One Last Shot (Pub Fiction #3) (7 page)

“So, it’s true? Oh, my Lord. I need to meet this girl. I had heard a myth, but I wasn’t sure if Kat was right. I was starting to think this invisible girl of yours was like the Loch Ness monster, because every time I’ve been home, she’s been away. Like when you showed up alone to Levi and Braun’s wedding, because she was ‘working’. So I better actually meet this chick soon, if she’s The One,” I say.

He tugs one of my curls. “Hey, now. Kyrie’s going to think she’s something special if you say shit like that around her.” Luke says, nudging me as we move back over to the bar.

“Please. In all the time I’ve known you, you’ve been a revolving door of one night stands and crazy Stage Five clingers. For you to be ‘out of the game,’” I quote, “means this girl is all kinds of special. Especially now that it’s been over a year.”

“Don’t I know it. I think I’m totally smitten with her.” he says, grinning. “Anyway, you’ll meet her soon, if not before then at the wedding, for sure. She’s working tonight so she can’t make it to the party.”

“Sure she is,” I laugh. “Well, I can’t wait to meet her. I’m looking forward to it.”

He nods. “Yeah. I’ve told her all about you, she’s looking forward to meeting you, too. I, on the other hand, kind of like it the way it is.”

“Hey. I’ll be good. I promise. I won’t corrupt the poor girl with stories of the player-turned-whipped-man.” I cross my heart.

“Remind me to kill Kat for being such a gossip,” he says. “It feels like forever since you’ve been home. What’s new with you anyway, sexy?”

“I know, it
has
been forever. I’m good, glad to be home. I can’t believe I haven’t been here since Levi and Braun’s wedding. That seems like forever ago, too. And now we’re gonna do it all over again with Ryker and Kat. Who would have thought my little Kitty Kat would end up with the Big Bad Wolf?”

“Yeah, Ryk and Kat have come a long way, that’s for sure. I remember those fucking bowls the girls had set out on the bar for us to collect phone numbers like it was yesterday,” he chuckles, shaking his head. “Things have definitely changed around here, that’s for sure.”

“I know, we’re all growing up and becoming responsible. Who the hell let this happen? And, hey, thanks for being willing to bartend tonight, in case I forget to tell you later.”

“Are you kidding me? Levi and Ryker wouldn’t let anyone but me be here with you guys, even if I did mind. You’d think being the manager I’d have more pull. You should have heard them going off, it was like the Neanderthal Olympics when we were making the plans. ‘They be safe’, ‘we limit drinks’, ‘no one drive’,” Luke busts out in his deepest, gruntiest voice. I pretty much keel over in a fit of giggles because I can so see it going down just like that. “Levi’s even got Big John and Derek, the newer bouncer, coming in just in case. He’s calling it ‘training’ for Derek. They considered asking Big Jim to work, too, like we’re going to need the muscle twins tonight,” he adds, waving his hands around in exasperation.

“I can’t say I’m surprised. We are talking about the Eddison boys here, remember.” A thought flits through my mind: would Matt have been protective like that over me?

“True, those guys are in way deep,” Luke mutters, bringing me back. “But between you and me, if Kyrie was gonna be here without me I’d feel the same.”

“Yeah, I’d say you all most certainly
are
in deep,” I smile, because I really am happy for Luke. I know he’s had it rough with his family and stuff. “And I couldn’t be happier for all of you boys, but mostly for my girls, Braun and Kat.”

Luke nods in agreement. “I’m starting to think that some chicks have unicorn pussy—or some shit that’s magical—that turns us men into legend-hunting weirdos,” he adds, before grabbing his jacket from under the bar counter.

“Yeah, that’s what it is. You’ve solved it, brainiac,” I tease.

“Ha ha. Alright, if you’re okay to do your thing, I’ll leave you to decorate and get all your shit set up. It’s six now. I told Kyrie I’d meet her for coffee on her break,” he says, looking at his watch. “I’ll be back around seven-thirty to set up the bar. You good here by yourself, or need me to call a bouncer in for you?”

“Ha, ha. Not necessary. I’m a big girl. You go on and get with your ladyfriend.”
She must have unicorn pussy, too
, I smile to myself.

“Well, you’ve got my cell number if you need me.”

“Yep. I’ll be good. I’ve got lots to get ready. I’ve got all the stuff I need in the storage room. Kym and I dropped most of it off yesterday. I’m just going to put out a few tablecloths, add some balloons, then go get changed. I’ll meet you back here to help with the punch and give you the special bridal shot recipes Naomi and I found. She and Brooke will be here to help soon, too, so go. I’ll be fine.”

With that, Luke kisses my cheek and bounces, leaving me alone with my balloons.

Well, not exactly alone.

Luke is a sneaky little shit.

Matt

I
greet the
man stepping out of Pub Fiction’s back door, where we’d planned to meet, and offer a handshake: “Hey, Luke.” My “Get My Holy Grail” mission—as Ryker calls it—starts now.

Ryker and I persuaded Luke to help me out, and thankfully he was willing to be my wingman on this first meeting. This whole part of the plan was actually his. He couldn’t understand why I wasn’t taking the opportunity to see her, knowing she’d be alone for a bit while prepping for the party. I said I hadn’t wanted to interrupt her preparations for Kat’s bachelorette shindig. Both Luke and Ryker called me a tool and proceeded to devise how this was going to play out. According to them, it’s a no-brainer. They’re both convinced she wants this as much as me.

Despite hoping they’re right, it’s been two years since we’ve seen each other and I have no clue how this is gonna go down. It’s not like she’s made any effort to see me yet. Hell, she didn’t even wait to see me at The Locker Room last week.
What the fuck am I thinking?

“You’re good to go, brother. She’s alone and thinks Brooke and Naomi will be here soon,” Luke grins, handing me an extra set of keys so I can lock up behind myself. “Oh, damn. It seems I forgot to tell Claire that I called them both and told them not to come until seven-thirty. And let me tell you, they were so happy when I told them the reason why,” he beams, proud of his subterfuge.

“Perfect. Thanks, man. I appreciate all the effort. At first I thought Ryk was crazy, but the more I think about it, the more I’m ready to get my girl.”

“Girl/Grail, same difference. Good luck tonight, buddy. It seems everyone but Claire realizes you two belong together. Now, go see your girl and get this show on the road. You shouldn’t have any interruptions during your reunion, so take your time.”

“Fuck, I hope this works. It’s been a long time coming, man. I hope she’s happy to see me.” I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding.

“You got this, Matty, just relax. Oh, and remember, she’s always been one of my favourite girls, so don’t go fucking it up,” he cautions before he heads off.

Walking into Pub Fiction, my ears practically start bleeding as I hear Justin Bieber singing about being sorry, or some shit.
Oh, the irony in that.

I move at a turtle’s pace toward the main bar, not wanting to rush our reunion, but also because I’m not too sure what the fuck I was actually thinking when I decided showing up like this was such a stellar idea.

As soon as I step past the threshold onto the dance floor, her scent fills my senses with the sweetness of honey, and the sexiness that is Claire takes over, flooding my brain and body with memories of us. Immediately my body relaxes, but my cock springs to life with recognition and longing.
Fuck, I’ve missed that smell. No, I’ve missed her.

I spot her immediately. She’s standing with her back to me, pressed up in front of the cherry-coloured bar, packaging something. Her slim hips sway sexily in perfect sync with the rhythm of the music coming from above, her toned legs on full display. I mutter a quick thanks to Mr Levi Strauss for inventing tight denim skirts.

She’s lost in the music, and I’m entranced by her moves: moves I remember vividly, moves I hope to feel brushing against me, from her moving beneath as well as on top of me. Claire’s long blonde hair cascades down her back in bouncy loose curls. I always loved when she wore her hair like that—unruly and wild, just like her. Seeing her this way, rocking to the music, the dim lights above the bar highlighting her with a soft glow, only reaffirms what I’ve always known.
Claire Knox is the most enchanting woman I’ve ever seen.

Swallowing past the lump in my throat that has arisen from standing at the sidelines, I decide it’s time to let my presence be known, mainly because if I stand here gawking any longer I think I’m gonna shoot my load like some pervy teen.

“You got Bieber Fever now?” I ask, moving out of the shadows to stand closer behind her. Our proximity causes my heart to race. I’m second-guessing this whole thing, but it’s too late now. She startles, looking into the mirror that covers the bar’s back wall, and her blue eyes meet mine. Recognition hits quickly and she spins to face me.

Claire is silent, matching me stare for stare. The recognition is accompanied by surprise which flares across her face, but she’s quick to cover it up.
Heaven forbid Claire Knox let anyone know they’ve gotten to her.
The silence continues for a moment as we take each other in. Damn, the last two years have been good to her. Claire’s even more beautiful than I remember, if that’s even possible.

“Yeah, well, I’ve been hearing you’ve got
beaver
fever,” she says, “but you don’t hear me complaining now, do you?” My eyes follow as she crosses her arms over her full chest, giving me that devastatingly sexy smile of hers, knowing full well she’s affecting me already.

“There’s only ever been one beaver that’s made me feverish, though. You know that, right?” I return her not-so-subtle jab. Sure, I’ve dated lots of women, but I’m positive that she hasn’t exactly been a nun either these past two years. It’s a tough job trying to get over a girl like Claire. Never did work, either.

“You always did have good taste. My beaver is pretty magical,” she says, giving me a sexy little chin lift and taking me in from head to toe.

And quick as a whip, Claire Knox is back in my life.

“Is it, Claire? Is it still as good as I remember?”

“Wouldn’t
you
like to know.”

“You want the truth?” I ask, unsure if she’s as committed to playing this game as I am.

“Honesty is the best policy they say, right? So, yeah,” she replies, looking smug.

“Huh, isn’t that an interesting statement coming from your lips,” I blurt, and realize I may have just ended our game of wits.
Motherfucker-stupid-ass.

She cocks her head to the side, my comment clearly making her confidence falter. “Matty…” She says my name with exasperation. “I’m so sor—”

I step in closer. “No.”

I place my finger over her lips, stopping her words from escaping. Her shoulders slump, her bravado slipping as she lowers her eyes to the floor attempting to avoid eye contact.
No, don’t back down, baby. I need this. We need this.

“Never mind all that shit for now,” I say, bending forward and touching my hand to her cheek, grazing my knuckles along her smooth skin, hoping she’ll meet my eyes again and finish what we started. “We’ll tackle it later.”

You’re still you and I’m still me. Come on, play with me. Give me back my girl.

“Ask me again. Come on, baby.” I kiss her cheek.

Looking up at me, a tell of a smile begins to spread across her stunningly beautiful face. It’s the best one she’s got, too, it’s the mischievous one, and it accompanies the return of that majestic glint in her eyes, the one that makes her blue eyes shine like they’re always supposed to.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” she says, her voice triumphant once again.

That’s my girl.

“Truth?” I ask again, cocking my head in jest.

“Yeah, Matty,
truth
. Would you like to know if my pussy is still magical?” she grins, knowing she’s winning now. I’ve always loved her sassy little mouth.

Fuck, she’s beautiful.
They say you never really know what you’ve got until it’s gone, but I’ll tell you what. That’s a bunch of bullshit. Because this woman right here is all I ever wanted—both when I had her, and since she’s been gone.

“More than you could ever fucking know, Claire.” I replace my hand with my lips, running my mouth gently along the side of her jaw to the juncture of her neck. “You smell the same, you smell so fucking familiar and good. Claire, you smell like home. My home. Fuck, I’ve missed you, Sugarshack.”

I look into her eyes, which now shimmer with what I know to be desire.

Claire

H
oly Jesus sittin’
on his rainbow, does Matt look delicious. He looks so fucking manly, incredibly sexy and completely all consuming like I remember. When he first called out my name, I swear my ovaries perked up like the mothership had arrived to bring us to planet Gonna Get My Rocks Off!

Fuckity fuck fuck.
He’s actually here, and I know I’m in trouble. My kryptonite is facing me, his light brown eyes laced with flecks of mahogany. They rake over me, taking in my now wired body inch-by-inch. His gaze is heavy and painstakingly slow, igniting my skin with a warmth I’ve not experienced in a long time.
God, I hope he likes what he sees. Wait, no. No, I don’t.

In mere seconds, this man is inciting a frenzy of emotions that prove exactly why I wasn’t ready to see him yet, proving that I needed more time before this reunion, confirming that he can easily annihilate all of my best-laid plans, the ones my brain has worked overtime convincing my heart to make. I need more time to make proper preparations, to ensure my bridge troll is ready for battle, that he is stable enough to keep the drawbridge strategically locked in place, ready to withstand the blunt force that is Matt Bishop.

Most of all, I want more time to practise the apology and then the time to actually apologize—to explain. Time to just tell him I’m sorry. Looking at him, feeling him, I realize I can’t risk more than that or I will be lost again.