Chapter 22 - Whiskey and Smoke

Jon strode into the hotel bar, a stormy look on his face. He spotted a barstool at the far end of the long bar, away from the few patrons gathered at the small tables in the center of the room.

The bar's patio doors were open, letting in a gentle breeze and the faint rush of the waves against the shore, but the sounds weren’t soothing to Jon. He was still pissed. The short drive from the Center to The King and Prince hadn’t given him much time to cool off.

Jon stalked over, tossed a pack of Marlboro Lights and a lighter on the bar, and settled on the stool. He quickly shook out a cigarette, placed it between his lips, and touched the lighter’s flame to the end. He sucked in the smoke and exhaled it slowly, willing his anger to float away with the curling wisps.

Out of the corner of his eye he saw the bartender move toward him, clearly ready to admonish him for lighting up. As she approached, Jon quickly scanned her figure.

She was a shapely bottle-blonde, about 23 or 24 years old, with a tiny waist and big tits, clearly enhanced. Her lipstick was shockingly red, and matched her long acrylic nails. Jon smirked slightly. Blood red nails on your fingertips…

“Sir, I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to ask you to put that…Oh My GOD!” The blonde blinked in astonishment as Jon turned his face to her, giving her a tight-lipped smile. It was clear from her expression that she was going to let Jon do whatever the hell he wanted, including smoke his whole pack of cigarettes in this clearly non-smoking establishment. “Um…Hi! Can I get you something?”

“Johnny Walker Blue, rocks.” Jon answered, moving the cigarette back to his lips. He glanced at her nametag, perched precariously on her right breast. Jon took a drag, then blew out another long stream of smoke. “And Ashley… leave the bottle.” He gave her another slight smile. She wasn’t worth the effort of the full-court press.

Ashley blushed when Jon said her name, and skittered back to the other end of the bar to retrieve the whiskey and a glass of ice. She brought them over, set the glass on a cocktail napkin in front of Jon, and made a long pour.

She set the bottle beside the glass then pulled a saucer from under the bar for Jon to use as an ashtray, placing it next to the cigarette pack. “Just let me know if y’all need anything else,” she purred. “I’ll be right down there.” She pointed her crimson-tipped claw toward the other end of the bar.

Jon nodded and took another hit off his cigarette. Exhaling slowly, he picked up the glass and took a long swallow. He savored the burn of the whiskey down his throat. It matched his mood. He was still aflame… not just with anger from Cate’s abrupt ending to their day, but with undeniable lust for her.

Jon was also mad as hell at himself for being such an ass and blaming Cate for his inability to perform on the range. He knew she wasn’t teasing him earlier when she had pressed up against him and taken control of his hands – she really was trying to help him improve his marksmanship.

It wasn’t her fault he lost all ability to comprehend a word out her mouth when she touched him. It was his. Usually he was the one affecting a woman that way, not the other way around. It felt strange to have the tables turned.

Jon took another drink. Christ, I’m a fucking asshole, he thought. He had let his lust and frustration get the better of him and lashed out at her. And look where it had gotten him. Just when she had finally started to relax around him today, he first tried to kiss her, then he yelled at her. One step forward and two steps back.

He had certainly learned one thing about Cate, though. She was as stubborn, controlling, and hot-headed as he was. And that would pose a problem if neither of them was willing to back down.

Jon saw Ashley approach again, a black leather folder in her hand. She gave him a seductive smile, then placed the folder on the bar next to his glass, being sure to brush her finger against the back of his hand. “Everything okay here?” she drawled.

“Fine, thanks.” Jon answered curtly. He stared at Ashley as she batted her eyes at him.

“Well, okay then. Call if you need me, Hon.” She reluctantly strolled back to the other end of the bar, swaying her hips as she went.

Jon rolled his eyes and finished his drink, then poured another. Normally having a young blonde flirt with him would have been entertaining. Tonight it was just annoying.

Jon took another swallow of whiskey, then flipped open the folder to sign his name to the check. He saw that Ashley had written a note in the margin. It read “I’m off at 2:00 – (912)-261-0408. Love, Ashley.”

Jon sighed and shook his head. For Christ’s sake, she’s young enough to be my daughter. He scribbled his signature on the bill and stubbed out his cigarette on the saucer. He stood and stuffed the pack of cigarettes and lighter in his pocket, then grabbed his glass and the bottle and headed for the door.