After a long tense silence he finally spoke. “Cassandra. You look stunning this evening.” His words were low and smooth as his eyes locked with mine. They were deep-blue and clouded with something that pulled me in.

I swallowed hard hoping nobody actually noticed as his gaze trailed slowly down my rigid body. The tension was thicker than ever before and I couldn’t take another second of it. I was playing right back into his hands.

“So, what brings you here tonight, Logan?” I said his name slower and softer than usual, hoping to capture a hint of seduction to see his reaction.

He looked back up to me and lifted his drink to his mouth, smiling. “Beautiful women.”

“I see.” I finally glanced away from him as I nodded for the man across the bar. “Well, I hope you have fun.” I mumbled quickly when the bartender stopped to take my order.

I ordered a glass of wine, the same wine that was served the week before.

“That’s on me, sweetheart,” Logan said, reaching for his jacket.

“Thanks, but I can buy my own drinks.” I took my glass from the bartender and turned away walking toward some old friends without another word. I did however put an extra sway in my hips for good measure.

I could feel his eyes on me and I smiled, it felt good to have the upper hand with him for once.

“I don’t think she likes you.” I heard Caleb chuckle and glanced back subtly over my shoulder to catch Logan smirking as I sashayed across the room.

Chapter Seven

Flirtation

Standing in a small group filled with women I went to school with, I finally began to relax. Maybe tonight wouldn’t be all that bad. Surveying the room, there were a few men I’d never seen before and most were my age.

Hilary was still at Caleb’s side, his arm wrapped around her waist, hand resting on her hip. She looked completely overjoyed and smitten. I was happy for her, she deserved a good guy and despite the mystery of Caleb’s extensive absence he had always been nothing less than a gentleman. Caleb was that one guy in high school every girl fawned over even though few held his attention, but he always treated them with respect which is why the girls continued to come around.

Living across the street from him growing up, I’d seen the many girls coming and going with giant, bewitched grins covering their faces. To my dismay, I also saw the loneliness in him when he’d hang out around the block sneaking a smoke.

Logan was no longer at the bar. It was as if he had just disappeared. I recoiled, why was I looking for him? The thought of him leaving should have calmed my nerves a little, instead I found myself wondering if he took one of the many single women in here home with him already.

Caleb stepped away from the bar, Hilary at his side ringing a small bronze bell in her hand, smiling.

“All right, let’s get this thing started, shall we? Ladies, you’ll each have a table to yourself. The men will be the only ones moving around, tonight…at least while you’re still in my bar. They’ll have five minutes at each table to convince you they’re worth your time. If you want another five minutes then just stay put till the next bell chimes or until the woman kicks your ass out of the seat. Now, some of you may find love or at least a good time.” Caleb cocked an eyebrow. “And others may end up with a drink thrown at ‘em. I’m looking at you, Pauly.” Caleb chuckled as did half the room. “Either way you’re all here tonight buying my booze and I’ve got a beautiful woman on my arm, so I couldn’t be happier.” Caleb squeezed his arm tighter around Hilary’s waist, pulling her into his side. A bright shade of red flushed over her cheeks.

I smiled, picturing her face the next time we were alone, and she was able to unload her side of the evening on me. At least one of us was having a night to remember.

Caleb continued, “Now let’s have some fun and remember no hassling any of these fine ladies here tonight, gentlemen.” Caleb raised his glass while Hilary rang the bell once more. The room instantly filled with soft laughter and shuffling feet as the women found their tables.

Quickly making my way to the small table hidden in the far corner I sat down and waited for the first guy to approach. My glass of wine was nearly empty so I looked up in hopes of spotting a waiter instead my gaze landed on Logan.

He was still there and walking straight for me. My stomach tightened, eyes locking with his, dreading the thought of being trapped attempting a conversation with him for five long minutes. I swallowed, the scorching heat rising in my body as he grew closer. Out of nowhere, a young man stepped in front of my table blocking my view. I blew out a deep soothing breath I hadn’t realized I was holding in.

With a sweet smile, the young guy pulled out the chair across from me, taking a seat and clearing my view back into the room. Logan had stopped in the aisle, his expression dark, his eyes glaring at the back of the man’s head sitting with me. A curvy redheaded woman sitting at the table next to him whipped out her hand, grabbing his arm.

I couldn’t hear what she was saying to him over the chatter of the room but without a glance up at me, he sat at her table, smiling. My stomach clenched again. I wasn’t sure what it was. Jealousy? I quickly wiped the absurd thought from my head and looked over at the guy in front of me.

“Cassie Clarke, wow, it’s been awhile. Not sure if you remember me, Robert. I sat behind you in science, senior year.” He took a long drink from his bottle of beer and smiled.

Sipping my wine, I looked up over my glass smiling. “Yeah, of course I remember. How are you?” I had no clue who this guy was, but he seemed sweet. He was no Logan but—I bit the inside of me cheek. What the hell was the matter with me? I shook all thoughts of my frustrating neighbor away, smiling uncomfortably back at Robert.

His faded red T-shirt sporting a sci-fi show I’d never heard of, buzz cut, and measly attempt of a mustache weren’t doing it for me. I was never one to be rude, so I sat there trying to listen.

“I’ve been great. They just opened a new comic book store one town over so I’ve been stocking up on my favorites for the winter. Have you been there yet?”

Finishing off my glass of wine in one final gulp, I raised my glass at a passing waiter letting him know I’d need a refill.

“Uh, no,” I said, my chest rumbled from my stifled chuckle. He looked so serious. “I’ve never really read any comics before.”

His eyes grew a little wider, as if intrigued. “Really! Well I could take you sometime. They have all the best there.” His hands worked animatedly in front of him. “The classics and some really great new ones you should…” His voice faded in with the soft melody of music playing in the background.

Subtly scanning the area, I rolled my eyes. Hilary was sitting at the bar; her stool facing Caleb’s, her legs situated between his. She was giggling, Caleb’s face buried in her hair, whispering to her. As much as I was happy for her, I still wanted to kill her for dragging me out tonight. Shifting in my seat Robert continued on about the latest video game he’d recently purchased.

It took everything in me not to look at the timer. It felt like the five minutes should have been up ages ago. He talked faster than anyone I ever met which wasn’t helping.

Nodding along, I allowed my gaze to drift farther across the room toward Logan. He sat with his chair backed away from the table, glass of liquor in hand watching the woman talk. Whatever the woman was saying, he appeared entertained. He looked good tonight.