The bartender returns and we begin our small talk again. I've recognized the sign when another patron enters, because he glances towards the door.

"Hi Jake," he greets the customer then turns to me. In a hushed tone he says, "He's one of our regulars, unlike the last guy."

Oh.

Good to know.

At least there is a sense of familiarity with this guy.

This guy, Jake, isn't as presumptuous because he chose to sit two seats away from me. I sip on the last of my wine as I watch Jake interact with the bartender. Tuning them out, my attention returns to the game. I don't know who's playing, and I don't really care. I didn't come here for the TV. I glance over at the two men, catching the bartender motion in my direction. Jake responds with a glance towards me. I've just been caught watching them. I smile. Jake grins.

He seems goofy, yet attractive.

Since we've now made eye contact, he says, "Is the seat next to you taken?"

I shake my head, and he moves closer. The first thing I notice is his scent—he has on something that screams sex. It's not overpowering, but is a bit intoxicating. I like it.

He buys me a drink; this time I get a pinot noir and a water.

"Thank you," I say to Jake.

"You're welcome. I'm Jacob, by the way."

"Oh." Jake... Jacob... whatever. "Nice to meet you."

Do I make small talk? I guess that would be the courteous thing to do since he bought me this drink. I'm hoping he isn't as forward as the last guy. "The bartender says you're a regular."

"Oh he did?" He grins then looks at the bartender. "You talking about me again, Aro?"

"You know it," the bartender exclaims.

Now I am embarrassed. I shouldn't have said anything, but he answers my question. "Yeah. I guess you could say that I'm a regular. I travel a lot to this area for business reasons. About every other week actually. My company always has me staying in this hotel. So, I've gotten to know Aro fairly well, isn't that right?"

"Yup, Jake here is a good guy."

The bartender, Aro, is advocating for Jacob. He must be single. Jacob, that is.

But he is different from me. He likes all things tribal, I like all things American. He likes motorcycles, I like bicycles. We are opposites in every way mentioned. And everything he talks about is boring to me.

In a nervous tick, I glance at my watch. Knowing the task at hand, I give myself a mini pep talk reminding me I can follow through with this night. But I also know Jacob is not the ideal one for the job.

Looking back to Jacob, because I've now had three alcoholic beverages, I laugh at all his unusual comments, likes and dislikes. He just said, "I sleep with a teddy bear." I practically spewed right over the bar due to laughing. As I begin to compose myself, I glance up. And that's when I see him—the one.

He is watching me as I interact with Jacob. His lips curl up in a smirk and he nods his head ever so slightly. I am enthralled by him and don't want to look away.

Jacob continues to talk to me. I listen half-heartedly.

He scoots closer, but I am not as engaged with the conversation.

He's nice, but he's not my type.

The guy at the other end of the bar, now he's more my speed. We continue to make eye contact. Our gazes lock and I watch as he takes in my appearance. I blush knowing he just eye-fucked me. Can't say that I blame him because I just did the same. I don't know if I should continue talking to Jacob or end things now.

How far do I let this thing go with Jacob?

I ponder this as I continue to look at the hunk of meat far away from me. He's clearly just gotten off work. I can tell he's loosened his tie and the top button is undone. All I can think about is what's under his shirt... and down there. Yes, there.

He brings his Yuengling to his lips, which means he's been sitting there for a while. Observing. Waiting his turn. He's muscular and fit. That jaw. And damn, he just winked as he licked his lips. I smile.

Realizing Jacob is still talking, I reluctantly return my attention to him. He leans closer to my ear.

"Want to get out of here?" Jacob asks.

"Huh?"

Yes, but not with you.

"I know... too forward," he says.

"Maybe a little. Hey, thanks for the drink, though." I try to let him down gently.

His grin droops. I watch as his eyes follow to where I have been looking.

"Oh." That's all he says to me. "I'll catch you later, Aro."

And then Jacob hops down from his stool and out the door.

A/N: Thanks for reading!

Sentence teaser for next chapter: I love this place in my mind... a little alcohol, it relaxes me, especially because of what I am about to do.

I'm on twitter: simba257