and working too much.”
>
“Same,” Ellie adds. “The three of us just hang out, order takeout, and watch movies. I mean, it’s only been a month, Ally, and we still text each other all the time.” She laughs. “How much news do you expect?”
“I don’t know. It’s just that I’m not physically there and I don’t want to miss out on anything.”
“Okay, I’m back,” Ash says, placing three drinks down on our table. “I couldn’t carry yours, Ally.”
“That’s okay, I’ll get it. And I’ll grab menus, too.”
Walking up to the bar, Alex gives me a wide smile. “Hey, beautiful.” He winks. “I see you brought some friends tonight.”
“Hi, Alex.” I smile, blushing slightly. I can’t help it! He’s flirty and super good looking, and has this certain charm that makes me blush. “My friends from back home are visiting for the weekend. Ashley said she left my drink here?”
“Yeah, here you go.” He pushes a brown drink across the bar to me.
“What’s that?”
“Rum and coke.”
“Oh.” I frown. “Do you think I could have a gin and tonic with extra limes instead? Please?”
“I thought she had it wrong. I’ll make you a new drink.”
“Thanks.” I smile.
Watching him, he muddles three lime wedges at the bottom of the glass before adding the ice, gin, tonic, and a fresh lime wedge on the rim.
He slides the drink towards me. “There you go, beautiful. I made it a little extra special.”
“Thanks, Alex. You’re lucky Jake’s not here to hear you flirting though,” I tell him, smiling slightly.
“Yes, lucky me. And every other man in here for that matter.” Smiling wide, he wipes down the bar in front of me.
“Can I have some menus?” I ask, ignoring his previous statement.
Back at the table, I pull my phone out to check if Jake answered me, I see he still hasn’t. I might as well torture him a little more then.
Apparently, the men in here are happy that you’re not with me tonight, mountain man. But don’t worry, I’m prepared to hit them with my purse if they try anything.
“Okay, lover girl, put the phone down. It’s a girl’s night.”
“I know, I know. Sorry.”
“Hey, Ally,” Courtney says, walking up next to me.
“Hey, Courtney!” Standing, I give her a hug. “These are my friends – Ashley, Melanie, and Elizabeth.”
“Hi.” She waves. “It’s nice to finally meet you. Ally talks about you guys all the time.”
“So, what’s your deal Courtney?” Ash asks. “Are you dating? Married? Have kids? Hate puppies?”
“Ashley, shut up,” Ellie sighs.
Laughing, Courtney takes a seat. “I’m married,” she says, holding up her left hand. “His name is Jack, and he’s a fireman in town. He’s crazy hot and I love him more than anything in the world. No kids yet. And I love all animals.”
“Hmm, okay, good answers.”
“Anything else?”
“Yes, does Jack have friends we could meet?”
“He does.” She laughs. “Both fireman and cops if that interests you.”
“Oh, it does,” Ash says, fanning herself. “I love a man in uniform.”
“Who doesn’t?” Courtney laughs. “The first time I saw Jack in his, I wanted to strip my clothes off and offer myself up right there in my shop.”
“Oh, that would have been a great meet cute.” Mel laughs.
“I was so nervous, I ended up spilling hot coffee all over him.”
“Ooh, was he forced to take his clothes off then?”
“Sadly, no.” She smiles.
I’m so glad they get along. I knew they would. We order food, more drinks, and laugh the entire time. I haven’t laughed this much in a long time, and my stomach hurts.
Peaking at my phone again, I still see nothing. Huh, that’s kind of weird. I baited him with the idea that all the men in here were after me so he’d say some sexy possessive shit that’d get me all hot. But there’s nothing.
Jakey, Jakey, Jakey. I’m here drinking a lot of gin and tonics and laughing with my girls. We’re talking about all sorts of sexy things and I told them you’re amazing in bed. And on couches, in cars, and how gloriously endowed you are. I hope you don’t mind, handsome…
Smiling, I slip my phone back in my purse and rejoin the conversation at hand.
Alex continues to pour us drink after drink for the next few hours, and we get a steady drunkenness going that has us getting louder and drawing more attention to our table. Then, the same song that got me dancing a few weeks ago with Courtney comes on and I scream, pulling her up to dance.
“This is our song! Remember?”
“Yes!” she screams, laughing.
The others just sit and watch as Courtney and I shake our hips and spin each other.
“Hey, honey, care to shake that ass on me?” a sleazy voice says from behind me.
“No, thanks,” I answer, not bothering to look at him.
“Come on, darling, just one dance.” His hand snakes around my waist, and I instinctively throw my elbow back into his ribs. “Ow! What the fuck?!” he yells in my ear, immediately releasing me.
Spinning around, I level the douche bag with a nasty look. “Don’t call me darling, and don’t put your hands on me.” My voice is hard and commanding.
“You’re the one shaking that fine ass around for all to see. It seemed to me you were in need of a man to take care of you.”
Courtney snorts next to me and opens her mouth to say something, but I shake my head no. “First of all, not every woman who dances wants your greasy hands on her. And second, I have a man who takes very good care of me, so move along.”
“Get out of here, Jason. Ally’s with Jake,” Courtney adds.
“Shit,” he says, looking semi-scared as he turns and walks back to a table full of guys who are all staring at us.
“Don’t mind Jason, he’s just your typical small-town wash up. You know, peaked in high school and hasn’t done much with his life since?”
“Sure, whatever,” I say, walking back over to the table.
“What was that about?” Ellie asks, nodding towards the table of guys.
“Nothing. Just an asshole thinking I’m a tramp looking to bed any guy that approaches me first.”
“Oh, yeah, sure, just the usual,” she replies sarcastically. “Happens to me all the time.”
“Shut up.” I laugh, finishing the rest of my drink. “I’m getting another one. Who else needs one?”
A resounding round of yeses answer me back, so I head up to the bar and wave Alex over. “Another round for all of us, please.”
“You okay?” he asks, looking concerned. “I saw Jason being an ass.”
“Yeah, I’m good, thanks. Nothing I can’t handle.”
“Let me know if he bothers you again and I’ll kick him out.”
“Thanks.” I smile.
“And you’re definitely not driving home. Do you girls have a ride?”
“Okay, dad,” I say, rolling my eyes.
“I’m serious. Make sure you call Jake or Jack to drive you.”
“I will, don’t worry. Now, more drinks, barkeep,” I say, slapping my hand on the wood.
“Barkeep? Really?”
“Thought I’d try it out.” I shrug, sitting on the stool in front of him while he makes our drinks.
“Your friends seem nice.”
“Don’t go trying to take one of them home with you, slick. Your bad boy, sexy biker act won’t work.”
“Bad boy, sexy biker?” He smiles.
“Yeah, you know you’re hot, don’t play dumb. I’m a taken woman, so it’s okay for me to say that openly.”
“And you’re drunk.” He laughs. “So your mouth is a little looser.”
“Hey! My mouth is not loose. Just ask Jake.”
“Fuck. Okay, don’t say shit like that when I know I can’t have you.”
“Al
right.” I wink, smiling.
Shaking his head, he pushes the five drinks towards me. “Don’t forget to ask for a ride. I can’t fit all of you on the back of my bike.”
“Ha! Good one.”
Taking two trips to carry all the drinks to the table, I sit back down and sip my fresh cocktail. Damn, Alex makes a perfect gin and tonic.
Pulling out my phone again, I see that it’s getting late, and Jake still hasn’t messaged me back.
“What’s wrong?” Courtney asks.
“Huh? Oh, nothing. It’s just that I’ve messaged Jake a few times tonight and he hasn’t answered yet.”
“He’s probably just busy.”
“I’m going to see if he can pick us up. I definitely can’t drive home.”
“Ahh!! Yes!! We want to meet him!!” Ash yells, clapping her hands.
Dialing his number, it just rings and rings until I get his voicemail. “Hey, hot stuff. So, we’re a tad on the drunk side and I was wondering if you could pick us up? I’d be willing to do some filthy things to you as a thank you.” Giggling, everyone starts making cat calls and dirty gestures. “Sorry, ignore them. Please, please come so I can show you off.” Blowing him a kiss through the phone, I hang up and burst out in a fit of giggles.
“I’m going to tell Jack to get me at last call. Shit, wait, it’s already midnight?”
“I know! That means we better drink some more then.”
“It doesn’t, but sure!” She laughs.
Last call approaches fast, and Jake still hasn’t answered me. What the fuck? He’s never not answered me, especially when I ask for help.
“He hasn’t answered me.” I sulk.
“Honey, he’s probably sleeping now,” Ellie says, trying to reassure me. “Courtney, can your man take us home?”
“Yeah, of course. He’ll do whatever I ask.” She giggles. “Come on, he’s outside waiting.”
Walking up the bar to close my tab, Alex comes right over to me. “What can I do for you, beautiful? Need a ride? I see your friends are leaving with Courtney.”
“Yeah, Jack is taking us. I just need to close my tab.”
“Jake’s not coming? It’s hard to believe he’d have something better to do than take you home.”
“I wouldn’t know, he hasn’t answered me all night.”
“I’d never keep you waiting.” He smirks, handing me back my card. “See you around, beautiful.”
Her Maine Attraction: A Small Town Romance (Pine Cove Book 1) Page 21
