Chapter 12
993 Words
“What is that scent you’re wearing?” Mike asked when they were out on the sidewalk to the pub.
“It’s a retired Bath and Body Works scent only found online now,” she laughed, apparently pleased he liked it.
“It’s intoxicating,” he admitted.
“It’s called Sensual Amber if you ever want to get me a gift.”
This time, she winked at him.
“I’ll buy you the whole damn store,” he muttered. Changing the subject before he dragged her back to his room instead, he advised her that the tavern was supposed to have excellent fish and chips along with a microbrewery. “The website said we can get samplers to try.”
“Sounds delicious! I’m excited!” She looked happy and relaxed.
The tavern was beautiful and not at all what he expected. Dark mahogany gleamed in the dimmed lights—he was grateful for the intimate atmosphere—accentuated by emerald gold and green decor. They were seated near one of three faux fireplaces with false flickering flames. A real fire would have been a safety violation and too hot for summer weather. He preferred real fires, but also understood the reasoning.
“I like this place,” he told her after they placed their order. “It gives me an idea for one of the lodge suites.”
“Great minds,” Crystal laughed. “I was going to suggest the same.”
“I’d love to hear your ideas, Crystal.”
“Well, Emerald Isle has actually been an idea for awhile. So has Viking Ship. You said you wanted to soften the masculinity. Themed rooms could help with that.”
“I like those ideas. A lot.” He genuinely did.
They continued throwing out ideas while they ate and sampled the beers.
“I don’t think you need to go too overboard with themed rooms, though. Naming them and mildly matching the decor to fit the name is something only a woman would do. That tones down the male aspect right there.”
“Good point,” he agreed. “This may sound weird, but in all of my previous projects, most of my ideas in the beginning changed, almost as if the house and each of its rooms were telling me how they wanted to be.”
“I don’t think that’s weird at all. My interior design project for my class went a little like that.”
The waitress came to clear their dishes. “Will you be staying for the band?”
“Ah, yes,” Mike answered.
“I’ll bring you a number. The band will be playing in the back room. You just give the number to a server back there who’ll add any other purchases you make to this ticket so you can pay all at once.”
“Great. Thank you.” Mike reached for his wallet. “Let me tip you directly.”
**
For once, Crystal didn’t insist on paying, too. She recognized this for what it was. A date. A real live date. She placed her hand in his when Mike held it out to assist her from her seat. She didn’t try to let go when he continued holding her hand as he led the way the waitress had pointed.
She didn’t shy away when he placed his hand on the small of her back to lean in and ask where she would like to sit or when he angled his chair next to hers at one of the smaller round tables so they were both facing the stage. She liked this closeness she had only imagined before. She could rest her head on his shoulder if she wanted to.
A lone acoustic guitar player strummed out lively beats on the stage and told jokes in between songs. The tables began to fill. The house was packed when the headlining band took the stage.
The lights dimmed even further.
“I bet those of you from out of town thought you’d get to hear a real Irish band tonight,” the female front spoke into the mic. “I hate to disappoint you. We’re not Irish. But we were available, and cheap.” The crowd laughed as the band launched into I Love Rock ‘N Roll.
Half the crowd hit the floor and Mike stood, offering his hand again. “Shall we?” His eyes twinkled. He was a goofy dancer, but not nearly as bad as some of the other men.
She liked it. He made swimming motions and shook his booty for an elderly lady—who must’ve been 80—that encouraged him. Crystal was having a blast and her face began to hurt a little from smiling so much.
When the band played Beth by Kiss, Mike placed his hands on her waist and pulled her in closer. It might have been the beer samplers getting to her, but wrapping her arms around him and placing her head in the crook of his neck seemed like the most natural thing in the world.
His beard smelled so good! Like sandalwood and vanilla. She closed her eyes as she inhaled to imprint the scent and the feel of him in her brain as they swayed together to the music. She wasn’t going to see him for a week. It was suddenly hot in the crowded room.
“Let’s get out of here,” he whispered in her ear, as if reading her mind.
At her nod, he took her hand again. He paid their tab and they were shortly out in cooler air. She suddenly felt awkward. This was the part of the night where they’d either say their good nights and go their separate ways, or—
Mike must have felt the awkwardness, too. “Want to help me walk Squeaker?” He asked.
“Sure.” Anything for a little more time.
- Writer
