Chapter 2
1245 Words
He laughed out loud. I could swear that it was the most beautiful laugh I've ever heard.
"You think I can't manage it?" I asked in a challenge.
"You've gotta take a break there, pretty." The barman warned and held up his hands to the air.
I chuckled. "Well, it ain't a shocker to me.
You men think women are too weak to handle anything from work, family, raising a child, and down to the bar! You think a woman can't hold her alcohol?"
They both exchanged glances and stared back at me like I had grown a horn.
"Pretty face, if you haven't had a drink before, vodka isn't the best to start with." The bar man said.
"You think I haven't had a drink before?" I threw back in annoyance.
I creased my forehead.
What's gotten into me? Why am I throwing shades at strangers and pouring out my frustrations on them?
"Sorry. Sorry." I muttered, embarrassed by my actions.
"Seems you had a rough day." The stranger beside me said. I turned to face him properly and took in his appearance. He wore a black tuxedo and his hands were buried in his pockets as he faced me, staring deeply into my eyes. I couldn't see his face clearly, but I looked away feeling shy all of a sudden at the intense gaze.
He took two steps forward and my eyes went back to him. He stretched forth his hands. "Mike."
I grabbed them and we shook hands. "Chloe." I said in a low tone as I took in the features of his face. I've seen good-looking men, but this one was on a whole different level. How can a man be this attractive and handsome? His brows were lined perfectly fitting his alluring hazel eyes. His black hair with stripes of blonde were scattered all over his face and the lips looked enticing and were quite full. I could only wonder what was behind the tuxedo. I can bet on my savings that hidden behind the tuxedo are hard strong muscles and a six pack abs.
"Are you checking me out?" He asked in a mock tone.
I looked away quickly and faced the barman who looked quite entertained watching us.
I tried to pull my hands from his, but he held them still. He grasped them more firmly and began to massage my hand with his thumb.
A cold sensation ran down my spine and my heart leapt as he caressed my hands. I drew them away with force at the strange feelings I felt.
He smiled and looked away. I watched as he drummed his fingers on the table with a smirk plastered on his face. He signaled to the bar man. "Vodka, please."
He turned to me. "Would you?" It seemed like an open invitation to a challenge. There's no way I would challenge a man to a drink, but I can't back down from accepting it.
"Yes." I said with fake courage.
The barman brought out a bottle of alcohol and placed it on the table.
He brought out some tiny cups and set them on the table too.
"One for her too." Mike said to him. He turned to me and gave me an "are you sure about this" look.
I maintained a straight face and showed no emotions. He stepped back and then returned with the drink.
"Enjoy!" He said after he opened it for me.
Mike moved closer to me and I caught a whiff of his cologne. He smelled nice and I liked it.
I took a long gulp from the bottle. I almost threw the contents off my mouth, not prepared for the sharp sour taste. My face squeezed in agony and Mike began to laugh. The barman laughed too then turned away to attend to other customers.
"You good?"
I forced myself to swallow everything as I cleared my throat while hitting my chest with my hands.
"Yes. I'm good."
He chuckled. "You look far from good." His voice was so smooth and sexy. I admired the way he spoke.
"I'll be fine." To prove it, I took another shot. I did better this time, and kept a straight face this time though I felt like squeezing my face to how bitter it tasted. Why do people love and crave alcohol when it tastes far from good?
"To be honest, this is the worst drink I've ever had."
Mike burst out laughing. "Your first taste of alcohol?"
"Nope, but my first bitter alcohol."
"Keep drinking, it will get better."
I took another swing and this time, it tasted less awful.
"So tell me. What is a beautiful girl like you doing all alone at a bar."
I sniffed and looked away. "The reason why most people are here."
"And what's that?" He pressed on.
"To come have fun, drink and forget their sorrows."
"You think that's the reason most people are here?" He was inches apart from me, now. When did he get this close? Though I sat on a stool, his head loomed over my shoulders.
I stared at him. "What's your own reason?"
He stayed quiet for a few seconds. "To get laid."
I looked away as my cheeks turned red. I took another swing of my drink as my mind kept going over what he had just said.
I don't know if It's the alcohol effect but I voice out a stupid question. "People come here for just that?"
He doesn't reply. He fed his eyes on my body and when he got to my cleavage, his eyes remained there for some seconds before he looked away.
"You don't wanna know, pretty." He said in a low smoky tone and I felt my insides go hot.
"What if I wanna know?" My voice came out slurred and I knew the effect of the alcohol had begun to kick in.
I hope Sandra is somewhere around to get me home after I drink to stupor.
He smirked and raked his eyes over my body. "We would see."
I said nothing further and we both continued drinking.
Mike was now very close to me, and our bodies were brushing each other.
"I hope you achieve your goal of cooling off, tonight." He said in a low sexy tone.
I stared at him. I don't know if it's the alcohol, but I feel this strong need to lean in and kiss him.
"Nice boobs." He said, his eyes fixed on my breast. My cheeks go red in embarrassment, and I tried using my hair to cover them up.
"You don't have to hide them. There's no shame in it." He looked up at me and winked.
I swallowed and took another swing from the bottle.
"I hope you achieve your own goal tonight." I said in a slurry tone. I didn't need a bystander to tell me I was now drunk at the moment.
"Well, I'm close to getting my trophy."
"Really?"
He nods and looks me over for the umpteenth time. I try fanning my body with my hands wondering what brought the sudden heat.
"So how close are you, now?"
"Only a few inches away, babe."
"Then that's damn close."
"Yes. Only if you let me put my lips on your body."
My mouth drops open and I breathe slowly while staring into his sexy green eyes.
"You've got my permission, then. Let's achieve our goals for tonight.”
- Writer
