A new bar

The moment Isla switched on her new phone, a flood of messages from Sophie began pouring in, along with several missed calls. They hadn’t seen each other since Isla left the house two nights ago.

As she walked out of the mall, Isla dialed Sophie’s number, her gaze fixed on Jaxon’s car while she waited for Sophie to answer.

“You’re alive!” Sophie’s voice exploded through the speaker, prompting Isla to wince and quickly move the phone away from her ear. “Where the hell have you been? I just left the police station, and they told me I have to wait another 48 hours before I can report you as missing!”

“What?” Isla’s eyes widened in shock. “Sophie, you didn’t have to do that! I’m fine,” she assured, her back turned against the car as she spoke.

“How was I supposed to know that?” Sophie shot back defensively. “You didn’t come home last night, and your phone was off. I even went to Waverly’s company an hour ago, and they said you weren’t there either. I was so worried—that’s why I went to the police!”

“We talked yesterday morning, didn’t we?” Isla asked, her mind straining to recall.

“Yes, we did, and you didn’t mention spending the night out or completely ignoring your best friend,” Sophie muttered, her tone tinged with hurt.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to,” Isla began, but before she could continue, the car door behind her swung open. Jaxon leaned out slightly, his intense gaze fixed on her.

“Get in the car.” His tone was firm, leaving no room for debate.

“You’re with him?!” Sophie’s voice burst through the phone, making Isla flinch. “You ditched me for a man? And I know he is not just any man—it’s Waverly! But still, is that how little our friendship means after…”

“I’ve got to go now, babes,” Isla interrupted, her voice rushed. “We’ll talk when I get home, yeah? See you soon.” She hung up, sliding into the car and shutting the door behind her.

The driver started the engine, and the car eased out of the mall parking lot.

Jaxon glanced at her phone, noticing the bright pink case. His mind lingered for a moment. ‘She got the exact color I mentioned. Does she actually like it?’ He quickly looked away before she could catch him staring.

“Tell the driver your address so he can drop you at home,” Jaxon said, his gaze fixed on the scenery outside the window.

“Oh… I can always take a taxi,” Isla replied, leaning forward toward the driver. “Please let me off at the next stop.” The driver nodded in acknowledgment.

As she leaned back into her seat, her eyes inadvertently met Jaxon’s. His sharp gaze bore into her, making her feel as though she’d committed some unspoken offense.

“When will you learn to stop opposing my offers?” he asked, his tone calm but cutting. Isla swallowed hard, unsure how to respond. Was there even a right answer to that?

“Give him your home address,” he repeated, his seriousness pressing down on her like a weight.

Left with no choice, she leaned forward again and recited her address to the driver, this time including every detail. When she was done, she sat back, keeping her head straight and her focus firmly on the road ahead. She didn’t dare look at Jaxon again.

‘This is going to be a long ride,’ she thought, clutching her bag tightly.

*

Alex finally wrapped up work and was desperate to unwind at a club. He needed a distraction—anything to keep his mind off Jaxon and the nagging suspicion that he might actually be in love with his secretary, who hadn’t even been at the company a full week.

He pulled up to a new bar just outside of town and stared at its entrance from the comfort of his car. Outside, couples were tangled up against the walls, making out with reckless abandon. Others stood alone, possibly waiting for someone to approach them.

Reaching for the face cap on the passenger seat, Alex slipped it on, pulling the brim low. Even though the bar was far from the city, he couldn’t risk being recognized. Not here. Not now.

Sliding out of the car, he made his way to the entrance. With no guards in sight, he walked in without a word.

The bar’s interior was far less crowded than the places Alex usually frequented. Warm, dim lighting gave the space a cozy, intimate vibe that was a welcome change from the usual blaring neon. Spotting an empty couch in the corner, Alex headed there, sinking into the seat as his eyes scanned the room.

He watched people dancing, chatting, drinking, making out—some even prowling the way he was. But despite his efforts, no one seemed to catch his interest. Frustrated, Alex let out a sigh, resigning himself to a disappointing night.

Then his gaze fell on the bartender.

At first, it was casual curiosity. But as Alex’s eyes lingered, he became utterly transfixed. The bartender was all charm and precision, expertly shaking a cocktail shaker as he smiled wide at his customers.

His rolled-up sleeves revealed toned, muscular arms, and his slicked-back golden hair gleamed under the dim lights. But it was his lips—full and impossibly inviting—that drew Alex in.

‘Who are you?’ Alex thought, his throat suddenly dry. He knew he needed a drink—not just any drink, but one made by this man.

As soon as the last customer moved away from the bar, Alex stood and made his way over.

“Hey, how are you doing?” the bartender greeted, leaning on the counter.

Alex tilted his head just enough to see him better from beneath the brim of his cap. That’s when he noticed the man’s striking blue eyes, like pools of ice cutting through the dim atmosphere.

“I’m good,” Alex replied, catching sight of a name embroidered on the bartender’s pocket. “How about you, Michael?”

Michael gave a casual shrug, his smile effortlessly sweet. “I think I’m doing pretty well for my first night as a bartender.”

“First night?” Alex’s brows shot up in surprise. “That’s crazy. You mix drinks like a pro.”

“Really?” Michael chuckled softly, lowering his gaze as a faint blush crept onto his face. “Thanks. That means a lot.”

Alex smiled, realizing his night might not be so disappointing after all. He’d found his one-night stand.

“What would you like to have?” Michael asked, gesturing toward the display of drinks behind him.

“I’ll have whatever you give me,” Alex replied with a soft smile.

“What?” Michael giggled, clearly surprised.

“Why are you so surprised? I want you to show me the best you’ve got and let me be the judge,” Alex added, his tone playful yet challenging.

Michael nodded, a bold smirk forming on his lips as if accepting the dare. “Fine. If that’s what you want, handsome.”

With that, he got to work.

Alex propped his chin on his hands, his eyes fixed on Michael as he moved. The bartender’s focus alternated between the task at hand and sneaking glances at Alex, their smiles exchanged like unspoken words.

Michael expertly poured the cocktail from the shaker into a glass, finishing it with a delicate lime slice perched on the rim. He slid the drink toward Alex with a chuckle. “I don’t have a name for this one yet. I just made it up. Let’s call it Michael’s Signature Drink.”

“I already like the name,” Alex teased as he lifted the glass to his lips.

Michael watched eagerly, his bright eyes full of anticipation. Alex took a sip, and his brow shot up, pleasantly surprised by the flavor.

The drink was an uncommon blend—smooth with a hint of tart citrus, followed by a sweet undertone that lingered like honey. 

“Wow,” Alex murmured, setting the glass down. “This is… incredible. A little bold, a little sweet. Just like you, I’d say.”

Michael’s cheeks flushed at the compliment, his grin growing wider. “I’m glad you like it. I was nervous you wouldn’t.”

“Trust me,” Alex said, leaning closer over the counter, “you’ve got nothing to worry about.”

“Hmm…” Michael nodded, subtly swaying his body to the rhythm of the hip-hop track playing in the background.

“What are you doing after work?” Alex asked boldly, taking another sip of his drink.

“Why?” Michael replied with a teasing smile, making Alex roll his eyes.

“Come on, Pretty. You know exactly what this is about,” Alex said, leaning slightly closer.

Michael glanced at his wristwatch. “I’ll be here till midnight. And I don’t think you can wait that long.”

“When I want something,” Alex replied without missing a beat, “I don’t care what I have to do to get it.”

Michael raised his brows, visibly impressed and intrigued.

“I’ll be at the corner,” Alex said, pointing to his spot before taking his drink and heading back to his couch. He could feel Michael’s gaze following him, and it sent a pleasant warmth through his chest.

Settling into his seat, Alex’s lips curled into a smile as he replayed their electric exchange in his mind. When he glanced back at the bar, he saw Michael typing something on his phone. As soon as he finished, he slipped the device into his pocket and raised his head, locking eyes with Alex.

Alex lifted his drink in a silent toast and offered a small bow, earning a smirk from Michael.

Minutes turned into hours, and eventually, Michael’s shift came to an end. He handed over to the next bartender, who would work the overnight shift, and walked over to Alex.

Alex was about to rise when Michael swung one leg over and straddled his legs, facing him directly. Wrapping his arms around Alex’s neck, Michael leaned in close, his eyes searching Alex’s.

“You waited,” Michael murmured, his breath warm against Alex’s skin.

“I told you I would,” Alex replied in a whisper, his gaze dropping to Michael’s lips.

“Your house?” Michael asked, closing the small distance between them until their faces were mere inches apart.

Alex shook his head, his longing eyes meeting Michael’s. “A hotel,” he answered, his voice soft. Michael raised a brow, his lips curling into a grin. 

“That’ll do too.”