Chapter 10
CHAPTER 10
“D irty Martini for Cassie, whiskey for Kelley, Shirley Temple for you, Penny. And a Cosmo for me.”
Her bestie shot her a disbelieving look. “A Cosmo? Seriously?”
“What? It’s karaoke. The Cosmo is the drink of embarrassing yourself in front of strangers while singing classic songs everyone knows and hates.” She took a sip of the sickly-sweet drink. “Why the hell else do you think those four women spent seven seasons and two movies, plus a reboot trying to get their lives together?” She raised her glass. “Cosmos, the drink of bad decisions.”
“To bad decisions!” Kelley raised her glass as well.
The rest of the women joined in the toast, but Charlie knew Cassie and Penny were just humoring them. Those two were annoyingly happily in love. She wouldn’t mind it so much if it wasn’t with her own brothers. Girls’ night was supposed to be about fun, bonding, and yes, dishing on your latest sexual conquest. But it skeeved her out hearing about her friends’ love lives considering they were both doinking her siblings.
Hence the Cosmo. She needed something to block out all the horrible things she’d heard tonight.
Kelley downed her drink, slamming the glass down on the table with more force than necessary for a fun night out. Penny jumped when the table wobbled a bit. She glanced at Cassie, and they shared a look of silent communication only possible by two people who had been friends as long as they had.
“Something on your mind tonight, Kelley?” She took the lead as Cassie put a supportive hand over Penny’s trembling fingers. She really liked her brother’s fiancé, but the poor woman startled so easily.
The bartender ran a hand through her short dark hair, streaked with neon blue highlights this month. “It’s Jessa. She said she wants to ‘take a break’ but everyone knows that’s code for breakup city.”
“Aw, crap. I’m sorry, Kelley. That sucks.”
The woman sniffed as a tear escaped, running down her smooth light-brown cheek. She swiped at it with an angry finger. “Whatever. I mean, we’ve only been dating for four months anyway.”
“But didn’t you two move in together?” Penny asked.
“Yeah, but it’s not a big deal. We didn’t get a cat or anything.”
Charlie noticed Penny’s nose wrinkle in confusion. The sweet woman spent so much time with computers she sometimes missed humor.
“You want a cat?”
Kelley looked over at Penny, a small smile starting to turn the woman’s lips. “Not particularly, but everyone knows getting a cat together is basically a lesbian engagement ring.”
Penny’s eyes widened. “It is?”
Charlie glanced from Cassie to Kelley. The three of them holding in their laughter for as long as they could before they all burst, erupting into gales of hilarity, earning them a few glares from the crowd trying to listen to a guy with long, ratty hair murder a Five Finger Death Punch song.
“Oh, ha ha. Very funny.” Penny grimaced, but then her face softened, and she placed a hand on Kelley’s shoulder. “I’m sorry about Jessa. She must be crazy to give you up.”
Awww, and there was the reason she brought her brother’s fiancé along on all their girls’ outings. The woman may be nerdy and socially awkward, but she was sweeter than the Cosmo currently creating a sugar high in Charlie’s veins.
A thought occurred to her. Maybe she should ask Penny about seeking an ADHD diagnosis. Penny didn’t have ADHD, but she was autistic. Charlie knew the testing for both were similar. Though Penny had been diagnosed years ago, maybe she could point Charlie in the right direction. She certainly wasn’t going to ask Luc. Not after the…incident the other night. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to look the guy in the face ever again.
Gonna make class real awkward.
“Thanks, Penny,” Kelley said with a sigh. “I didn’t mean to ruin the night and bring everyone down. It just sucks. I’m tired of the whole dating scene. I just want to find…the one. Ya know?”
Penny and Cassie smiled, nodding along. She, on the other hand, had no frickin’ clue what Kelley was talking about. The one? Yeah right. A nice gimmick for selling diamond rings and movies with Hollywood’s prettiest starlets, but in real life, the one didn’t exist. Sure, people could be happy and find love and what not, but she wasn’t sure she bought into the whole soul-mate garbage.
“You didn’t ruin anything.” She slung an arm around the sad woman’s shoulders. “Girl’s night is all about sharing, drinking, and tonight, singing. So go pick a song. Something angsty and in your face like—”
“If you say, I Will Survive, I’m going to have to smack you,” Kelley said with a glare.
“Hey!” She removed her arm, pointing a finger in Kelley’s face. “That’s a classic.”
“Yeah, and we’ve heard it about ten times tonight already. If I hear it one more time I’m going up to the DJ and smashing his computer.”
“JR would be pissed,” Cassie said, taking a sip of her martini.
“The past three years of us tipping probably bought him that thing,” Kelley countered with a huff. “If he lets someone sing that damn song again tonight, I think I have rights to smash it.”
She hated that her friend was hurting. Kelley was more than Jacks bartender. Over the years the woman had become a member of the family. If Charlie saw Jessa around town, she was going to kick the woman’s ass for being such an idiot. Kelley was a great catch. Hell, if she was into women she’d snatch Kelley up in a heartbeat.
Too bad she preferred the dangly bits to the gazangas. She had a pair of her own and the damn things were annoying as hell.
“Oh shit, is that Doctor Hottie?” Cassie asked.
Charlie choked on her sip of Cosmo. Alcohol shot up her nose, burning, bringing tears to her eyes. She quickly glanced over her shoulder where her friend was looking and, yup, sure enough there stood Luc at the bar.
“Oh fuck!” she groaned. “It is. What the hell is he doing here?”
“Who’s Doctor Hottie?” Penny asked, glancing in the direction Cassie stared.
“He’s not a doctor,” she grumbled, ignoring Penny’s question.
“He’s the new therapist at the hospital and he’s supervising Charlie’s anger management class—”
“Cassie!” She sent her supposed best friend an exasperated glance.
“What? Like everyone in town doesn’t already know about him and your court appointed classes. Besides, the nickname is appropriate even if he isn’t a true doctor. He’s hot and—”
“Hey!” She narrowed her eyes. “Aren’t you married to my brother?”
Cassie waved away the anger filled comment. “Married, yes. Madly in love, yes. Dead? No.” Turning back to Penny, she continued, “So anyway, the other night we got a flat and Charlie didn’t have a spare because it was already on the car from her last flat, but luckily Luc came along and gave us a ride home. He seemed more than happy to help Charlie out and according to Apple she can’t keep her eyes off him in class.”
Three sets of curious eyes turned toward her. She shook her head, muttering into her drink, “Goddammit Apple.”
“Oh please,” Cassie snorted, taking a sip of her martini. “It’s Kismet. Nothing stays secret for long. Besides, looking doesn’t hurt anyone. Not like you guys are doing anything scandalous.”
She bit her lip, remembering last night. Her body tingling at the memory of his mouth pressed against hers, his hands gripping her tight.
“Unless…holy, crap! You did do something naughty!” Cassie squealed. “Ahhhh, ohmigod, tell us everything. Now.”
She shook her head. “Nothing happened.” Nothing but a kiss. “He’s just my teacher…sort of. I mean, it’s not like I’m his student or anything. He just leads the anger management course and, oh, get your minds out of the gutter!”
Three smiling faces stared at her with knowing looks in their eyes.
“Whatever you say, but I think you should go for it.” Kelley sat back in her chair lifting her chin in the direction of Luc.
“Yeah, Charlie. Look at him. If you take his glasses off, he might turn into Superman.”
She flipped her best friend off, opening her mouth for a scathing remark when the DJ came over the sound system.
“And now, let’s hear from a crowd favorite. Charlie Jackson!”
Downing the rest of her drink, she glared at her friends. “I’ll deal with you jerks later. And no one invite Luc to the table. Don’t let him know we’re here.”
But it was too late. JR had announced her name to the bar. She glanced over to see Luc’s surprised face staring right at her. With a groan, she rose from her seat and made her way up to the front. The sweet and tangy vodka drink churned in her gut. Or maybe that was nerves. Weird, she’d been doing karaoke for years. She never got nervous. I’ve never sung in front of Doctor Hottie before. Ugh, now she was calling him by that ridiculous nickname. She had to get her head on straight. Yes, he was hot. Yes, he kissed like a freaking god. But she wasn’t looking for a boyfriend right now.
How about a good lay?
Okay, that she could use, and she had no doubt Luc could deliver. But that didn’t mean she wanted to go there with him. Did she? Her thoughts cut off as the intro to her song started. Grabbing the mic from the stand, she ignored the TV screen in front of her with the words scrolling across them. She had a standard set list of songs she performed and all of them were committed to memory. But, oh hell why did she have to be singing this song right at this moment?
Bringing the microphone to her lips, she started belting out the words to Cheap Trick’s I Want You. The crowd went wild. As they always did. The song was a well-known crowd pleaser and perfect for her limited vocal range. Normally she had fun singing the upbeat tune, but tonight, with her gaze gravitating to the tall, sexy man at the bar…the lyrics took on a whole new meaning.
Luc’s gaze locked on hers, his dark eyes focused and intense behind his glasses. Good thing she knew the words by heart because her brain was absolute mush right now. The room seemed to melt and spin all at the same time. Her entire focus narrowed down to a pinpoint. Luc Woolf.
Before she knew it the song was over and the bar erupted with cheers, hoots, and a few drunken idiots screaming how they’d be happy to want her. She shook off whatever strange stupor had come over her, moving her gaze away from Luc to place the mic back in its holder.
“Great job as always, Charlie.”
“Thanks, JR.” She placed a five in his tip jar, giving the friendly DJ a small side hug before heading back to her table. Unfortunately, when she got there, a surprise was waiting for her. And not the, ‘hey look, someone decided to buy us all a round’ surprise.
“Great song,” Cassie smiled sweetly. “Look who decided to join us.”
Her poor brother would soon be a widower because she was going to kill her best friend.
“Hi Luc,” she greeted him with a deadpanned enthusiasm.
The man sat in her vacated chair, so she had no choice but to stand as all other seats were currently occupied. Hadn’t she specifically told her friends not to invite him over? Bad enough they’d practically eye humped during her song, now she had to sit and make small talk with the guy. Well, stand, as the case was.
“Nice pipes.” He raised his glass to her.
“I thought you didn’t drink.”
He paused with the glass halfway to his lips. “I never said that.”
No, he just flipped like Mr. Hyde every time she mentioned bars or booze.
“Roy Rogers.” He tipped his glass back, taking a healthy swig.
She’d never been a fan of the cola and grenadine drink, but to each their own.
“So, do you all do this often? Karaoke, I mean.”
“Yup, two or three times a month.” Cassie’s smile slipped. “Well, I guess not that much lately.”
Yeah. Not nearly that often since Cassie had gotten married. She didn’t begrudge her friend any happiness, but their time together had shortened significantly in the recent months. She had to admit, it stung.
“I don’t mean to interrupt. I was just in the area and heard the music.” He started to rise.
“You’re not interrupting.” Kelley shoved him back down. “Do you sing?”
He laughed. “No. Trust me, you do not want to subject your ears to my singing.”
So there was something the man didn’t excel at. Good to know. It would suck if he was handsome, calm, a phenomenal kisser, and could serenade the pants off her. He had to have some flaws for the sake of her sanity.
“I’m sorry, Charlie. Did I take your seat?” He glanced up, noticing her still standing. When he started to rise again, Cassie popped out of her chair.
“Oh no, it’s fine. She can take mine.”
“Then where will you sit?” Charlie asked, her suspicion rising.
“Oh, I, um, have to go.”
She raised a brow. “Really?”
Cassie smiled, far too brightly. “Yes, ah, Del texted me.” She turned to Penny. “Ready to go?”
Penny paused halfway to the straw of her non-alcoholic drink. The woman rarely drank which worked out well for them. Built in DD.
“Oh, sure. I’m ready.”
“What does Del need you back for?” Tonight was girls’ night. No boys allowed. But it appeared Luc already broke that rule.
Cassie glanced at her phone, which Charlie noticed had zero notifications.
“I don’t know he just needs me home.”
“Okay I guess we can leave—”
“No! You stay. Stay and finish your drink.”
Yup, she smelled a rat. A rat named Cassie. “I already finished it.”
“I ordered you another.” Right at that moment a server came by and dropped off another pink, sugar rimmed Cosmo. “See?”
What the hell was her best friend up to?
“Oooookay. I guess Kelley and I can grab a cab back to—”
“Del needs her too,” Cassie rushed to say.
She narrowed her eyes, giving her bestie a don’t-bullshit-me look. “Why would he need Kelley?”
“Um, it’s bar stuff.”
“You mean the bar I co-own? And he doesn’t need me, but he needs the bartender?”
Cassie glanced at Kelley. “Uh huh. Right Kelley? He texted you?”
The bartender spread her hands, sarcasm on point as she spoke. “Yeah. Right. Del needs you and me back in Kismet, but Charlie should totally stay here. Hey, I know. Why doesn’t Luc drive her back?”
“Excellent idea!” Cassie clasped her hands together while Kelley laughed, and poor Penny just looked confused.
“Sure, I can do that.” Luc appeared to be holding in laughter as well.
Her friends stood and said their goodbyes. She grabbed Cassie on her way out, hugging her friend tightly while whispering in her ear, “I’m going to get you for this you know.”
Cassie chuckled. “Yeah, yeah. Drink your Cosmo and indulge in some bad decisions. ”
And with that her friends left her alone with Luc. As she sat down in Cassie’s vacated chair, his deep chuckle made her raise her gaze to his.
“Your friends are not subtle.”
She sighed. “No, but they are meddlesome.” Taking a sip of her drink she decided to make the best of an embarrassing situation. “What brings you to Denver?”
His smile vanished. Crap. She’d done it again. What was it with this guy that she could ask a simple question, and he closed off?
“Never mind. It’s none of my business. You don’t have to take me home either. I can grab a cab or something.”
“No, I don’t mind.” He stared at the bubbles rising in his glass, silent for a moment before he spoke. “I was visiting my father.”
“Your father?” Oh right, she remembered he said something about the man living in the city. But judging by the way he clammed up she didn’t think they had the best of relationships.
“He’s…not well. He has…issues. I need to check up on him every now and then. It can be difficult.”
She knew all about difficult family situations. After her dad died her mother checked out for a while. Who could blame the woman? she’d lost the love of her life. But it was hard as a young girl losing your father and not being able to reach your mother through her fog of depression.
“I’m sorry, Luc.” She reached out, grasping his hand in a comforting gesture. “Is there anything I can do to help?”
He glanced at their joined hands, tightening his hold when she went to pull away. “No but thank you.”
They stayed for a few more songs, chatting about less serious issues. How he was enjoying Kismet, funny stories from previous karaoke nights, simple stuff. Once she’d finished her drink they decided to call it a night. They headed out into the chilly night air. The drive back to Kismet was quiet and tense. In the darkness of the car, she swore she could feel Luc’s presence surrounding her even though the man sat a foot away.
Her body prickled, flushing with heat. It might just be the drinks, but she didn’t think so. She’d only had a few and that had been over the course of a few hours. No. This feeling was a direct result of the man sitting next to her. Memories of last night’s goodbye assaulted her mind, playing over and over again. It had her wondering. Would he kiss her again tonight? Would he come in?
She wanted him to come in. Screw all that stuff about not needing a guy. Her body demanded satisfaction, and it wanted it from the man beside her. They didn’t need to date or anything, just one night. She snuck a peak at him from the corner of her eye. Dark eyes focused on the road. Streetlights gleamed, reflecting off the lenses of his glasses every so often. Large hands gripped the steering wheel in a firm clasp. She remembered how gently they held her the other night. Long fingers wrapped around the wheel. Fingers she’d bet could bring a woman to begging with a simple touch, a stroke.
Maybe two nights.
Before she knew it, they were pulling into her driveway. He put the car in park but didn’t turn off the engine. Might as well ask, she’d never been one to play the demure damsel before. When she wanted something, she went for it and somewhere between spilling her burrito on him and getting in his car, she’d decided she wanted Luc Woolf.
Sucking in a deep breath, she turned to face him. “Thanks for the ride.”
“Anytime.” He smiled.
Her tongue came out, slowly grazing her lower lip. The gesture had the intended effect as his dark gaze shot to her mouth, following the movement. His pupils dilated, nostrils flaring. Hell yeah! Now to move in for the kill. Undoing her buckle, she scooted forward, leaning in until she could feel his hot breath on her lips.
“You’re not on shift tonight.”
“No.” The word was low, almost a growl as it left his lips.
She inched closer, so close their lips barely caressed when she spoke.
“So, you wanna come in?”
“I…”
She closed her eyes, tilting her head, waiting for him to close that last millimeter of distance. Waiting for him to take her mouth, take her body, just freaking take her. But instead, he groaned and moved away.
“Charlie, I can’t.”
Blinking her eyes open, she took in the situation. Luc, leaning about as far away as a guy could get in a tiny sedan. Her straining like an idiot, practically begging the guy to kiss her. Holy shit, she looked pathetic. What the hell had she been thinking? He’d ran last night after their kiss. She knew he had to be at the hospital, but if he’d liked it and wanted to pursue more, he would have called her or texted or something. It wasn’t like he sought her out tonight. They’d run into each other because even in the city it was a small fucking world and life hated her lately.
Luc didn’t want her.
A hot flood of embarrassment and shame crashed over her. The biggest metaphorical bucket of water ever. As with all her emotions, she covered it quickly with sarcasm.
“Right, wouldn’t want to be seen with one of your students. Think of the scandal!”
“Charlie, that’s not it. I just—”
“Whatever,” she wrenched open the car door, exiting as fast as she could. “I don’t need an explanation.”
Slamming the door, she made a beeline for her house. Hoping Luc wouldn’t follow her. Her hopes came crashing down as she heard him open his car door.
“Charlie, dammit, wait.”
“Thanks for the ride, Mr. Woolf. See you in class tomorrow.”
He tried to say something else, but she tuned him out, making it to her front door and slamming her way inside before he could reach her. He knocked, but she ignored him.
“Charlie, please. Let me explain.”
“Go away, Luc. There’s nothing to explain. I just want to take a shower and go to bed.” Go to bed and dream of a night where she didn’t embarrass herself by acting like a needy fool in front of the hottest guy she’d ever met. A guy who, honestly, was way too good for her. No wonder he didn’t take her up on her offer. Why would a nice guy like Luc who had his life together want to be with a woman who hadn’t had a mature relationship in…ever?
“Charlie?”
He knocked again, but she stayed silent. After a solid three minutes the creak of her front steps reached her ears through the closed door. The sound of a car door shutting and the crunch of gravel under tires filled the silent night air. She moved to the window, watching from the darkness of her living room as his car pulled away. Her gut clenched as her heart sunk in her chest. This night had ended in the worst possible way. Cassie was in a world of trouble for this stunt she pulled.
Truthfully, it wasn’t her best friend’s fault. It was hers, for being stupid enough to break her man embargo. Hadn’t she just been telling herself she didn’t need a guy? Yes. And see what happened when she tried to go back on that? Big fat rejection.
Whatever.
She didn’t need a guy. She didn’t need anyone. Charlie Jackson was fine on her own.
Just freakin’ fine.