Fran betas. Jill, Ariel, and Pearly preread. I love you all but I don't own any of this.
"You can't sing like that for me and not go out with me." The words fall from my mouth as soon as she steps off the stage because I've forgotten who I am outside of this bar. I've forgotten the reason I know Bella. "I'm not going to beg; I won't ask again."
She rolls her eyes at me, but it's playful, her lips tilted in a smirk. "I mean if I must."
Was that sarcasm? I think I may be in love.
What? Shut the fuck up. Jesus, Cullen, get a fucking grip.
"Yeah, I think you must," I offer, leaning my elbows on the bar.
"Hm, so not only do you ask girls out while with another girl, but you also manipulate them too? Winner."
"It's not manipulation when I can tell you want it, too."
"Oh, and now you're one of those 'she was asking for it' guys? Hard pass, my friend."
With each witty, facetious come back, my heart clenches a little more. But, I'm not sure it's dread at the ruin this woman will undoubtedly bring me or the thrill of actually being interested in a woman beyond sex for the first time in a very, very long time. If ever, honestly.
"Be—can I call you Bella yet?"
She tapped her chin with her index finger, looking around as if she were contemplating her answer.
"Well...I've already gotten you out of your clothes. And I've spent three hours neglecting my customers to talk to you. And then there's the fact I'll be going on a date with you, so...yeah, I think you better." By the time she finished, her eyes were locked with mine, and we were both grinning ear-to-ear.
That's about the time Vick throws her hands in the air from the other end of the bar and starts screaming.
"It's about goddamn time! I swear if you didn't put that boy out of his misery, I was gonna date him!"
