Forever Blake (Once Upon a Player Book 3) Elena Matthews (read e book TXT) 📖

“Well, you’ve certainly succeeded with that. Congratulations, man. I’m really happy for you. You’re going to be an awesome dad,” I tell him wholeheartedly.

“Thanks, Blake. That means a lot.”

Jace approaches and throws his arms around both me and Nate. “Who’s ready for another drink? I was in the mood for tequila, but with a baby on the way, I think you should splurge on some champagne,” he singsongs, his eyes aimed only at me.

I cock a brow, shoving his arm off me. “What do you mean, I should splurge on some champagne?”

“Because starting Monday, you’ll be earning six figures a year. So, you can afford it.”

I pretend to think hard for a moment before mock realization dawns on my face, my smile wide with pure arrogance. “Oh yeah, I keep forgetting about that. How much do you earn?”

He shakes his head as if he wants to give me more than the finger. “Just get the champagne, you smug bastard.”

Laughing out loud, I spin on my feet and make my way over to the bar. As I approach, I groan at the sudden line that has appeared and come to a halt. Hating to wait in any line, I square my shoulders and slap on my smile as I plan on charming my way to the front. However, before I can even take one single step forward, I’m literally frozen to the spot as I lock eyes on the most beautiful woman I have set my eyes on. She’s behind the bar, and with the signature red checkered shirt that all the staff wears, I’m guessing she’s the new bartender. And how do I know she’s new? Well, there is no way I would ever forget a beauty like her.

I’m transfixed as I watch her high honey-blonde ponytail sway back and forth as she moves from one end of the bar to the other. I feel a pull at my lips as she beams brightly at her next customer, and it’s a smile that could honestly heal the sick. I’m not even sure if that’s a saying, but I’m making it one.

I focus on her and trace the features on her flawless complexion—naturally rosy cheeks; bright blue eyes that dazzle, even from ten feet away; and her plump lips that look so fucking soft that you know she’d be the best kiss you’ve ever had. I can tell she’s wearing makeup, but it isn’t forced, like you see with some women. She’s more like the girl next door, effortless and not out to impress anyone. I find that so sexy, sexier than fake eyelashes, Botox, and the shit chicks have pumped in their lips. I prefer natural beauty, and this woman, she is fucking gorgeous.

I’m staring so hard that I don’t even realize the line to the bar has gone down until a guy behind me taps me on the shoulder and says, “You in line for the bar?”

I blink through my haze and bring myself back to the present moment. “Yeah, sorry, bud. I was miles away,” I apologize before stepping up to the bar. Now that I’m close enough, I notice she isn’t the only bartender tonight—go figure with it being a Friday night and all—and my heart sinks a little when it isn’t the new girl who serves me, but Jason, the manager.

“Hey, Blake, what can I get you?”

In the corner of my eye, I see the girl finishing up with another patron, so I decide to stall, so she can serve me instead.

“Actually, I’ve not decided what I want yet.” I turn to the guy behind me, who had to nudge me awake a few seconds ago, and slide a couple of feet to my left. “Here, I’m still deciding. You go before me.”

The guy throws me a friendly smile. “Thanks, man.”

“No worries,” I reply.

Then, I face forward, and what do you know? The woman of my dreams is standing before me, smiling the prettiest damn smile I have ever seen.

“I don’t buy it,” is the greeting she gives me.

“Excuse me?” I ask, confused.

“I don’t buy it—that a guy who looks and dresses like you,” she says while glancing down at my suit and tie, “is so indecisive when it comes to picking a drink.”

I can’t help the smile that pulls along my lips.

“That’s because I do know exactly what I want to drink. I just wanted an excuse to talk to you.”

I expect her to blink at my honest reply, but she just takes it in stride with a roll of her eyes.

“If I had a nickel for every guy who’s hit on me tonight, I’d be able to quit my job.”

“Who says I’m hitting on you?”

She cocks her brow, clearly having reservations with my question. “You’re not hitting on me?”

“I’m not denying that I didn’t want to talk to you or that I had to look twice when I saw you tonight, but I know the kind of shit you’ve probably had to endure already, and it’s barely even eight p.m. So, I promise you, I’m not trying to entice you with a dumbass one-liner to get you into bed. I’m just a regular who wanted to introduce myself.” Because, damn, I’ve never seen a woman so stunning in my life.

She pulls me under her scrutiny, her eyes squinting in the most adorable way. “I’m totally calling bullshit, but you’re pretty to look at, so I’ll let it slide.” She shrugs her shoulders with an adorable smile.

“I’m pretty to look at?” I ask, amused.

“Why are you questioning that like you don’t already know it?”

Wow, she’s sassy. I like that.

“Oh, I know it all right. I’ve been fighting off chicks since before I could even walk. I’ve just never been described as pretty before.”

She gazes at me hard, a smile playing on her lips. “I’m loving this vibe we have going on, but the fifteen other customers behind you,” she says, flicking her eyes behind me, “not so much.