Wish You Were Mine

The neon lights of the club pulsed, flashing to the beat of the music as Nora and I made our way toward a table in the corner where our friends from the university hockey team had decided to gather for the night.

Usually, the guys held their after-game parties at the big house just off campus where a bunch of them lived so they could celebrate their win with the other students at Eden Falls University. But since it was the middle of winter break, and most of their fan club was home for the holidays with their families, they decided to take their celebration to The Garden.

“This place is amazing,” I told my best friend Nora as I slipped into the booth beside her, wondering why we’d never been here before. We didn’t drink much, since we were both on the university gymnastics team and tried our best to stick to our meal plans, but we did enjoy a good party on the nights we weren’t studying or training.

“I know, right?” she said, glancing around at the main level of the upscale club. “I’d heard this place was meant to look like the Garden of Eden or something, but I didn’t really believe it would look this good.”

“I wonder if all the plants are real,” I mused, eyeing the leafy vines creeping along the balcony above and the botanical arrangements filling every corner. It was full-on winter in Connecticut, but here, with the lush foliage and columns wrapped in vines and leaves to resemble trees, I could almost pretend that summer was right around the corner. In this ethereal ambiance, I could almost forget that my final semester of college was looming on the horizon, along with the reality that I’d have to start acting more like an adult soon.

Yeah...I had mixed feelings about graduating this coming May. Sure, as a senior I was thrilled to be almost done with my bachelor’s degree—it had been a grueling few years working to keep my grades up while trying to be in top shape for gymnastics. But even though things got crazy at times, I was also a bit overwhelmed about what came after. 

My life had revolved around gymnastics since I was three, and with my final season ending in just a few short months, I didn’t know what I’d do with myself once it was all over.

Hopefully, I’d find a job I liked in marketing…since changing my major for the fourth time was not exactly an option at this point. Not unless I wanted to come back for a fifth year of college.

"So, what are you wearing to my brother’s New Year’s Eve party?" Nora asked, breaking me from my thoughts.

"I haven’t decided yet," I said, tossing a lock of my blonde hair over my shoulder. “I’ve never been to a party at a famous pop star’s house before. Do you think everyone there is going to be crazy rich?”

“Probably.” Nora shrugged. “Ky doesn’t exactly have normal friends these days.”

That was an understatement. Nora had come from a normal middle-class family, but after her older brother, the famous Ky Miller, won a Grammy for Best New Artist for his debut album a few years ago, everything changed. And now, Ky had a huge place in the Hamptons where Nora invited me to stay with her for New Year’s.

“I’m just hoping Miles will be there,” I said, thinking about Ky’s NFL quarterback friend who had been at Ky’s Fourth of July party a couple of summers ago.

“Oh, definitely.” Nora’s eyes lit up. “He’s always fun to flirt with.”

“And not too bad to look at either.” I winked, picturing the tall guy with broad shoulders who was the sole reason Nora and I now tuned into the New Haven Sentinels games on Sunday afternoons. “Hopefully, he gets a night off with their big game against the Dragons coming up on Sunday.”

Though, since New Year’s Eve was on Friday, there was probably a low chance of him sneaking in time for a party.

I was about to ask if she and I would be sharing the same room at Ky’s house when a familiar raised voice caught my attention. 

“I wouldn’t be saying that if I was you,” the angry voice of the hockey team’s captain, Josh Rallison, cut through the club’s upbeat music. “I saved your butt out there, and if it wasn’t for me, you’d be sitting out next game.”

I turned toward the sound of his voice, my heart giving an involuntary thud. Josh was standing a few feet away, speaking to another guy on the team, his jaw set and his body tense.

And even though we were trying to stay friends after our breakup last summer, my stomach still rolled at the memory of his temper. 

But before I could get too worked up, Josh’s eyes immediately softened and his lips curled into a grin as he slapped Andrew on the back, laughing. “Just kidding,” he said, his tone suddenly light. “Let’s just not make a habit of it, okay?”

I exhaled, the tension leaving my body as I watched the two guys laugh together. 

So he was just joking around this time?

“You okay?” Nora asked with a raised eyebrow. 

“Yeah,” I said, shaking my head with a small, relieved smile. “Just...old habits die hard, you know?”

“Oh, I know…” It looked like Nora was going to say something bad about Josh. But her expression softened instead. “I think it’s cool that you and Josh are getting along better this semester. After everything that happened.”

“We’re getting there.” I nodded slowly. “It’s definitely…complicated, but we’re making progress.”

“Well, I still think you need to find another guy tonight like we were talking about earlier.” She smirked, her tone turning light. “You know, before you’re tempted to fall back into that ‘on-again, off-again’ cycle with Josh.”

“I’ve learned my lesson,” I said, sounding less sure than I intended. “We won’t be getting back together.”

“Good.” Nora gave me a satisfied smile. “You deserve someone who knows how lucky they are to have you. Someone tall and strong and sexy…” 

“Are you sure you’re not daydreaming about Miles Hawthorne again?” I grinned into my glass, the starry-eyed look in my best friend’s eyes all too familiar since it was basically the same expression she had on Sunday when the cameramen zoomed in on his face during the Sentinels game.

“No…” She shoved my arm and shot me a look. “You know my brother’s best friend is off limits.”

“Yes…but that hasn’t stopped you from having steamy dreams featuring him and you in a hot tub now, has it?”

She rolled her eyes. “I knew I never should have told you about that dream.”

I laughed. “I mean, it did sound like a really good dream. I certainly wouldn’t mind a good hot-tub make-out sesh right about now.”

She raised her glass. “You and me both.”

“For real.” I clinked my glass with hers.

“Which is why our dating drought has to end tonight,” Nora said, turning in the booth, her eyes scanning the club like a hawk. “I mean, we’re hot, talented seniors on a Division One gymnastics team. We’re catches. And even if none of the guys at school were smart enough to snatch us up Fall semester, surely there’s someone here who could be our perfect knight in shining armor...for at least one night, right?”

“I guess,” I said, glancing around at the various men in the club. “I mean, there has to be someone here for you at least.”

Nora’s brow furrowed. “But not you?”

I shrugged, my gaze drifting over to Josh who was standing a few feet away, chugging a beer with a few of his hockey friends while the other guys chanted “chug, chug, chug” in unison. 

“It’s probably not the best idea for me to hook up with some random guy in front of my ex…” I sighed, looking back at Nora. “Especially when I already agreed to be his designated driver tonight..”

“Ugh, why do you always have to be so considerate of his feelings?” Nora tsked, shaking her head. “I mean, he’s the one that messed up.”

“I know.” I sighed, the familiar knot of confusion tightening in my chest. “I just don’t want to risk messing up the truce we have going right now.”

When she opened her mouth to protest, no doubt ready to accuse me of being too considerate of my ex, I quickly added, “But he won’t be at Ky’s party, right? So we can focus on finding my knight in shining armor on Friday instead.”

“I’m gonna hold you to that.” Nora’s face lit up with a mischievous grin as she pointed a finger at me. “Because after dating the same dud for three years, you deserve to have at least a little fun during your last few months of college.”

“So true.”

“All right, let’s get serious,” Nora said, shifting in her seat again. “Time to scan the room for potential candidates.”

With that, the playful energy between us kicked back in. But as I glanced around the club, I realized I wasn’t exactly sure what I was looking for since I had no clue what type of guy Nora would be in the mood for tonight.

But apparently, Nora was more decisive than usual because she quickly pointed toward the bar.

“Okay, I’ve got a contender,” she said, her voice low with excitement. “Oh, he’s a major hottie.”

I followed her gaze and froze as I took in the guy she was looking at. He had dark hair, was tall and broad-shouldered, and looked...surprisingly familiar.

I blinked my eyes a few times, wondering for a split second if I was seeing things. 

Was it possible the bartender had slipped me the alcoholic version of a Moscow Mule instead of the virgin one I’d asked for, and the alcohol was messing with my eyes? 

But when I focused on the guy and recognized the button-up shirt I’d given him for Christmas, I knew I couldn’t be mistaken. Because I was ninety-nine percent sure the guy my best friend was pointing at was none other than...my older brother, Theo.

“Umm, Nora…” I started to say when Theo turned his head sideways just enough for us to get a better view of his face. 

And I knew the moment Nora recognized him, too, because her face immediately went beet-red.

“Oh my gosh!” She gasped, covering her mouth with her hand. “That’s Theo! I can’t believe I just called your brother a major hottie.”

I burst out laughing. “Apparently, your subconscious wants you to end this year with a bang by having you go after all the forbidden people in your life. First, it’s your brother’s best friend, then it’s your best friend’s brother... Who’s it gonna be next? Are you gonna go after Josh? Your best friend’s ex?”

“Never!” She crinkled her nose. “Ew. No.” 

“I mean, you and Theo would be pretty cute together.” I waggled my eyebrows, teasing her. “And just think...we could be sisters.”

“He’s way too old for me.” Nora rolled her eyes dramatically. “Plus, I know you think your niece is the cutest, but I’m nowhere near ready to be trusted with raising a child anytime soon.”

“So it’s only because he’s almost thirty and has a daughter?” I grinned, raising an eyebrow. “Because if you think my brother is hot...I can go up to him right now and ask if the attraction is mutual.”

“Oh no, you won’t!” Nora’s eyes widened as she grabbed my arm, yanking me back. “You will not walk over there and tell your sexy corporate lawyer brother that I think he’s hot.”

“Oh, so you think my brother’s sexy?” I grinned even wider. 

Her eyes narrowed, but I could see the pink creeping up her neck. “I’m not blind. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to make a fool of myself tonight. Plus...isn’t he still grieving?”

I sighed, my expression softening as I thought about Theo. “He’ll probably always miss Alisha,” I said quietly, referring to my brother’s late wife who had died in a car accident a year and a half ago. “But he’s gone on a few dates lately, so I think he’s ready. Come on, let’s go talk to him. We’ve always said we should have been sisters.”

“No.” Nora chuckled, shaking her head. “I get why you’d want this but…roommates, teammates, and best friends will have to be it for us.”

“Fine.” I pouted playfully. “I guess I’ll try to be okay with that.” I was about to say something else when my gaze shifted back to the bar where Theo was now talking to one of the bartenders—and my breath caught.

Because...wow. The bartender was mega sexy. Dark hair, huge biceps that looked like they’d been carved from stone, and when he smiled at something Theo must have said, his whole face lit up, creating this instant magnetic pull.

“Holy crap,” Nora muttered, leaning in closer to get a better look. “Who’s that?”

“I…” I blinked, feeling my pulse speed up. “I have no idea. But wow.”

“Well, it looks like he and your brother are friends.” Nora grinned, raising a reddish-brown eyebrow. “Maybe we should forget about your plan to spare Josh’s feelings tonight and ask your brother for an introduction?”

I glanced over at Josh, who was now sitting in the booth with his back to the bar, and for a moment, I considered Nora’s suggestion. Maybe it was okay to say hi to my brother.

But just as we were standing from the booth, Nora winced and placed a hand on her lower stomach. “Can we hit the bathroom first? Because I really need to pee.”

“You and your tiny bladder.” I laughed, shaking my head. 

We headed to the bathroom, but as we were making our way back toward the bar, Josh was standing there, already getting another drink. When he saw us, he waved us over to him. 

“You two are still planning to be our DDs tonight, right?” he asked when we reached him, putting a muscular arm around my shoulders.

“Yes.” I nodded, trying not to feel that familiar warmth and safety that always came when he had his arm around me. “We’re just getting waters now.”

“Good. ‘Cause I’m about to get wast-ed,” he said excitedly.

And even though he seemed happy, a flicker of concern flashed through me. Josh wasn’t the best at knowing his limits, and he sometimes got into trouble because of it. 

But he’s not your responsibility anymore… I reminded myself. 

Plus, he really did seem happier tonight than he’d been last spring, so hopefully, things were better now and would stay that way.

The bartender finished preparing Josh’s drinks—one shot of clear liquor, probably vodka, and a beer—and set them down on the bar. “Looks like my drinks are done,” Josh said, giving me a quick kiss on the forehead before grabbing them. Then turning back to Nora and me with a grin, he said, “Enjoy your waters, girls.”

“What was that?” Nora asked, looking perplexed. “Do you think he’s already drunk enough that he forgot you’re broken up?”

“I have no idea,” I said, feeling as confused as she looked. “But at least we’re getting along?”

I watched Josh head back to his buddies, relieved that he seemed to be in a good mood at least. Then Nora looped her arm through mine, pulling me farther down the bar to where we’d seen Theo sitting earlier.

Just as we approached, two seats next to Theo became available.

“Hey, bro,” I said, sliding onto the bar stool next to him. “Fancy running into you here.” 

“Oh hey, Lucy.” Theo looked up from his glass of scotch, clearly surprised to see us. “What are you doing here?”

“Came with Nora and the hockey team to celebrate their win.” I shrugged. “We saw you from our table and thought we’d say hi.”

And yeah…hoping to flirt a little with the bartender too. But my brother didn’t need to know about that other motive.

“Well, what a great surprise. Never thought I’d see the day when my baby sister would be grown up enough that I’d run into her at a club.” Theo was eight years older than me so we hadn’t hung out much growing up. But after Alisha died, I’d moved in with him to help with Charlotte during my summer breaks from college and we’d grown a lot closer because of that.

“And it’s good to see you as always, Nora.” Theo leaned forward to smile at my friend. “I trust you’re keeping my sister out of trouble.”

“Of course,” Nora said, and I noticed the faintest flush creeping up her neck when she met my brother’s gaze.

Was she blushing? 

When our eyes met, I could’ve sworn I saw her shoot me a warning look, as if telling me to keep our earlier conversation about how attractive she thought my brother was just between us.

I turned back to Theo and asked, “What are you doing here all alone on a Sunday night anyway?”

“I met a girl for drinks earlier.” Theo took a sip of his drink, leaning back in his seat. “Walked her to her car, then decided to come back and chat with my friend Owen.” He gave a subtle nod toward the bartender Nora and I had been eyeing earlier. “Charlotte’s at Mom and Dad’s tonight, and I just didn’t feel like heading home yet.”

“Ooohh, you had a date?” I asked, raising an eyebrow. “How was it?”

“It was all right.” Theo shrugged. “Someone I met on a dating app, but I don’t think there’ll be a second date.”

“Ah, dang,” I said, frowning.

“It’s okay,” he said, turning his wrist to adjust his Rolex. “Owen and I were actually just talking about how it’s all a numbers game. As long as we keep at it, it’s gotta work out sometime.”

“Oh, so you’re on the dating apps, too?” Nora turned toward the bartender, who had just walked over from the other end of the bar, clearly picking up on the fact that Owen was the friend Theo had been talking about.

“Yeah.” Owen gave a half-smile, leaning slightly against the bar. “I caved about a month ago and signed up.”

“But you’re still single?” Nora raised an eyebrow, and I could feel my cheeks heat up when Owen’s gaze shifted between me and Nora. 

His eyes lingered on mine for a heart-pounding second, seeming to inspect my face, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he could somehow sense why we might be interested in his relationship status.

Hopefully, he didn’t think we were trying to hit on him…even if that was exactly why we’d come over.

“Yeah, I’m single,” Owen said with a shrug, a playful glint in his eyes.

It looked like he was about to say something more, but then Theo patted me on the back and said, “Lucy here has no idea how bad online dating is these days.”

“Never had to sign up, huh?” Owen asked.

“Nope,” Theo answered for me. “She met her long-term boyfriend at their freshman orientation and that was that.”

And with those few words, my heart dropped because Theo made it sound like Josh and I were still together.

Which we definitely weren’t. 

I cleared my throat to clear things up. But before I could say anything, Owen said, “I’m guessing the long-term boyfriend is the guy I just saw you with? The one I gave drinks to down the bar?”

“Yeah,” I muttered, tension creeping up my neck as I shifted in my seat. 

But before I could explain that Josh and I were just friends, Owen glanced at us again. “So, are you two just here to chat with my fancy lawyer friend, or would you like me to get you something to drink?”

 “Can I get a water?” I asked trying to keep my tone casual though my words came out too quickly.

“Me too,” Nora added.

“Sure thing.” Owen nodded and turned to grab our drinks. His movements were smooth, confident. 

And as he filled our glasses, I couldn’t help but watch the way his muscles flexed with every motion, his biceps subtly stretching the fabric of his black T-shirt. He was different from the guys at school—a few years older, obviously. But I also sensed a confident maturity that was so attractive after dating a dude-bro for so many years. 

When he returned with our waters, a guy in a business suit approached the bar, and instead of lingering to chat like I’d hoped, Owen quickly shifted his focus to the new customer.

“You and Nora still heading to Ky’s party on Friday?” Theo asked, bringing me back into our conversation.

“Yeah,” I replied, trying to focus on my brother, though my thoughts wanted to keep slipping back to his friend. “What about you? Were you able to get a babysitter for Charlotte?”

“Alisha’s parents are keeping her overnight. So I should be able to make it,” Theo said with a smile. “I don’t know what I’d do without all the family around to help.”

“I know,” I said. “We’re the best.”

“And humble, too.” Theo chuckled and took another sip of his scotch.

“Of course.” I grinned.

As we continued to talk, a guy who looked to be in his mid-twenties stepped up to the bar next to Nora, striking up a conversation with her.

“Think Nora’s gonna give this guy a chance?” Theo nodded over at the light-haired guy who had started chatting with my friend.

“I don’t know.” I looked at the guy briefly and then to Nora, studying her body language. “She seems interested right now at least.”

“Yeah?” Theo raised a dark eyebrow. “I can never tell with her.”

“Why do you say that?” I asked, curious what my brother thought about my best friend.

“I don’t know.” He shrugged. “I’ve just seen her with so many different types of guys since you’ve been friends that I’ve always been curious if there’s a common thread among any of them.”

“Yeah, I have no idea,” I admitted, since I’d been equally puzzled about Nora’s tastes in men. “But I think a lot of it is the chase.”

“The chase?” Theo furrowed his brow.

“Being pursued,” I said. “You know, having someone woo her. It’s nice to feel wanted.”

At least, I wouldn’t mind feeling wanted for a change. Desired. Instead of as just someone’s backup plan.

“I guess I can see that,” Theo nodded thoughtfully. “We all want to feel wanted.” He looked back at Nora and seemed like he was about to say something when his phone buzzed. After checking the notification, he sighed and said, “My ride just pulled up out front. I better head out.”

“Got another early morning meeting in New Haven?” I asked, knowing my brother’s high-powered law firm kept him busy. He was one of the youngest junior partners in the firm’s history and was hoping to make senior partner before too long.

“My client wants to meet before his deposition.”

“Sounds exciting,” I said, still not fully understanding what my brother’s demanding job entailed.

“Very,” he said with a wink, grabbing his suit coat from the back of his chair and slipping it over his shoulders.

“Well…” I stood and gave him a quick hug. “Take care, bro.”

“You, too.” After returning my hug, Theo tapped Nora on the shoulder to say a quick goodbye. “See you Friday.” And just like that, he was gone.

I slipped back into my seat. Since Nora was still happily chatting with the guy next to her, leaving me the third wheel, I let my gaze wander over to Owen while I sipped on my water. He was wiping down the counter with a dishrag, and maybe it was because I hadn’t kissed anyone in months, but dang! The way the muscles in his forearms flexed as he moved the cloth...it was so hot. Almost hypnotizing.

I’d never seen arms like his before. 

Did he just lift weights all day?

As a bartender, his schedule was probably pretty open for a nice, long mid-morning workout at the gym...

He had a great torso, too. Nice pecs. Toned shoulders and back.

The sleeve of his black T-shirt rose just enough on his bicep to reveal the bottom of a tattoo. Dang. Tattoos were hot.

Did he have any others? Maybe something on that well-defined chest of his? Or on his back...

Too bad I wasn’t drunk right now. If I was, I might be able to get away with flirtatiously asking him to show me more of his tattoo.

Okay, Lucy…you’re getting way too carried away, I chided myself. Since when did I objectify guys like this?

Since you saw the sexiest man alive wiping down the counter like he had plans to lick something right off of it.

I found myself imagining him walking around the bar, his eyes locked on mine, the space between us pulsing with tension. He’d step closer, his strong hands gently lifting me up on the counter, setting me there as if it were the most natural thing in the world. The cool—now sparkling clean—surface beneath me would send a shiver through my body and then his hands would thread through my hair, tilting my head back just enough for him to press his lips to mine. 

It would start soft, tentative—because, of course, he was a gentleman—but then heat and hunger would rush in, and before long, I’d be wondering if I was about to burst into flames.

I closed my eyes, imagining the feeling of his mouth against mine, the way his kiss would send a shiver down my spine, the way his strong hands would press into my back and pull me closer to him and—

“…Now to see if that guy actually texts me,” Nora’s voice entered my mind.

And just like that, I was snapped out of my fantasy and back to sitting in my seat—sadly, not in the bartender’s arms.

“Sorry, what?” I blinked, looking at Nora who was watching me. 

And that was when I realize that the guy she’d been chatting with was no longer at the bar.

My cheeks instantly burned. How long had I been checked out for?

Nora grinned, clearly aware of what was going on. “I was just saying that I wonder if that guy will actually text me or if he was just being nice.”

“He asked for your number?”

“Yeah,” she said, glancing over at Owen briefly before raising her eyebrows at me. “But I think you might need to exchange more than just phone numbers with our sexy bartender before you internally combust.”

“Was my daydreaming that obvious, then?” I gasped, covering my eyes with my hands.

“Only because I know you.” Nora chuckled. 

“Sorry.” I shook my head. “I don’t know what has come over me tonight. I just...I don’t think I’ve ever found a guy so physically attractive in my life.”

“Well…” Nora laughed. “He is way hot and your exact physical type. Almost as if that guy from your favorite Korean drama and Theo James had a baby...”

“Two guys having a baby?” I cocked an eyebrow. “Do I need to give you a biology lesson?”

Not that I’d ever been great at science. I was, after all, the girl who had put off getting her required chemistry credits done until her last semester of college.

“Oh, you know what I mean.” Nora waved it off.

“I know, I was teasing.” I laughed nervously, feeling so jittery as I glanced back to Owen and considered Nora’s description. And realizing that she was spot on, I said, “And yeah, that’s actually the perfect description. Like Kim Soo-hyun and Theo James had a baby that grew up to be a hot bartender.”

Almost as if his ears had been burning, said bartender looked down the bar at us. When his eyes briefly locked with mine, my heart skipped a beat. And as he walked back toward us, his confidence practically radiating off of him, a rush of heat flooded my cheeks.

Get yourself together, Lucy, I told myself. Just because he’s walking your way doesn’t mean you can slip into another fantasy.

“Do you ladies need anything” he asked, his voice smooth, deeper than I remembered. “Another water? Or perhaps something stronger?”

And suddenly, I was tongue-tied. 

Which had never happened to me before.

“I’ll take another water,” Nora answered first. Then with a smirk, she added, “And your phone number for my friend here.”

“Nora!” I gasped, my eyes going wide before I elbowed her in the side. “I can’t believe you just said that.”

But Owen’s eyes sparkled with amusement as he glanced at me and said, “Didn’t our mutual friend Theo mention you had a long-time boyfriend?”