48. Abbie
48
ABBIE
"A nother Manhattan, please." The businessman drums his fingers on the gleaming countertop.
"Coming right up." I mix his drink with practiced ease now, no longer the fumbling newbie just a few months ago. Amazing what regular threesomes with successful men will do for a girl's confidence, not to mention her professional life.
Tessa catches my eye from the other end of the bar, where she's flirting with a silver-haired executive type who could be Corey's twin. She gives me a saucy wink. Getting her this job was the best decision - now we can share everything, including our scandalous stories.
"You're getting good at this," Lacey says, slapping my ass as she passes. "Those signature cocktails are practically perfect now."
"I had good teachers." In more ways than one. The feeling of Seth teaching me proper pour techniques while pressed against my back still makes me shiver.
The bar's dark wood and vintage fixtures feel like home now. A jazz band plays softly in the corner while patrons in expensive suits mingle. Even on busy nights like this, the atmosphere stays refined.
"Did you see the guy at table six?" Tessa whispers as she grabs more glasses. "Total sugar daddy material. Reminds me of your Donovan."
I laugh and shake my head. "There's only one Donovan." But I don't blame her for looking. After hearing about my arrangement, she practically begged me to help her get hired here.
"A girl can dream." She straightens her uniform. "Speaking of dreams coming true, thanks again for getting me this gig. The tips are insane."
"Just don't steal any of my regulars." I wink, knowing she has her sights set on finding her own powerful men to corrupt.
The night flows by in a pleasant blur of mixing drinks and trading looks with Tessa. Who would have thought my boring life would transform into this? Sometimes I still can't believe this is real - the job, the men, all of it.
"Hey." Tessa flags me as I finish wiping down the bar. "There's a distinguished gentleman at the end asking for you specifically."
I glance up to see Donovan sitting at the far end, looking delicious in a charcoal dress shirt that stretches across his broad chest. My heart starts pounding.
"Oh really?" I play along, even though we both know exactly who he is. "And what did this mystery man say?"
"Something about needing expertise with his drink order." Tessa's eyes dance with mischief. She loves being in on our little games. "Very particular about how he likes it. He won't even let me touch his glass."
"I better go see what I can do to help then." I toss my rag aside and smooth down my uniform.
"Such dedicated customer service." Tessa fans herself dramatically. "I'll cover this side."
I make my way down the bar, putting an extra sway in my hips. Donovan's dark eyes follow my every move.
"What can I get for you tonight, sir?" I lean on the bar, giving him a view down my shirt.
"Surprise me." His voice is pure velvet. "I trust your... skills."
"Any particular preferences?" I remember exactly what his preferences are.
"Strong." He leans in closer. "Hot and dirty."
Behind me, I hear Tessa's muffled giggle as she pretends to organize bottles. She's gotten way too much entertainment out of watching our little encounters play out.
"So, what brings a stud like you to a place like this?" I lean on the bar, studying his rugged features. The peppered stubble on his chin catches the low light, making him look distinguished and dangerous all at once.
"Heard there was a bartender worth meeting." His eyes rake over me, making me weak in the knees. "Word is she makes a killer Old Fashioned."
"Is that what you're in the mood for?" I reach languidly for the bourbon, making sure to stretch just enough to give him a view. "Something... classic, with a twist?"
"You read my mind, sweetheart." His voice is intimate. "Make it dirty."
I grab the mixing glass, adding ice with deliberate precision. The rye flows amber and rich, and I stir slowly, putting on a show. His eyes never leave my hands.
"You seem very... skilled with those hands," he says, leaning closer.
"Lots of practice." I strain the drink into a rocks glass, garnishing with a twist. "Though some might say I have natural talent."
He takes a sip, letting out a low groan that makes my thighs clench. "Perfect. Just how I like it."
"Always happy to please a discerning customer." I wipe the bar slowly. "Will there be anything else?"
"Oh, I can think of a few things." His smile is wicked. "But maybe we should discuss those somewhere more... private."
"My shift ends in ten minutes." I check the clock, heat pooling low in my belly at his intense stare.
"Perfect timing." Donovan's fingers brush mine as I collect his empty glass. "I was hoping to give you a ride home."
The double meaning in his words makes me shiver. "Let me grab my things and finish up."
I hurry to the back room, my heart racing. Tessa catches my arm as I collect my purse.
"Girl, the way that man looks at you should be illegal." She fans herself. "Go get some."
"Don't wait up." I wink, checking my lipstick in the mirror.
When I return, Donovan is standing by the bar, all raw masculine energy. His eyes darken as they rake over me, now free of my work apron.
"Ready to go, sweetheart?" His hand finds my waist, burning through my thin shirt.
"Lead the way."
The night air hits my flushed skin as we exit. His truck sits in the lot, big and powerful like him. Before I can reach for the door handle, he presses me against the cool metal.
"Been thinking about you all night." His breath fans hot against my neck. "The way you move behind that bar. You drive me crazy."
"Show me." I grab his shirt, pulling him closer.
His kiss is demanding, tongue sliding against mine as his hands grip my hips. I moan into his mouth, already aching for more.
"Get in." He growls against my lips. "Before I take you right here."
The promise in his voice makes me weak. I climb into his truck, pulse thundering with anticipation. His hand finds my thigh as he starts the engine, fingers tracing patterns that make me squirm.
"Your place or mine?" He asks, voice rough with need.
"Surprise me."