Chapter Five

Constantine stood behind the bar and peered at the front door of Midnight Luna. His fingers strummed the chrome surface. The sound of a throat clearing drew his focus to the man mixing a drink at his elbow.

“Sorry to interrupt your nightly vigil,” said Tyrese, Constantine’s unexpected confidant. “But willing her to arrive hasn’t worked for how many days now?”

“Four.” He smacked the bar with his palm. “Four days and she hasn’t been back.”

“Conny,” Ty said, using his preferred shortened version of the bar owner’s name. “You never saw her here before Monday. She’s not a regular. It could be weeks until she returns.”

He bent, pressing his forehead to the raised, cool metal surface. “I won’t last weeks.”

“Neither will this business if your mopey ass hangs around.”

Constantine straightened. “You’re right.” His angst and constant yearning weren’t in line with the affluent, hip atmosphere he’d cultivated for his latest business. “I’ll be in my office.”

“Wait,” Ty said, raising a glass. “Give my latest creation a try?”

Constantine couldn’t help but grin. Tyrese was turning out to be the biggest boon to Midnight Luna since its opening eight months earlier. The man’s sparkling smile never faltered. Ty seemed to enjoy mixology and people more than any other barkeep Constantine had ever employed. His dark skin enhanced the clear whites of his eyes and accentuated the slight center gap between his front teeth. The imperfection only made him more interesting.

“Of course, I’m happy to guinea pig anytime.” He turned his back to the door, attention on the entertainment of Ty spinning a bottle without spilling a drop. The man’s skills were other worldly. The enticing concoctions he created—magical.

A martini glass rimmed in cocoa, full of dark liquid, and carrying the aroma of an oven-baked treat, was offered.

“Thank you.” He took the glass and inhaled the delicious cocoa aroma. His mood instantly lightened. A sip confirmed the other man’s genius. “You’re a magician, Tyrese.”

The chocolaty beverage swirled in his mouth and brought back fond memories of his grandmother’s chocolate chip cookies. “There is no way I’m paying you enough. This is incredible.”

Ty moved to his side and lowered his voice to a husky whisper. “It’s all in the cannabis vodka.” He straightened. “I call this my Mary Jane special. Let me know if you want to invest in a case. I only purchased two bottles to test.”

Constantine took a second sip and his sense of calm increased. A genuine smile took hold for the first time in what felt like forever. “I love it. Order more.”

He slowly worked his way across the room. The upbeat crowd pulsed with positive energy. The good vibes continued to brighten his mood.

At the edge of the room, a pretty red-haired woman sat alone at a table set for two. Her mouth puckered in a frown, her phone resting before her with a black screen. Her gaze burned laser straight on the front door.

His gut clenched. She looked as lonely as he’d felt. This wouldn’t do.

“Excuse me,” Constantine said, pausing at her side. “But you look much too sad for this lovely evening.”

“My blind date is … late.” Her lips pinched tight and she sniffed, seeming on the verge of tears.

“Traffic is horrible this time of day. Please…” He waved his hand toward the bar. “Let me move you while you wait, so Tyrese can take care of you. What’s your name?”

“Anna.” Her mouth relaxed and she rose from her seat, standing close to his six feet in height. Her hungry gaze traveled over him and she captured his arm like a life preserver. “That’s very kind of you.”

“It’s my pleasure.” He walked her to the nearest open stool. Her perfume stung his sinuses. Her hold on his bicep turned to a caress. The motion caused a wave of negativity to encroach on his lightened mood.

He removed her hand and turned her toward the bar. Not only had two sips of the Mary Jane chased away his blues, but his entire outlook shifted from sullen to sunny. This lonely woman deserved the same cure. But Constantine had no intention of being her Band-Aid. Since when had the advances of a beautiful woman failed to spark his interests?

Since he’d met Chloe Thompson.

 “Ty—” he called. The man reached them before he could utter his full name and before Anna could reconnect with Constantine’s arm.

“Hello, beautiful lady,” said the talented bartender. “Your presence makes the night shine brighter.”

A tentative grin replaced the woman’s sad expression. Constantine was beginning to think the man had some type of psychic power. “This lovely lady is Anna. She’s waiting for a friend. Can you please mix her one of these fabulous Mary Janes?”

“Annabel,” said Ty, his voice deep taking on a sing-song texture. “My fair Annie. Ann Marie. Tell me what ails you.”

The pretty woman began chatting with the charming bartender as if they were best friends. Ty glanced at Constantine and he gave a slight hitch of his head to indicate he had things under control. The man was definitely getting a raise. A quality barkeep like Tyrese would keep customers happy. And happy customers became regulars.

He sipped his heartwarming martini and paused outside his office. One more glance at the door confirmed his dream woman hadn’t arrived. He inhaled to sigh, but the aroma of his cocoa beverage overwhelmed the need.

“I know you will return, Chloe,” he whispered. “And then…”

A wicked image ended his musing.

Oh, the things he would do to that woman when she gave him the chance. His cock stirred. Naughty thoughts of her caused an immediate state of semi-arousal. He’d better get his little head under control or he might scare her off before things got started.

She seemed shy. Reserved. Bashful.

He had a feeling her still waters ran deep. And he wanted to plunge into their depths and stir things up. Test her composure.

Do it all.