Chapter 2 Callum #2
“I guess I don’t,” I said apologetically. “Which I find shocking. Wouldn’t think I could forget someone like you.”
“You think you’re charming, don’t you?”
“I try to be. Some people think I am.”
“They must be easy to impress.”
Oof. We had a live one here.
“I take it you’re not?” I asked.
“Not so much.”
Tapping the menu on my palm, I backed away a few steps before turning away.
While I helped other customers and made her drink, I was thinking. Pondering. Trying to figure out where I might have met this woman.
She was in her early thirties or so. Sexy. Smart, at least from what I could tell so far. Playing hard to get, a favorite game of mine.
Obviously not a local. Otherwise I’d have seen her around.
After a few minutes, I returned and set her drink in front of her. “Okay, I must know you from somewhere, but it’s not coming to me. Any hints?”
“Nope.”
I groaned. “This mystery is going to bug me.”
She leaned forward, elbows on the bar top. “Bet you a hundred bucks you can’t guess it.”
“A hundred? Steep. But you’re on.” I rubbed my jaw, which was rough from my five o’clock shadow. “Are you a friend of my sister? Grace?”
The brunette shook her head, that little smirk firmly in place.
“Did I meet you outside Hart County?”
“No, it was here in Silver Ridge.”
“What year?”
“I’m not just going to hand you the answer.” She sipped her vodka soda. “You’re never going to get it.”
My jaw clenched. This was going to drive me crazy. I had to know.
After several more rounds of guessing, I came back around to the obvious. Tugging off my ball cap, I brushed back my hair and fit the cap back into place. “Did we, uh…” I gestured between us. “Did we hook up at some point?”
If we really had slept together and I’d forgotten her, it would be embarrassing.
But her reaction was even worse. She barked a laugh, making a few other heads at the bar turn. I couldn’t help but detect a hint of mockery in her expression. Maybe more than a hint.
“Absolutely not. I’ve never slept with you, O’Neal, nor would I.”
“Okay. Sheesh.”
“Ever.”
“I get the point. I’ve never seen you naked.” My eyes flicked over her. “Too bad,” I muttered. “I’ll bet you another hundred bucks we would’ve had fun.”
Her mouth pursed. “You really get around so much you don’t remember who you’ve slept with?”
My palm pressed to my heart. “That’s harsh. You saying I’m easy?”
She lifted her hands. “Wasn’t judging. I don’t slut shame.”
“Now you’ve called me easy and a slut. Those might be the same, but you’re sure covering all your bases.”
“I was being rude. I’m sorry.” She didn’t seem that sorry.
But I’d never been one to have a problem laughing at myself. “I thought it was kinda funny, actually. You’re feisty.”
“Ugh.” Her eyes rolled. “I hate being called feisty.”
“I’m guessing it happens a lot?”
“As much as you’re probably called obnoxious.”
“That does happen a lot. I’m also called fun. Happy-go-lucky.” I shrugged. “Amazing in the sack.”
“Don’t forget humble.”
I barked a laugh, and was gratified that her smirk turned to a real smile. There we go, I thought.
Told you I was good.
“Hey!” someone down the bar said. “Can I get a drink or what?”
“Duty calls,” I murmured to my brunette.
My brunette. But I was pretty sure she liked me, despite our rocky start. I was turning this ship around. Whatever her issue with me, winning this woman over would be extra satisfying. For the both of us, if ya know what I mean.
Every few minutes, I kept circling back to her with more guesses, each more outlandish. You’re a loan shark I borrowed money from. You’re a CIA operative here to recruit me. My antics coaxed even more sarcastic responses from her lips.
And a few reluctant smiles.
The funny thing was, I didn’t want this to be over too soon. Didn’t even want to go back to her hotel room or rental condo tonight, simply because I wanted to keep bantering with her tomorrow. How long would she be in Silver Ridge?
Other customers pulled me away again, since it was just me working the bar tonight. But when the rush finally died down, I made my way back to her.
“Okay. I give up. I owe you a hundred bucks.”
“Pay up.”
“I’m good for it.” I leaned against the bar, making sure she got a good view of the muscles and tattoos on my forearm as I braced myself.
It was shameless, but it usually worked.
“How about I take you out tomorrow with your earnings. Or I guess you’d be taking me out.
Either way, we can spend some more time together while you’re in town. ”
She studied me for a long moment. “Spend some time together. Are you seriously trying to get me into bed, O’Neal?”
“If I’m lucky.” I wasn’t a subtle guy. No point in denying it.
“After what I said earlier?”
“I’m an optimist.”
She leaned forward, and for a second I thought she was in, at least for getting together tomorrow. That she was just as intrigued by the possibilities as I was.
“I promise you, Callum, I would sooner chug a gallon of generic light beer than ever sleep with you. I’d rather eat glass shards.”
“Okay,” I grated out.
“I’d rather spend a month listening nonstop to my mother’s unsolicited advice.”
“I’ve got the picture.”
“Forget the money you owe me. I don’t need it.”
With that, she pulled a ten from her purse, tossed the money on the bar, and walked away. I stood there, stunned, watching her leave.
Well, that was a first.