Until Alex by J. Nathan Read Free Book Online Page B

right of the entrance, a pair of older women sang Bon Jovi ’s “Wanted Dead or Alive” on a small stage. They laughed and fell all over each other while squinting at the scrolling lyrics on the screen.             
    Hayden wove us through the crowd to the only empty table as far from the stage as you could get. I scooted up onto the stool across from him, hooking my handbag on the back and pushing the condiment tray to the far side of the table.
    Hayden’s eyes scanned the room. My head whirled around, wondering who he searched for. Based on the clientele, his mother would be a good guess. Because the butchered song, the people filling the room, and the duet’s teased hair, black jeans, and rock band T-shirts, were a total throwback to the nineteen eighties.
    A blonde waitress, in a low-cut black T-shirt that didn’t reach her belly button, slid a songbook and two coasters onto our table. “What can I get ya?” Her hazel eyes locked on Hayden, widening on contact.
    “I’ll have a Bud.” Hayden flashed her a sexy grin before turning to me. “How ‘bout you, sweetheart? What’ll it be?”
    Sweetheart?
    The waitress’ eyes remained fixed on Hayden, while her tongue managed to stay tucked inside her mouth.
    I cocked my head. “I’ll have whatever you’re having, babe.”
    It visibly pained the waitress to pull her attention away from him. “Be back in a second.” I didn’t doubt her breathy words as she practically ran to the bar to retrieve our drinks.
    Hayden arched a brow. “Babe?”
    I arched my own. “Sweetheart?”
    He chuckled under his breath while his eyes searched the room over my shoulder.
    A twinge of jealousy clutched my chest. “Expecting someone?”
    Hayden’s eyes slid back to mine. This time guarded. “What?”
    “You look like you’re expecting someone to be here.”
    He shook his head, a lazy smile sliding into place. “Only you, sweetheart.” 
    Something could definitely be said for his inviting glances and concise retorts. No wonder waitresses became speechless and girls willingly went home with him.
    I lifted my chin toward our waitress. Her eyes jumped impatiently between the bartender and Hayden. “So, is it always like that for you?”
    Hayden caught me in his mesmerizing gaze. “Like what?”
    “Oh, please. She was practically panting.”
    He leaned in, his amused eyes creasing in the corners. “So is this where you admit the guy in 2C is a hottie?”
    I leaned back and crossed my arms, putting as much distance between us as possible. His mere gaze could entice even the most unwilling catch. And I was in no way immune to his charm. But I’d fake it like no one’s business. “First of all, I’ve never been introduced to Mr. 2C. And second, I hate to break it to you, but I don’t think anyone actually uses the word hottie anymore.”
    Hayden laughed, but it could have been a reaction to the women on stage who finished their song with a locked-arm bow. The one on the right nearly toppled over, taking her friend with her. The few people in the bar who applauded drowned out the refreshing sound of Hayden’s laughter.
    “I guess I’m just surprised.”
    Hayden’s eyes narrowed.
    I lifted my chin toward our waitress whose eyes were still on him. “That girls act that way.” He didn’t follow my eyes, just stared across the table at me, forcing me to spit it out. “Our waitress. She was shoving her chest in your face and staring at you like she wanted to eat you. That just isn’t my style.”
    His brows inverted as he leaned closer, his eyes focusing on my lips. “What is your style?” His seductive tone almost had me panting.
    The waitress returned with our drinks, pulling our attention from each other. Thank God. The icy bottles landed on our coasters, and her hungry eyes landed on Hayden. “Can I get you anything else? Anything at all?”
    He looked to me for a brief instant before flashing her a smile. “Not right now. But I’ll let you know