SWNOVELS Doppelbanger: Chapter 25
I DRIVE LITERALLY two blocks, and we’re already pulling into T-Boys, the little honkytonk-type bar near Gina’s apartment complex. I use the term complex, loosely. There are maybe ten apartments total. It’s quaint and quiet. I’m still unsure of how I feel about her living right behind a damn bar, though.
“This is it!” Tink unbuckles her seatbelt, opening the door and rushing out before I have the chance to even put the truck into park.
“I’d appreciate it if you’d at least give me the opportunity to be a gentleman,” I admonish when I join her in the gravel lot.
Her hand rests on her hip. “What are you talking about?”
“I would’ve liked to open your door and help you down…hold your hand and escort you into the place…You know, like a real date.”
“Jeffrey, we’re fucking…exclusively. We’re not dating.”
Ouch. I feel my face fall and quickly school my features, hoping she can’t see the disappointment.
“Dating involves feelings, Jeffrey, and that’s exactly what we’re trying to avoid, remember? You don’t have to work to impress me. It’s yours,” she winks. “At least for now. Besides, I’m not used to boys doing that kind of thing anyway. I don’t need it.”
Are the men around here not brought up with respect? I was taught to always treat a woman like a lady. “I need it, Gina,” I say, jabbing my thumb into my chest with each word. “When you’re with me, I take care of you.”
Her eyes widen, and she stares back at me in shock and maybe a little annoyance.
“I open the fucking doors.”
“Oh…uh. Okay, CEO. If it makes you feel more like a man, I’ll let you open my doors.” She tilts her head to the side, batting her long lashes. “You wanna come get this one for me?” Her head tilts toward the wood door beneath the lopsided, hot pink neon sign flashing T-Boys. “Spence just texted, asking where we’re at.”
Nodding, I take a few steps, closing the space between us and lace my fingers in hers. “We’re friends, Tink. That doesn’t mean I can’t treat you like a lady.”
She snorts. “Well, you’re the first to ever accuse me of being that.”
After pulling the door opened, I grab her arm as she starts to walk in. “You’re my lady, Tink.”
“For now,” she breathes into my ear before walking past me into the bar.
The entire place, inside and out, is made of cedar. From the walls to the bar to the floor. It gives it a nice, homey feel. Two pool tables sit in the center of the room, and there’s a small stage in the far corner that looks like it doesn’t get much use. There are only a couple other people here. Two over at the pool tables, another fooling with the jukebox. The couple at the bar who are so engrossed with each other that they haven’t noticed Gina standing right beside them must be Spencer and Cooper.
“Ahem,” Tink clears her throat loudly to capture their attention.
“Gina. There you are!”
Tink’s eyes rove over her bestie’s body. “It’s so nice to see you out of the house and dressed in something other than yoga pants. You look amazing.”
The raven-haired beauty frowns. “Yeah, well, I feel like a fat ass.” I remember how self-conscious Jess was after she had Evangeline. It took well over a year for her to feel good about herself again. For having just had twins, I think she looks amazing.
“You’re beautiful,” her husband says, squeezing her thigh beneath the bar. I turn my head as to not intrude upon their moment. “And so fucking sexy,” he adds, nibbling on her ear.
“Josie!” Tink shouts, smacking her hand down on the bar a few times. “I need a cranberry and vodka.” Then she looks up at me. “What’re you having, Jeff?”
“I’ll have a Bud Light.”
“And a Bud Light!” That girl has got a set of pipes on her for sure.
“Thanks, Tink.” It’s a little weird having a girl order for me, but I decide to keep that thought to myself. Doors first…one step at a time.
“I’m Cooper, Spencer’s husband.” He reaches his hand out. “I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about her.”
“Jeff,” I answer, shaking his hand. “Yeah, from what I gather these two are thick as thieves.”
Coop chokes on his beer. “Ya got that right. And just as fucking sneaky.” He turns to look at the girls, who are already deep in conversation. There’s a great deal of pride and admiration in his face. “You gotta watch those two, man. Two for the price of one…You piss one off, you deal with both. Always remember that.”
“Remember what?” his wife, Spencer asks, sticking her hand out for mine. “I’m Spence, nice to meet you Jeff. I’ve heard good things.” Her brows waggle and I know she’s referring to the size of my dick. This could be the most awkward introduction of my life.
“I was just telling him how you and Gina are a packaged deal,” he answers, smiling lovingly at his wife.
Spencer beams. “Double the fun.”
“Yeah…I was thinking more along the lines of double the trouble.”
“Well, who’s your good lookin’ friend, Gina?” the bartender asks, leaning over with her forearms resting on the top of the bar, displaying a hefty helping of cleavage.
“Back off, Josie,” Spencer warns. “He’s with Gina.”
Josie, a pretty little blonde with next to no clothes, cowgirl boots, and a smile as sweet as iced tea, laughs. “Please. Everybody knows, ain’t nobody with Gina…well, not longer than for a night or two anyhow.”
“Well,” I drawl, interrupting their conversation. “I plan to be with Tink for as long as she’ll put up with me.” With an arm around her bare shoulders, I pull her close. She surprises me by wrapping an arm around my waist and grabbing a handful of my ass. I never know what to expect with her.
“Well, you’ve got a lot,”—her eyes drop to my crotch—“working in your favor, CEO.”
“Oooooh, girl…I thought you didn’t fall in love?” Josie presses. “Looks like you got it bad.”
“She’s not in love,” Spence answers in a mocking tone. “The girl done went and got dickstruck.”
Every last drop of blood in my body rushes to my face. “Thanks, Gina,” I mutter.
“Remember fart girl?” She purses her lips, narrowing her eyes at me. “Payback’s a motherfucker. Remember that. I will always get mine.”
“Wait?” Coop says, holding his hand up. “Who’s fart girl?”
“Don’t you dare,” my little vixen warns, shooting me daggers.
After a few drinks and some small talk, Josie comes up with the incredibly stupid idea of playing the dating game.
“Come on, y’all,” she slurs. “It’s gonna be fun.”
“But we’re married,” Coop argues. “Not dating.”
“Yeah, and we’re just fucking,” I say, motioning between Tink and myself.
“Jeez, CEO. You make us sound so cheap,” my tipsy fuckbuddy whines.
I pull her into my lap, nibbling on her ear. “But, it’s really good. Really high-quality fucking.”
“Damn straight it is.”
“All right. Deep-V Diver,” Josie says, eyeing me with a grin. “And you too, Coop. Go pick a few songs on the jukebox and don’t come back ’til I holler for ya.”
Begrudgingly Cooper and I walk to the other end of the bar. “This is going to be so bad,” he grumbles. “Hope you’re prepared to sleep on the sofa.”
“Maybe for you,” I snicker. “You’re married. You have to know everything. Tink and I are just getting to know each other.”
There’s a long silence while we each take a turn filling the jukebox queue.
“Be careful with her, Jeffrey,” Coop warns out of the blue. I get the feeling he’s been waiting to get me alone and has finally decided to take his shot while he’s got it. “Lord knows I am not the one to give dating advice. I lost fifteen years with Spence before getting her back, due to my own stupidity.” He shakes his head in disgust. “Just know Gina’s not as tough as she seems.”
“I’ll do my best,” I assure him, impressed by the fact that he stood up for her. I’m glad she has friends like Cooper and Spencer in her life.
“Boys! Come on back,” Josie shouts, waving at us with both hands in the air.
I start to head back for the bar when I feel a hand clamp my shoulder. “Do better than try, CEO.”