I Choose You by Lopez, Bethany (best fiction novels to read .txt) 📗

you haven’t given any of the guys who have hit on you the time of day, but when Kent comes into the bar, Woo-Hoo… Sparks fly.”

              “You think so?” Nicole asked, picking up a few plates and arranging them on her tray.

              “Honey,” Kara drawled. “You look at him like he’s a tootsie roll pop and you want to lick your way to the center.”

              Nicole blushed at that and was about to ask Kara what she thought of Kent, when Pete came walking in from the back.

              Kara squealed, “Hi, Baby.” and ran over to give Pete a hug and a kiss.

              Pete grinned broadly and seemed to enjoy his beautiful girlfriend wriggling in his arms.

              “Not at work, Kara,” He chided, his face showing the pleasure that his words did not.

              “Oh, you’re such a rule follower,” Kara replied, kissing him loudly on the lips. “I love that about you. Now, get your cute butt behind the bar, so I can watch you break all the poor girls’ hearts.”

              “Please,” Pete said with a laugh. “There are no other girls but you.”

              Nicole groaned good-naturedly, as she headed back out into the dining room. “Give me a break. You two are so corny.”

              Once she dropped off the meals, she checked on some of her other guests, before going to Rich and Kent, who had just been seated in her station.

              “Hey, Darlin’,” Rich said with a suggestive look. “How’s everything going with your new roommate?”

              Nicole couldn’t help but smile at Rich’s flirting.

              “It’s great.” She said truthfully. “Thank you both so much for helping us. Can I get you started with something to drink?”

              She worked up the courage to turn in Kent’s direction, and was immediately caught in his direct gaze.

              His lips turned up slightly as he looked her up and down.

              “You look lovely this evening, Nic.” His grey eyes twinkled and she began to feel light-headed.

              “Thanks, so do you.” She blushed slightly once the words were out of her mouth. She cleared her throat before turning back to Rich, who made her feel much more comfortable.

              “I’d like a draft to start,” Rich said with a wink. She smiled back at him before turning once more to Kent.

              “Make that two,” Kent added.

              Nicole turned to go, but was stopped by Kent’s hand on her arm.

              “What time are you off?” He asked, making her stomach flutter wildly.

              “Um, eleven,” She replied breathlessly.

              He just smiled and released her arm.

              Nicole walked off towards the bar, wondering why he’d asked.

              The night went by very quickly. Even after the dinner crowd thinned out, the number of people eager to hang out and have drinks and appetizers never seemed to die down.

              Nicole counted down her drawer and went in the back to clean up and get her stuff, when Roni walked into the back room.

              “Oh, my poor feet.” Roni said dramatically.

              “Busy night, huh.” Nicole replied, realizing how badly her feet throbbed. “What do you say we have a drink before we go home?”

              “God, Yes. That sounds great.” Roni picked up her purse, then linked her arm through Nicole’s and they walked out into the bar.

              They were about to grab a stool when Kent called out Roni’s name. He and Rich had moved up to one of the tables by the bar after they’d finished dinner, and had been hanging out watching a game and talking.

              Roni looked at Nicole when Kent waved them over, Nicole shrugged.

              She wanted to go and hang out with them, but she didn’t want to be obvious about it.

              Nicole walked behind Roni until they got to the table, and was about to sit next to Rich when Kent said, “Nic, why don’t you sit over here by me?”

              She looked over at Roni, who seemed a little surprised at his request, then rolled her eyes when Rich chimed in, “I’ve got a spot for you right here, Roni.”

              Nicole couldn’t help but chuckle at the interaction between the two of them. She felt her palms begin to sweat when she sat down next to Kent, her arm brushing his as she settled in.

              He lifted his arm and laid it across the bench behind her head, then leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Thanks. I’ve been waiting all night for the chance to talk to you.”

              “You have?” Nicole asked disbelief apparent in her voice.

              He leaned back and asked, “Why is that so hard to believe?”

              Nicole blushed again, cursing herself for her lack of finesse when it came to talking to guys.

              “Because you could talk to any girl in here,” she replied honestly.

              Kent laughed, delighted at her candor.

              “You’re the only one who’s been on my mind lately, and that’s a fact.”

              Nicole couldn’t hide the delighted smile that spread across her face. She was still smiling when Kara came up to get their order.

              “Well, well, Ladies. You’ve got yourself some fine company this evenin’. What can I get you to drink?” Kara leaned against the edge of the booth, as if her legs were struggling to keep her upright.

              “Can I get a Gin and Tonic,” Nicole asked.

              “I’ll have a draft and four shots of Jack,” Roni added.

              “Oh, no shot for me, please,” Nicole said to Roni.

              “C’mon,” Roni cajoled. “One won’t hurt.”

              “I’ll make sure you’re okay,” Kent promised, rubbing a hand over her shoulder to reassure her.

              Nicole shivered at his touch and gave Kara a nod and a smile.

              “So, Rich,” Roni asked dryly, “when are you leaving again?”

              Rich just chuckled and settled back in his seat. “I leave day after tomorrow.”

              “Hmmm, that’s too bad,” Roni said sarcastically.

              Rich took a sip of his beer, then looked at Roni seriously. “Did I do something?”

              “What do you mean?” Roni asked defensively.

              “Well, is it guys in general that you dislike, or just me?”

              Roni was saved from