“Labor Day has always confused me,” Tank said as he sat down with a beer in hand and relaxed.

“Me too. What the hell is it for?” Bear scratched his beard and stared across the room.

“It’s to celebrate workers,” I told them, shaking my head at their lack of knowledge. “Something you two know very little about.”

“Oh, fuck off, dude. Just because you have Google doesn’t make your ass smart.” Bear leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest.

Tank rubbed his hands together. “Speaking of work. How was it this week? Anything juicy?”

“Boring-ass week. A cheating husband and a couple meetings.”

“Oh, but that could be good. Was he fuckin’ his secretary?”

I rolled my eyes. “I’ve told you before. I can’t talk about my work.”

“Who the fuck am I going to tell?” he asked, placing his hand against his chest.

“Don’t care, and still isn’t fuckin’ happening.” I sipped my beer as my phone beeped.

City: Save us an extra seat. We’re on our way.

I set my beer down, wiping my lips with the back of my hand.

Me: Will do.

“Grab an extra chair. City’s on the way.”

Bear reached back and dragged a chair across the floor. “Who’s he bringing?”

“Probably one of his brothers.”

“I’m hoping to see that hot piece of ass from the party,” he said after he tucked the chair underneath the table.

Fuck.

I closed my eyes and my heart started to beat uncontrollably.

Georgia.

I hadn’t even thought about that. I couldn’t see her. I was an asshole for leaving without saying goodbye.

“Fuck. I gotta go.” I started to stand before Bear grabbed my hand.

He held me in place. “You’re not going anywhere, pussy.”

“What piece of ass?” Tank asked, looking between us.

“Georgia.” My head began to spin from even saying her name. “Sunshine tried to fix me up with her. If they’re bringing her, I can’t see her.”

“Sit your ass down,” Tank ordered, pointing toward the chair. “I never thought you’d be afraid of a piece of tail.”

I gritted my teeth and glowered. “I’m not. I just don’t want to get involved with her.”

“You’re acting like a pussy. Sit your ass down. He’s probably bringing Mikey with him.”

I pulled my hand out from under Bear’s and rubbed my shoulder. “Maybe he is.”

“Nah, he’s bringing the girl. You gotta see her, Tank. She’s a fine little thing with perky tits and that trampy look we love. She’s off-the-charts fuckable.”

I leaned forward into his space, baring my teeth. “Don’t you talk about her that way. If you even look at her funny, I’ll knock your teeth out.”

He moved closer and stared me straight in the eyes. “Someone’s panties are in a wad. What’s wrong, Frisco, you in love?”

I slammed my fist down on the table, my eyes boring into him. “I know you’re a pig. She’s a good girl and doesn’t deserve your bullshit.”

“I was going to give her my dick, not bullshit.” He laughed.

Before I could stop myself, my fist flew forward and connected with his jaw. “Jackass!” I yelled, and his head recoiled.

He rubbed his jaw, trying to shake it off. “What the fuck, man?”

I pointed at him, narrowing my eyes. “I warned ya. Georgia is off-limits.”

“He’s in love.” Tank slapped the table and whooped. “Mr. Lover Boy is back.”

My knuckles ached from Bear’s bony jaw, and I shook my fist. “I’m not. She’s too damn young for me, and I don’t want a relationship.”

“Ah, you sound like City. Especially with the threats about a woman you claim to not even like,” Bear muttered and held his jaw.

I sat, glancing between the two smiling dumbasses. Fuck. Were they right? Was I fuckin’ doomed and didn’t even know?

“Hey, guys.” Sunshine’s sweet voice came from behind me. I cringed, closing my eyes, afraid to turn around. I swallowed hard, gave myself a pep talk, and glanced at Bear.

“See,” Bear whispered to Tank.

Tank’s eyes were bulging out of his head, and I knew then that it was her standing behind me. “Yeah. Take a seat, ladies,” he said, motioning toward the chairs.

“Fuck,” I mumbled.

The empty chair next to me moved, but I didn’t look, staring straight ahead. Bear looked so ecstatic I thought he may start clapping.

Please let it be City. Please let it be City.

“Hey, Frisco,” Georgia said as she scooted forward, giving me an amazing view of her tits in the V-neck dress she wore.

“Hey, Georgia, right?” I asked, because I was a complete asshole and wanted to play it cool.

Her lip curled. “Yeah, from the party.”

“Right.” I nodded. “I remember.”

“Dick,” she whispered under her breath and looked away.

“I’ll grab us a round.” City rested his hand on Suzy’s shoulder, standing behind her.

I shot out of my seat. “I’ll come with you.”

City walked off and I followed close on his heels. When he reached the bar, he leaned forward, waiting for me. “What the fuck is your problem?”

I hung my head and my stomach rolled. “I don’t know, City. Something about that girl gets to me. I can’t believe Sunshine wants us to hook up.”

“Two beers, two shots of tequila, and a Sunny drink,” City told the bartender. Sunshine was the only girl in the bar who ordered those shitty drinks with the umbrellas. They knew exactly what she wanted when we called it a Sunshine drink.

“Coming right up,” the bartender said as he wandered away.

“Stop acting like an idiot.” He turned toward me, looking over at the table. “She likes you.”

I smiled, pretending to misunderstand. “Sunshine?”

“You’re pushing it, fucker.” He cracked his knuckles. “Georgia.”

“Oh, fuck. This can’t be happening. I can’t fuck her, City.” I clenched my jaw and fisted my hands at my side. Everything inside me was coiled tight.

“You need to get a damn grip, Frisco. What’s your problem?”

“It’s just the shit with Jeanine. I’m not ready for anything more than a casual fuck. If that’s what she wants, then I’m her man. Anything more, and I’m out.”

“You tell her that. Stop being an asshole and man up,” he told me as he grabbed a few of the drinks. “Get the shots.”

I picked the rest up, following behind him and heading straight toward disaster…I mean, Georgia.

I set them down in front of City before taking my seat. Glancing at Georgia, I turned my beer in my palm.

“A toast.” Sunshine held her umbrella drink in the air.

“What are we celebrating, Sunshine?” Tank asked as he lifted his beer to join hers.

“To friends and love,” she said, giving me a mischievous smile.

My jaw ticked uncontrollably and my palms began to sweat. “To friendship,” I repeated, lifting my drink.

“And love.” City clinked his drink to mine.

I glared at him, gnashing my teeth together. They were fucking setting me up. City would do anything Sunshine asked him to. In all the years I’d known him, I thought he had a pair of balls bigger than anyone I knew, but not when it came to her.

“Hear, hear.” Georgia tapped her glass to mine.

I peered out of the corner of my eye, not trusting myself enough to look at her. I brought my drink to my lips, swallowing hard and long. I tried to calm myself the fuck down. I just needed to be honest. I wasn’t looking for a girlfriend. I wanted nothing from her other than what she had between her legs.

She wiped her mouth, put the lime between her teeth, and swallowed. When she placed the lime on the table, I was still staring at her mouth. “I needed that,” Georgia said before she grabbed her beer and chugged it. When she set it down, she turned toward me. “Can we talk in private?”

“Someone’s getting it,” Bear said from across the table.

I scowled at him. The fucker was pushing the envelope and wouldn’t let his foot off my throat. I swallowed down my pride and turned my attention back to her, softening my face. “Sure.”

“At the bar,” she demanded. She stood and walked away, leaving me behind.

I slid my beer against the table. “Fuck.”

“Go get ’er, tiger,” Sunshine said, playing with the straw on her tongue.

I pointed at her. “This is all your fault.” But I didn’t know if I was angry or happy. Maybe a little of each.

“If you don’t go, man, I will,” Bear offered and started to stand.

I leaned across the table, moving closer to him. “Sit the fuck down before I put your ass back in that chair for you.”

“He’s in love,” Bear said to Sunshine with the biggest smile I’d ever seen on his face.

Her eyes moved from me to Georgia. “I hope so.”

“Fuck me,” I mumbled before I stomped away from the table. As I approached Georgia, my breathing quickened and my pulse followed, small beads of sweat forming near my hairline.

She leaned back against the bar with her tits jutting out and her arms crossed underneath. “What’s your problem with me? Did I do something to you, Frisco?”

Caught off guard by her question, my body jerked backward. “N-no,” I stuttered.

She tapped her foot. “You ditched me, marched off when you heard my age, and tonight, you seem less than happy that I’m here. What the fuck gives?”

I cleared my throat, trying to find my voice and a reasonable explanation. “I don’t have anything against you.” I was in so much trouble.

“Let’s cut the shit, Frisco. I’m a big girl. What’s the problem? Would you rather I leave?” Her body oozed attitude.

I cringed. I never wanted to hurt anyone, but I knew that I had hurt her feelings. “No. Don’t go. I’m sorry. It’s just that Sunshine…” My chest tightened. “She’s trying to fix us up.”

Georgia filled her cheeks with air before slowly exhaling. “Is that so bad?” She narrowed her eyes. “If I’m not your type, it’s cool. But otherwise, what’s the issue? I thought we had a nice time up until you left the party. I’m a big girl. Just be honest with me. I’m not into playing games.”

I wanted to play games. Naked games that ended with us against a wall, tangled together like we’d played the sexiest game of Twister.

“Listen, Georgia.” I held my hands up because I didn’t want to fight. “I like you. You’re beautiful. But I’m not looking for a relationship right now. My head isn’t right. Plus, there’s the issue with your age.”

“Hold up.” She gave me the hand, shushing me. “First off, who gives a fuck what age I am? It’s a number and nothing more. Secondly, who said I wanted a relationship? Are you that full of yourself that you think every woman wants to spend eternity with you?”

“Well, I…um.” I touched her arm and felt that damn flip-flop in my stomach, followed by a spark. “G, come on. You just want to fuck me?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Say yes. Please say yes.

Her face tightened. “I thought we could be friends.”

Kiss of death!

I didn’t want to be friends. I had enough friends and didn’t need one with tits and sweet lips I’d like to see sucking on my cock.

No. Friends wouldn’t be possible.

“Men and women can never be just friends.”

Her head snapped back and her eyes widened. “Why the fuck not?”

I liked her—she was fuckin’ hot, smart, and probably had everything I’d ever wanted in a woman. But there was no way I’d risk my friendship with Sunshine and City over a woman.

“Because every time I see you, all I’ll think about is fucking you and nothing else,” I whispered in her ear.

She gasped “So what? Think what you want. That doesn’t have to affect our friendship.” She gaped at me as I backed away.

I rubbed my lips, watching her eyes follow their path. “I’ll want to act on it.”

“If you want me that badly, why not take me on a date?” She pursed her lips. “Maybe you’ll get lucky.”

“Why the hell do you want to go on a date with me?”

“I had a bad breakup, and you’re the complete opposite of my last boyfriend. I thought you could be fun.”

Fun. I could be fun.

“Babe, I’m so much fun you’d never be able to go back to your bland men again.”

She rolled her eyes. “God, he was so boring. Watching paint dry was more entertaining than spending time with Brent.”

“Brent?” I asked, almost choking. “The name alone says it all.”

“I know.” Her eyes flickered to the floor. “But if you’re not man enough to take me on a date, I get it.”

“I don’t think it’s a good idea. I’m pretty irresistible.”

The corner of her mouth twitched and her eyes twinkled. “You’re okay.”

“I’ll give you one date. That’s it. It’ll get Sunshine off my back, and you’ll realize that I’m the worst thing for you right now.”

“Why?”

“Because you won’t be able to get enough of me. If you fall in love, that’s on you.” My eyes slid down her body, slowly and with purpose.

She swatted my shoulder. “You’re so full of shit.”

I threw my hands up, looking toward the floor, and shook my head. “I warned ya.”

“I think I can handle a night with you and not fall in love. I’m over love.”

“Me too,” I muttered.

“How about…” Her hand settled on my arm, her red fingernails looking spectacular against my skin. I bet they’d look better wrapped around my dick with her matching lips working the tip in and out of her mouth. “Are you listening to me?” She dug her nails into my skin.

I nodded and gave her my full attention. “Yeah, I’m just waiting to see what you’re going to say,” I lied.

“Let’s go out, have some drinks, and celebrate our newfound freedom. What do you say?”

“How do you know mine’s new?” I cocked my head, furrowing my brow.

“Suzy told me. So, you in?”

Fucking Suzy and her trap. “You’re gonna wanna fuck me,” I told her and licked my lips, wishing I could do her right now. Maybe I’d get her out of my system that way. It took everything in me not to stare at her breasts. Why couldn’t she wear a fuckin’ turtleneck or some shit?

“I’m a hundred percent certain that I can resist your charms.”

“We’ll see. Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Whatcha two talking about?” Sunshine asked.

I jumped, clutching my chest. “Fuck, you scared me.”

“Oh, stop. So, when’s the date?” She bumped me with her body.

I glanced at Georgia, deflecting the question. “You tell her.”

“Well…” Georgia paused and chewed on her lip. “We haven’t set a date, but we’re going to celebrate our shitty exes.”

Sunshine’s smile faded and she moved her face between us. “But that’s not sexy.”

“Oh, it is,” I argued.

“I’ll never understand people,” Sunshine said and rolled her eyes. “You two are crazy.”

“Maybe, Sunshine. Maybe.”

She walked away, shaking her head and moving her hands around in the air. Probably ranting and raving about how I was an asshole, and she’d be right.

“I’ll give you my number, and when you’re ready for a little action, you can call me.”

The corner of that sexy mouth curved up. “Is it little?” she asked, turning her head and bringing her ear near my mouth. “You can tell me.”

“Baby, it’s so big it would split your fine little ass in two.”

She threw her head back, held her stomach, and laughed. “You’re a funny man.” Her white teeth glistened despite the dim lighting of the Neon Cowboy.

Even her laugh made me hard. I had a huge problem. She could be my worst nightmare and my biggest regret. Georgia needed to not be on my mind.

“You want a drink while we’re here?”

She wiped the tears from her eyes, carefully working around her eyeliner. “Tequila.”

“I didn’t know librarians liked tequila.”

“We’re people too.” She wrinkled her nose and finally looked at me like I was a douche.

“I know. I know.” I leaned against the bar and hailed the bartender before ordering our drinks.

She rested her stomach on the bar with her chin in her palm. “Looking at you, I could make a few assumptions that probably aren’t true.” She tapped her nails against the bar.

“Like what?” I fanned my hands against the bar and dug them into the surface, bracing myself.

She smirked, raking her eyes over my face and arms. “Well, you look like an asshole.” She laughed, dropping her head forward.

“Cheap shot.”

“You’re probably a roughneck. Most likely, you fuck anything with two legs.”

“Not true,” I said as our drinks were placed on the bar. I handed her the tequila and I grabbed my beer, taking a quick sip. All the talking had made my throat dry and scratchy, or maybe it was Georgia.

“How so?” she asked before slamming back the tequila and setting the glass down.

I gawked at her. I’d never seen a lady drink tequila like she had. It didn’t seem to affect her. “I don’t fuck dudes.”

She rolled her eyes. “Another,” she called out to the bartender and waved her arm, pointing at her empty glass.

“Don’t you think you should take it easy?”

“You do you, and I’ll do me.”

I leaned over, bringing my mouth close to her ear. “I can’t even begin to describe how sexy that statement is. When you do you, can I watch?” My lips brushed against her ear.

She shivered. “Never going to happen.”

“You never know,” I whispered.

“I don’t do the bad-boy thing. I can already tell that you aren’t the right kind of man for me.”

“I’m all kinds of wrong, Georgia, but in the best way possible.” I stroked my fingertips over the top of her hand. I tried to get rid of her and my kindness didn’t work. Maybe if my other side came out, I’d run her off, screaming for the hills.

She swallowed hard, lifted the second tequila shot to her lips with her free hand, and paused. “We better get back to the group before Suzy comes after us.”

“I got you scared.”

“Hardly. I’m here to meet new friends, not monopolize your time.”

I glanced at the table, seeing all eyes on us. “After you.” I held my arm out, waiting for her to walk first.

“You just want to look at my ass,” she teased. She straightened her back, took a step in front of me, and shook her ass.

“Maybe.” My eyes were glued to her ass, and I was totally busted when she turned around. “View isn’t bad from here.” Dear God, I’d forgotten how amazing the ass of a chick in her early twenties truly was; I bet I could bounce a quarter off it.

“Hey, Frisco.” A smirk spread across her face. “Don’t fall in love.” She winked and my knees weakened.

This wasn’t me. I wasn’t ready.

So far my master plan of being a dick of epic proportions hadn’t worked. Maybe if I tasted her, I’d be cured.

I mean, it could totally work. Right?

As we sat back down, dragging our chairs closer, Bear stared at me. “So?” He leaned into my space, waiting for me to spill the dirt.

“What?” I asked, slowly turning my head to face him.

“You gonna get a piece, or can I?” He waggled his eyebrows, grinning like a doofus.

I clenched my fist and closed my eyes, swallowing my anger. “Bear, shut the fuck up,” I muttered and opened my eyes.

“That’s what I thought. You’re totally hooked on the broad.”

“What’s up?” Tank asked.

“Just asking Frisco here about his little lady.”

I glared at him, too embarrassed to glance at Georgia. “I’m gonna knock your teeth out,” I whispered.

“Pussy,” he teased, turning around and crossing his arms like nothing had ever happened.

“This is going to be so much fun,” Tank said.

I cleared my throat, finally looking back at Georgia. “I’m so sorry,” I mouthed, sliding my beer against the table, unable to stop fidgeting.

She smiled, looking over my shoulder at Bear. “So tell me about yourself, Bear.”

He coughed, choking on the beer that had been halfway down his throat. He placed his hand over his mouth and set the bottle on the table. “Not much to tell, G. When I’m not here drinking, I’m working with Frisco.”

“Not married?”

“Nope.”

“Shocking,” she teased.

Bear shifted in his chair. “I used to be.”

“What happened?” Georgia’s face softened.

“She died,” he replied flatly, sadness all over his face, and his shoulders slumped forward.

Georgia placed her hand on his and stroked his fingers. “I’m so sorry.”

“Fuck.” He leaned back in his chair, trying to shake his sadness. “Frisco, if you don’t want her, I’ll take her.”

“Why?” I let him have his fun and change the subject. I knew he didn’t want to talk about his wife. She was the love of his life. Bear had been smitten. Gone. But that changed the day she was ripped from his life, along with his unborn child.

“’Cause she has a slick tongue, and I’m wondering what else it can do,” he said.

“Bear baby, you couldn’t handle what I have to deliver,” she shot back.

“Fuck me,” I grumbled. “You won’t get another warning, and she isn’t mine.”

“Then what fuckin’ gives?”

“She ain’t ever going to be yours either,” I told him.

“Frisco.” Georgia touched my shoulder gently. “I can speak for myself. Don’t speak for me again.”

“Oh, damn.” City laughed. “She put you in your place.”

“The best night ever,” Sunshine said with the straw between her lips.

“I need a shot, anyone else?” I pulled on the collar of my shirt, trying to calm down.

“I’m in,” Georgia replied, brushing her finger down my forearm.

The tiny hairs on my arm rose, moving toward her and craving more. “Anyone else?”

Tank shook his head. “Fuck no. We’re going to watch you two get shitfaced and see what happens.”

“I can outdrink everyone at this table,” Georgia said.

“No one can outdrink Frisco. Right, man?” Bear asked, totally being an asshole.

Now I had to play the game. “I can put tequila away like it’s water.”

“This I have to see,” Georgia said, her nails dragging against my flesh. “You’re behind by a few. Better get crackin’, buddy.”

“Are you seriously challenging me to a drinking contest?” I studied her face and could tell she wasn’t joking.

“Fuck yeah.” She nodded enthusiastically.

I rubbed my forehead. “I’ll regret it tomorrow, but I can’t lose to a girl.”

“You’re going down.” Georgia looked me in the eyes before slamming her open palms on the table. “Bring on the shots.”

“Coming right up,” Tank replied and his hand shot up in the air to get the waitress’ attention. Thankfully, it was Brandy’s night off.

Imagine the happy clusterfuck that could’ve been.

“If you’re not careful, Georgia, you’ll be the one going down,” I told her and lifted my chin.

“Ha!” she yelped. “I’ve never lost.”

The night was about to get real interesting.