For Immediate Release by Hawkins Lucy

Author:Hawkins, Lucy [Hawkins, Lucy]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Published: 2018-12-11T16:00:00+00:00

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Nestled in the heart of NuLu, Taj was one of Christian’s favorite drinking spots. Taj was part-curiosity shop, part-speakeasy. With brick walls, Edison bulbs, and cozy wood trim, it attracted an eclectic mix of locals from artists and musicians to those who appreciated the antique décor.

Deke found a table in the corner large enough for their group while Christian headed straight for the bar. The bartender, a cute blonde named Lexi, caught his gaze and smiled brightly.

“Hey, you! I haven’t seen you in ages. Where’ve you been?”

Christian shrugged. “I’ve been busy. Went out of town for a few days, had to get caught up on my work…”

“Yeah, yeah. I’m just glad to see you back. So, what’s it gonna be tonight?”

He picked up the menu and glanced at it, even though he knew it by heart. “You know what? I think I’ll have a Maloneyo on the rocks.”

Lexi blinked. “Damn. That kind of Tuesday?”

“That kind of month.”

“I’ll drink to that.”

She grabbed a bottle of Four Roses and measured three shots into a glass, added a large ice cube, and slid it across the bar.

“Starting a tab tonight?” she asked.

“You bet.”

Taking the glass, Christian tipped it toward her in a mock-salute and walked to the back table where the rest of their group had gathered. Deke had managed to convince a few others from the magazine to join them, and they huddled around a table much too small for them. The ones who already had drinks took the inner chairs, allowing those without to make their way to the bar. Christian slid onto a chair and scooted as close as space allowed.

“Everything okay?” Hanine asked, then took a sip of her water.

“You’re the second person who’s asked me that. Maybe I just want to have a drink.” His tone was more defensive than he had intended, and Hanine raised an eyebrow. “Okay, that sounded bad. Yes, I’m fine. I just want to have a nice drink with some friends is all.”

It definitely did not have anything to do with texting Jonah. Deke was right. He was happier since the week at the cabin, but at the same time, he’d never been more unsure of himself or his relationship with another person. Jonah had agreed their time together had been special, but he hadn’t so much as addressed it once he’d gotten back to Hollywood, even though Christian had given him plenty of opportunity.

However uncertain he was about Jonah’s feelings, his own were much more concrete—eight years of trying to move past his teenage crush had been in vain, and he’d fallen deeply and painfully back in love with Jonah.

The realization had him draining his glass, and he quickly ordered a second. Conversation continued around him, and at first Christian tried to keep up, but halfway through his drink, he lost all track of who was saying what. It was only once he had downed his third that he started to regret ordering so much. A hand on his shoulder made him jump, and he blinked slowly up at Deke.

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