“So you write country music.” I smiled. “I grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina so I've always loved country music. The way that it tells a story, and makes you feel things. I can't imagine pitching songs pays the bills though.”
“You're right.” He chuckled. “Writing jingles does that.”
“You mean like meow-mix?” I asked, fighting back a chuckle of my own.
“Come on now, I'm a little more dignified than that.” He teased. “The last jingle I wrote was for Everclean laundry detergent.”
“You just don't seem the type.” I said, scratching my chin with my thumb.
“Touche.”
“Ronnie!” Morgan said, as she and Alex rushed over to join us. “I thought that this was a double date.”
The band started to play a slow song then, and Owen stood with my hand still in his.
“Dance with me?”
“Oh, she doesn't like to dance. Crowds make her nervous, and she hates being the center of attention. I on the other hand, love to dance.” Morgan said.
“Actually Morgan, I'd really like to dance with Owen.” I said as I stood, and let him lead me out onto the dance floor.
When he pulled me into his strong arms, I couldn't help but take a peek at his chest. There was no color to any of his tattoos, but they were all so beautifully done that I couldn't stop staring. I felt his large hands on the small of my back, and I let my body relax against his. I could smell the soap on his skin, and the masculine scent had all kinds of things stirring inside of me.
It had only been a few weeks since I ended things with Derek, but dancing with him never felt like this. I locked my hands behind Owen's neck, and his grip tightened around my waist in response.
“How many tattoos do you have?” I asked.
“Too many to count.”
“Do they all mean something?”
He dipped his head down to my ear, and whispered. “Every single one.”
Chills shot down my spine, and stopped directly between my legs. Was this really happening right now? Was I really here with this man I just met thinking about ripping his shirt off to see what was beneath it? I blinked rapidly, trying to shake the naughty thoughts away.
“Tell me about them?” I asked, a bit breathy.
“Why don't I just show you?”
“I uh- I don't- I mean- I just-”
“Relax, Unicorn. I only meant that I'd show you if you wanted to see. Nothing more.”
“Oh.” I said, placing my forehead on his chest. “I'm so embarrassed right now. Of course you weren't trying to proposition me.”
“Oh no. I'm definitely still interested in propositioning you, just not before you're ready.”
My head snapped up then, and I locked eyes with him. I could see the sparkle behind them, but there was no hint of humor. He was dead serious.
“Why?” I asked, with wonder.
He arched a brow. “I don't understand what you're asking.”
“Nothing. Never mind. Let's just finish our dance.” I said laying my head back on his chest, and hoping that he'd just let it slide.
To my relief, he did just that. We didn't talk again until the song was over, and we went back to the bar for a second drink. We ordered sidecars again, and when we brought them back to our table Morgan, and Alex were sitting there. This time there were no empty tables to escape to, so I sat down beside Morgan, and Owen sat across from her.
“This place is very unique, Owen. How did you find it?” She asked.
“I've played here a few times.”
“You're in a band?” She gushed.
“No, I just play the guitar.”
“Ronnie plays the guitar!”
“You do?” Owen asked, as he turned to face me.
“Not well.” I admitted. “I learned when I was younger, and honestly I haven't played in years.”
“Derek wasn't fond of the sound. He couldn't concentrate on his studies, so he pretty much put a ban on it.” Morgan said, before taking a sip of her mojito.
“Who's Derek?” Owen asked.
I cut my eyes at Morgan, before taking a deep breath.
“He's my ex.” I said.
“Ex fiance.” Morgan corrected.
“Anything else you want to add, Morgan?” I asked, as the frustration built inside of me.
“I'm sorry! I thought he knew.” She shrugged.
“Excuse me.” I said, as I stood. “I need to use the restroom.”
“I'll come with you!” Morgan said. “Safety in numbers, remember.” She winked.
“Fine.” I said, brushing past her.
I could hear her heels click, clacking on the floor behind me as she struggled to keep up with me. When I reached the bathroom, I quickly shut myself inside one of the stalls and sat down on the toilet. I just needed a minute. She was drunk, maybe she thought she was helping?
“Ronnie!” Morgan called out as the door pushed open.
“In here!” I called back.
“You know this place isn't so bad after all.” She said, as she reapplied her lipstick. “Alex is just so damn boring. Owen on the other hand. It seems like y'all are getting on great!”
I flushed the toilet that I didn't use, and came out into the open space then. I approached the sink, and washed my hands, catching her eye in the mirror.
“Everything alright?” She asked.
“I think I'm just tired. Do you think you could call the Uber driver?”
“Of course, but are you sure?”
“I'm sure.”
Morgan made the call while we were in the bathroom, and then the two of us made our way back to the table. Alex, and Owen were laughing about something and seemed to be getting along well. When I sat back down beside Owen, he reached for my hand under the table.
“You OK?” He asked, and I could hear the genuine concern in his voice.
“She's tired.” Morgan answered for me. “I've already called our Uber driver.”
Owen lifted his free hand to check the time on his wrist watch.
“It's only nine O'clock.”
“She's an early riser.” Again, Morgan answered for me.
“Do you want to go outside? Maybe
