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I sighed and opened , in the hope it would give uidance about what to do next

The

Well That was no goddamn help whatsoever

“Would you like another one?” a rough voice asked

I looked up frolossy bar to see that theclose with the bartender since I walked in had slid onto the stool next to mine

He was big and blond, and I’d put him in his early to mid-thirties, maybe nine or ten years older than me Most important, he looked like he could throw me down and fuck me into oblivion Which was pretty much what I was after

When I nodded he s sressive fuck to a powerful, aggressive fuck who ht after Ideal

“I can only afford to pick up guys on Wednesdays,” he said, indicating the dollar-drink sign

It wasn’t funny, and it clearly wasn’t true But his confidence, corinned at ain, like he kneasn’t funnyit endeared him to me

“Sucks for you,” I said

I expected soeneric, predictable flirtation—“If I’m lucky” and a wink, or “It could suck for both of us if you come home with me” and a leer

But his eyes raked ht blue, laser focused, and curious Fuck, he was striking

“Nah,” he said seriously “I wouldn’t say so” He clinkedat the lip of the bottle, eyes on mine