Overtime

7: Mechanical Bull

The last time I hung out with Miles was Sunday. He said hello to me every day this week. He walked me to my car after practice, even if he didn't have a chance to shower first. I wanted to tell him he looked hot when he sweats, but I always swallowed the words. We hadn't flirted again, and I wonder if he was embarrassed about the other night.

The girls and I were sitting at a table at the Wild Beaver Saloon. Emma and her band were singing tonight, and I promised Amber I would ride the mechanical bull with her. We always go out on Fridays and watch Emma sing at whatever bar she was at that night, like the supportive friends we are.

Riley took off work for the night, and we were very appreciative. Except for the fact that the boys love Riley, which means they surround us. Three men were sitting between us, one for each of us, which I didn't mind because the guy talking to me was very attractive. And they weren't from here. They're visiting Nashville for one of their friend's birthdays, so I'll never have to see them again.

"You have the prettiest eyes," the attractive guy asks. I didn't bother asking his name. He wouldn't remember me in ten minutes. He was wasted, and I was getting there because he was the one buying me drinks. Amber was the same way; she flirted for drinks. My man talked the entire time; I barely had to speak.

I twirled my straw in my drink, smiling at the guy as I pretended to hear him talk about his favorite football team. I stare through him, watching Emma in the back, and I don't think he notices or even cares. She had the prettiest voice as she sang a cover of one of Lainey Wilson's songs. I'd rather stand by the stage and listen to her than this man with the screeching voice of a bird.

After he began to talk about his girlfriend from back home, I decided it was time to disappear. "Amber, do you want to ride the bull now?"

She looked at me with pleading eyes, "Yes, please." We finished the rest of our drinks, leaving Riley, who was seriously engaged in talking to a guy. She was the heartbreaker of the group, not wanting to settle down with one guy just yet. Plenty of guys were throwing themselves at her to have just one.

We stand in line and wait to ride the bull. "Am I going first, or are you?"

Amber shoves me in front of her, "You."

I roll my eyes, slipping my shoes off, "Figures." I hand her my phone and purse, waiting for my turn.

The girl in front falls off, and it's my turn to ride. I walk slowly on the bouncy inflated floor to the bull. I jump and swing my leg over. I scoot onto the seat, grab the handle underhanded, and raise my left hand. Emma sings a cover of the song 'Gunpowder and Lead,' and I sing along as the bull begins to rock back and forth.

It starts slowly, and I look at the crowd around the ring and the people watching. The bull begins to jerk, and It slides me to the right, and I almost fall. I sit back up and start a rhythm to move with the bull. It jerks me again, and I slide again but can't pull myself up. I let go and let myself fall onto the floor. The crowd cheers, and I get up, my head feeling a little dizzy from the alcohol. I walk back to Amber, who is going next. "That was so much fun!"

I hold her things, and she climbs up on the bull as I put my boots back on and watch. I cheer for her as the bull begins to rock, and she looks scared shitless. "You know, I think I could watch that a few more times," a familiar voice whispers in my ear.

I gasped, turning around, "Miles, how'd you know we were here?"

He points to Caleb beside us, who cheers for Amber as the bull slowly rocks. "Them two were plotting a scheme to get us all together." Amber and Caleb had gotten together a few times already, which made me jealous.

I laugh, then gasp as Amber is thrown off the bull onto the ground. She gets up, and we cheer as she walks stumbles to us. "Look who's here!"

I grab her, helping her down onto the ground, "I see. A little birdy told me this was all your idea, too."

She grins, "Those dudes were annoying the shit out of me. We needed bodyguards."

We walk back to our table, where Riley sits, still talking to the same guy with his hands all over her. She blushes when she sees all of us, "Hello, there." She turns away from the dude and looks at Miles. "Riley."

"Hey," Miles greets her. He leans to my ear from behind me, "You want a drink?"

I lean back on his chest, looking up at him, "Sure, surprise me. I like anything."

He and Caleb walk away, and Emma shouts into the microphone, "I'll be back in ten." She stands up and runs over to us, whisper-shouting, "What the hell, guys, again?"

I laugh and point to Amber, "It was all her." I watch Miles at the bar, leaning over the counter, as a man talks to him. He probably recognized him. There were girls on either side of him, looking for a way to engage in a conversation with him, too. I don't know if I could ever get used to that.

He returns with a beer in one hand and a drink in the other. "I don't know drinks, so I got you a margarita. I only know beer."

I laugh, taking the drink from his hand, "Thank you. I love Margaritas and beer."

Emma puts herself between us, "Hi. I'm Emma, the forgotten friend."

I roll my eyes as Miles shakes her hand. "Miles. Are you the one singing?" She nods, "You have a great voice." His eyes flicker between me and her.

"Thank you. I wanted to introduce myself since my friends haven't let me meet you." She then disappears back to the stage, taking her seat.

"Are you gonna get on the bull?"

He shakes his head, "Hell no. I don't need to embarrass myself in front of you. But I'd love to watch you again."

I'm happy it's dark in here because I know my face is red. "You enjoyed watching me?"

He took a step closer so we were touching. He wrapped his arm around my waist, and I wanted to melt. His touch made me feel tipsy, and I wanted to be drunk. Very drunk. "Seeing you ride a bull made me wonder what else you can ride."

I suck my bottom lip, wanting to do nothing but kiss him. "I can ride plenty of things." I put my free hand on his chest, which was rock solid. I could feel his abs through his shirt.

"Say, how far is your apartment?" His breathing was harsh, his chest rising up and down.

"About three blocks from here. You want to come check it out?"

"I'd love that." We finished the rest of our drinks, and I made eye contact with each of my friends, giving them the look they usually give me when they want to bring a man back. I grab his hand and lead him out of the bar.