In the Moment: Part Two by Rachael Orman Page A

would as well.
    Pulling on my leather boots, I grabbed my shit and headed to the bar. As soon as I sat at the counter, I saw her. She was at the other end helping another customer, but it didn’t take her long to make her way to me. As soon as she looked into my face, she smiled.
    “You again! What can I get you?” she obviously remembered me, or at least was good at pretending.
    “Bottle of beer. Lady’s choice,” I said. I wasn’t there for the booze. I was there for conversation and possibly a little seduction.
    She winked at me and slid an uncapped bottle my way on a napkin in second. Just as I had the first time I met her, I gave her a hefty tip. It was a quick way to gain a little extra attention from someone used to serving customers all night.
    “What was your name again?” she asked with a smile.
    “Adam. What was yours? You ran off before I could catch it last time.”
    “Alicia.”
    “I was hoping you’d be here again tonight. It was so busy on Friday.” I took a swig of my beer.
    “Well, it must be your lucky night then because Tuesday’s are normally my night off, but someone called in sick and I drew the short straw. So, it is pure luck I happen to be here. Excuse me.” She slapped a hand on the counter before walking away to someone that was waving at her.
    I watched as she quickly filled a few orders and checked on a few customers before she returned to where I was.
    “No matter what day of the week it is, it’s never empty here. Someone is always needing a drink. Although I must admit, I’m curious what brings you in.” She rested her hands on her hips emphasizing how perfect and curved her body was.
    “Just needing a drink to relax after a long day at work,” I lied. Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s were my days off from working as a butcher. She didn’t need to know that though.
    “Don’t you have a girlfriend at home waiting for you? Or a wife?”
    “Nope. No girlfriend or boyfriend. How about you?” I winked at her, and she laughed loudly.
    “Hm. Not necessarily a boyfriend. Had a prospective one recently, didn’t really work out though. I prefer to be alone anyway. Much easier that way.” She shrugged.
    Did people really believe that line? Prefer to be alone. It might be easier, but it was also nice to have someone waiting for you call or text. Someone who was happy to see you. At least that’s how I felt.
    “Well, his loss for sure. Any man or woman would be lucky to land such a catch.” I leaned forward on my elbows. “Not that I know much about you except you are drop dead gorgeous and a hard worker.”
    “Speaking of…” She walked away to help other customers. It took her longer than it had before. I was starting to think I’d scared her off, but she eventually made her way back to me. “Sorry. Well, at least you realize there is more to a relationship than looks. Too many of the men that stroll in here seem to think that’s all it takes to be a good date. And thank you, but I don’t date customers. It makes it complicated when things go south.”
    “Maybe it wouldn’t go south,” I said before taking a long drink of my beer.
    “It always goes south. Always.” She frowned and tapped her fingers on the counter for a moment before stepping back a bit. “Anyway, I have to get back to making sure everyone has everything. It was nice talking to you.”
    “You too.” I watched as she walked away. She was a tough one to get close to especially when working, I suppose. Somehow Ace had managed to do it, though, and I was determined to do the same.

Chapter 2
     
    Alicia
     
    When quitting time rolled around, I happily clocked out and left. I was exhausted. It was supposed to be my day off so I hadn’t gone to sleep when I got home; instead I’d cleaned and gotten my laundry started. When the manager had called and asked me to cover, I tried to get some sleep, but it evaded me much like it had for the last few days. Ever since Ace had thrown the outrageous