The Science of Loving (8 page)

Oookay
. “Thanks?”

Angie leaned in grinning, “No filter.”

“Don’t mention it,” Les said, glancing at Angie and waving dismissively. That’s when I it hit me, there was nothing wrong with Les's filter; it was just fine—better than fine. And I wondered how often her antics provided Angie with a much needed distraction.

Bob left as soon as he finished his beer, although I didn't think he wanted to, with his posse trailing right behind—interesting. Stephanie might be the queen bee, but Bob was definitely the power behind the throne.

Angie fidgeted under my arm, nodding towards the restroom. Rising unsteadily to her feet when I helped her with her chair, she shook her head in response to a question in Leslie’s eyes. And we watched as she disappeared across the room, then Ben slid over to Bob’s vacated seat with a grin. Steve, apparently unfazed by Leslie’s outrageous banter, studied the beer list.

“I was considering the ‘Extra Special Bitter Bitch,’ but I think I’ve had enough of that for one night.”

“Why don’t you try the ‘Blithering Idiot’?” Les quipped.

“Naw, I want a ‘Happy Ending,’” he said, quietly looking at me. It was easy to forget underneath all that goofiness was a very sharp mind.

Les wasn’t nearly so subtle. “Hurt her, and I’ll turn your testicles into maracas.” I nodded, giving them respect.

Suddenly, Steve’s grin was back. “I loved the way you took Stephanie down. I think you’re the first person to ever publicly stand up to her.”

Ben nodded.

Les stood, raising her glass. “Yeah, I think I speak for all of us when I say, thank you that was freaking awesome.” Steve and Ben scrambled to their feet, joining her.

“Yeah, whatever.” Okay, Angie had some cool friends. Goofy as hell, but cool all the same.

I took big gulping breaths, clenching my fists as hot tears stung my eyes. I wouldn’t cry. I was with a beautiful man, although he’d probably bolted the moment I was out of sight. Not that anyone would blame him after meeting my psycho mother. That, coupled with the fruit flies, was enough to drive away anyone with a lick of sense. Who in their right mind would want a second date after this debacle?

Leaving the stall, I ran hot water over my frozen hands, willing them to stop shaking—
and what was with that scene? Mom didn’t make scenes
—sure, she’d stab you in the back if you crossed her, but she’d have a smile for you in public while she did it. So why call me a whore in front of my boss and colleagues when she could take me apart privately? This had to be about more than a flashy dress—yes, it was red. So what. It was modest. Everything was covered
—the skirt fell to my knees for Christ’s sake
—maybe it was a little tight, but was tight in all the right places—
and I looked fucking hot!—
well, not so much now. My lipstick was gone, and my smudged mascara made the shadows beneath my dark eyes stand out like bruises. At least my hair still looked good.

Mat smiled as our eyes met across the room—
he didn’t ditch me
—and rose to his feet. He laid a couple light kisses on the side of my neck when he held my chair then sat pulling me close to nestle me between his thighs. He returned a hand to my knee, gliding the other warmly over my panic chilled skin to collar my neck. Tilting me into him, I had to grip the table to keep from toppling into his lap as his words tickled the hairs at the nape of my neck.

“I took the liberty of ordering you another beer, I hope you don’t mind.”

I nodded, turning my head, expecting him to draw back. He didn't. My nose scraped along his scratchy jaw, noting the lingering hint of his musky after-shave. Then he nuzzled back, and whatever I was going to say seem unimportant. When my eyes fluttered open, I caught Les watching us, her chin resting in her hands and a big grin on her face. Then she began miming the vulgar namesake of our earlier shots, and I started giggling as red-hot embers ignited in my cheeks. Mat squeezed my shoulder and leaned back looking for what’d set me off. Leslie stopped of course and stared back disingenuously. His eyes narrowed, but whatever he was going to say was lost when Shelly delivered another round.

I looked at him questioningly as I tasted the rich black liquid in my glass. Mat’s mouth twitched. “It’s a ‘Happy Ending.’ No don’t thank me, thank Steve. I was going order you the ‘Old Leghumper Ale.’” Steve glanced up hearing his name and bumped fists with a delighted smile as he continued listening to Ben’s opinion regarding the relative hotness of the new vs old aforementioned intergalactic green chicks.

Whatever—the discussion was totally lost on me once Mat tipped back his beer. His throat convulsed sinuously with each swallow, the tendons and muscles flexing under his golden skin. Maybe I moaned or something, because his eyes widened and he stopped drinking. His mouth curved seductively as he deliberately lowered his gaze. I nervously moistened my lips and his eyes darkened.

“I’d really like to know what was going through your mind just now,” he murmured as naughty thoughts burned my cheeks.
Oh, God. Could he tell?

I hadn’t liked Angie’s pallor when she returned from the head. I guess I wasn’t the only one, because Les was doing something that had her blushing. Whatever it was, she stopped doing it when I turned to look. Then Shelly arrived with the next round and the moment was lost.

I took a long pull from my beer, watching Angie surreptitiously. Her eyes were glued to my throat
—that’s right, sweetheart, go ahead and look
—when her lips parted and her breath faltered, I smiled—y
eah, sweetness, just like that
—her skin bloomed—
Lovely
—I lowered my glass to meet passion-filled eyes
—
o
h sweetheart, it’s dangerous looking at a man like that
—then her tongue darted over her lips—
oh honey, you’re killing me
.

“I would really like to know what was going through your mind just now.” Desire deepened my voice and she went crimson, looking everywhere but at me. I hugged her tightly, peppering her neck with little kisses. I really couldn't resist teasing her a little more, so I asked in the most suggestive tone I could muster, “Tell me, sweetness, is your ‘Happy Ending’ as satisfying as it looks, or do you prefer something harder going down?”

“God, I wish I had some popcorn,” Unlike Ben and Steve, Les wasn’t even trying to pretend she wasn’t watching me put my moves on her girl; she just grinned and settled in to enjoy the show. “Carry on.”

I grinned back, resting my chin on Angie’s shoulder, and joined the guys’ debate. “The original green chic was way hotter.”

“Ha! Even Mat thinks she’s hotter.” Ben gestured victoriously towards me with his beer.

I returned his salute. “Besides the hottest all time Star Trek chick is Kanutu Nona. There’s just something about chicks with dark hair and big brown eyes.” I sighed nuzzling Angie, skating my hand up her arm.
Yeah sweetheart; I’m talking to you
.

“And on that note, it’s time to go before Mat exposes his inner geek and ruins all my fantasies. Come on Steve; Ben can give us a ride back.” At last, I was getting worried I’d have to give Angie a lap dance before they’d leave.

Ben gathered himself as Steve looked from Angie to Leslie then nodded. Angie tried disengaging herself, but I wasn’t having it. And while Ben was assuring her it was on his way, Les muttered, “Maracas,” in my ear before strolling out—
funny chick.

“I thought they’d never leave.” I joked, ignoring Angie’s perplexed expression. The Saturday night crowd was beginning to fill the place, and Shelly had turned the music up and the lights down. “Let’s move to the bar.”

I led Angie back, ignoring a pair of girls—twins from the looks of it—giving me a thorough looking over. That kinda shit was just rude. I’d have my ears rung and a handprint on my face for ogling a woman like that. Well, I would if I wasn’t so big.

I helped her onto a stool then grabbed the one next to her scooting close, sheltering all that melon scented goodness between my thighs. Really liking her halter back dress, I touched my glass to her bare skin making her jump. The mean look she gave me failed miserably, but it was kinda cute watching her try to stay all hard when I warmed the spot with a kiss.

Resting my hand on her bare skin, I gave her my best smile. “Sorry sweetheart, I just couldn’t resist.” I was drowning in her big brown eyes, wracking my brain for something more to say when Ashley strolled in
—shit, time to go.
“Let’s get out of this noise.”

We both went to the head; but being a guy, I was out ahead of her. Turning my back on the twins now checking me out in the mirror behind the bar, and I waved Shelly over to settle our tab, wishing she’d hurry it up. I was hoping to get out of here before stalker bitch spotted me. I turned feeling a tap on my shoulder.

“Hi, haven’t I seen you in here before? I’m Anna and this is Stasia. We’re twins.” Anna looked up expectantly, while Stasia toyed with her hair—
Anna-Stasia, you’ve got to be kidding me. What kinda parents did that to their kids?
“And you are?”

“Not interested.” I growled turning away. I guess most of the time this act worked pretty well for them since they appeared stunned. One of them started sliding her nails up my back while the other moved in front of me, trailing her hand around my waist and up my chest. These girls must not see rejection enough to recognize it. I grabbed Anna’s (or was it Stasia’s?) wrist when she tried slipping her hand into my front pocket. She gave me a naughty pout trying to be coy, but she was too hard for it to look anything other than contrived.

“If you ever change your mind, here’s our number.” I dropped the slip of paper she left in my hand to the floor as they strutted off, looking up to find Angie eyes.
Fuck
.

The outside door clicked shut as I settled my dress back into place. When I exited the stall, Ashley was leaning against the vanity. “Hey Ashley.”
God, could this day get any worse?

“Well, I see Mat didn’t waste any time.”

“Look, whatever’s between you and Mat is really none of my business.”

“Well I’m making it your business bitch. He’s mine.”

“Not according to him.” I brushed past her to the sinks trying to hide how much she rattled me. “I seem to recall him telling you he didn’t want you anywhere near him.”

“He only said that because Danny likes to play matchmaker and he doesn’t like pissing her off. By tomorrow, you’ll be nothing more than a bad smell.” Ashley shot at my back as the door swung shut between us.
Shit, cliché
much?

When my eyes landed on Mat, I discovered a pair of blond clones with the best breasts money could buy running their painted nails all over his body—
yes, I guess this day could get worse after all
—the expression on the blond facing me went from hungry to nonplussed. She smirked, clasping Mat’s hand when she saw me and something white fluttered from his fingers as they sashayed away.

“Fan club?” I joked weakly.