Kiara tried a traditional cabbage and onion steamed pelmeni. “I love it that you have vegetarian options. You know what this would be good with? A mustard dipping sauce.”
Rosie squeezed her shoulder. “Go tell Shelby. Kitchen’s that way.”
Grinning, Kiara stuffed another dumpling in her mouth and trotted off.
Lana skipped up to their table, squeezed Rosie tight, then plopped into Kiara’s empty seat. “Sorry we’re late. Jojo’s parking.”
A moment later, the gentle giant strode through the door and spread his muscly arms wide. “Eddie! You did it!”
His arm around Anna, Diego gave Jojo a shove. “Don’t block the door, meathead.” Jostling and joking, they made their way to the table.
Eddie joined them a moment later with a tray holding chilled shot glasses, sparkling water for Charlie, and a cut-glass bottle. “A very special vodka from my family’s hometown near Omsk. I’ve been saving this for tonight.” He poured out a round, then raised his glass high. “Rosie and I toast all of you, the family of our hearts. Thanks for believing in us.”
Rosie dabbed her eyes and added, “And for knocking our heads together until we finally figured out how well we fit. To family!”
They all clinked and downed their shots. All around the bar, customers joined in the inaugural toast. And hours later, when the dumplings were all eaten, Rosie’s tattoo appointment book filled, and the last customers had trailed out, Eddie and Rosie swayed to a growly metal ballad, arms wrapped tight around each other.
Rosie gazed into Eddie’s dark eyes, so warm and sparkling in the low, golden light. She pressed her brow to his. “You did it, babes.”
“We did it.” His lips feathered over hers. “Thank you, Ro. Now—” He waggled his eyebrows. “What say we lower the blinds and christen this bar properly?”
“You mean—?”
Walking backward, he tugged her toward the largest booth. “Salesman says these seats are stain-proof. Wanna try?”
She answered his devilish grin with one of her own. “You know I do.”
“My hot-blooded Rosie.” Nibbling the crook of her neck, he unlaced her dress.
Delicious shivers skated over her skin. “Eddie?”
“Hmm?” His hands slid down to cup her breasts.
“Tell me the truth?” She loosened his tie.
“Always.”
“Did you put this on your list? In your notebook?”
He nipped her earlobe. “Of course.”
“That’s my Eddie. A man with a plan.” Reaching out, she flicked the switch to lower the blinds.
THE END
Thank you for reading Opposites Ignite. If you enjoyed the story, please consider leaving a review on Bookbub or your favorite eBook retailer. For news about new releases, deals, giveaways, and some really bad romance jokes, consider signing up for my Author Newsletter
Read on for Valentine’s Day cocktails from Opposites Ignite!
Valentine’s Day Cocktails from Bangers Tavern
Suffering Bastard
According to several sources, this tasty drink originated as a hangover cure invented during WWII by a bartender at Cairo’s famous Shepheard’s Hotel. Here’s my simplified version. I was skeptical about the combination of bourbon and gin, but it’s truly delish and very refreshing.
In a cocktail shaker, combine 1 ounce/30 milliliters of bourbon, 1 ounce of gin, 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice, a generous shake of Angostura bitters, and an orange wedge. Add as much ice as you like for one drink and shake vigorously. Pour into a lowball glass and top up with ginger ale or ginger beer. Garnish with mint, if you like. Serves one. Yum!
The Bangers Brawl
Have you noticed how often the Bangers bartenders take out their frustrations by muddling drink ingredients? This tasty concoction is Kiara’s twist on a whiskey smash, a vintage cocktail dating back to the late 1800s.
Cut half a small blood orange into chunks. If it’s a big orange, use a quarter. Add six fresh mint leaves and smash ‘em good with a muddler or the back of a spoon. Doesn’t that feel good? Add one ounce of simple syrup, or to taste. I like my drink a little less sweet. Add 2 ounces of good rye whiskey. Shake well with ice, then strain into a lowball glass, add crushed ice, and garnish with more fresh mint and a slice of blood orange.
*If you can’t find blood oranges, use half a lemon and you’ve got a classic whiskey smash.
The Zipper
This refreshing cocktail is super-simple. In a highball/tall glass, muddle a few tablespoons of fresh or frozen blackberries, then add a shot of berry-flavored vodka, a shot of raspberry liqueur (such as Chambord), plus ice and lemon-lime soda or sparkling water—try berry-flavored seltzer with this one! Stir well, then garnish with fresh blackberries and mint.
Chocolate Salami
Yes, this is really a thing! This no-bake, fudgy Russian treat comes from the Soviet era and utilizes things people would’ve had on hand: butter, milk, cocoa powder, vanilla cookies, and nuts. The Food Network site has a fancy version, but you’ll find plenty of simpler recipes online. Priyatnogo appetita!
Author’s Note and Acknowledgments
Thanks so much for reading Opposites Ignite! If you enjoyed the story, please sign up for my monthly newsletter to hear about new releases, deals, giveaways, and some really bad romance jokes.
Pretty please, if you enjoyed this story, consider leaving a review on Bookbub or your favorite eBook retailer or review site!
One of the many things I love about writing fiction is the chance to try out (virtually) the many careers I never got a chance to pursue in real life. So far, I’ve written about running a bookshop (Runaway Love Story), an ice cream shop (Gelato Surprise), being a photographer (Runaway Love Story), a graphic artist, a potter (Love, Art, and Other Obstacles), and now running a bar.
Thanks to my beta readers Laurie Ryan, Cari Davis, Marie Tuhart, Michelle McCraw, Jessica Buchanan Jang, and Carla Luna Cullen. A huge smooch to my editor Judi Mobley, AKA Music City Freelance Editor. Another smooch for Dar Albert of Wicked Smart Designs for her lovely
