Blindsided: An Age Gap Romance

Chapter 3

Robin

Swirling the tip of my finger around the rim of my bottle, I let the vibration of the music pulse through me. I don't usually frequent bars, but tonight I just need to forget. Forget that my father has been sleeping with my best friend for five months and is expecting his child and forget that I've possibly just ruined my life by dropping out of college.

"Hey Gorgeous, I ain't seen you here before." I don't, however, need this.

I look up noticing a guy stumbling into my booth, knocking over my drink.

"That's because I've never been here before." Reaching for the napkins, I wipe the table and my hands.

"Well ain't this my lucky night. How 'bout a dance, Darlin'?" The stench of alcohol on his breath blows across my face, causing me to gag.

I offer a forced smile and hope Whiskey Breath gets the hint. "I'm good but thanks for the offer."

Unsteady on his feet, he braces the table for support. He leans down, getting a little too close for comfort. "Ah, c'mon now. You didn't come here dressed like that just to sit all alone."

Seriously? "Actually, I did. Now if you wouldn't mind, I'd like to get back to my night." I'm trying desperately hard not to lose my patience.

"What's your fucking problem? I just want a goddamn dance. You don't have to be such a frigid bitch about it." He slurs angrily. They say chivalry's dead, but they haven't met this charmer.

"Listen, I don't want any trouble. I just want to be left alone."

"You're lying to me, little girl, and I don't like liars."

"And I think you need to back the fuck off before I make you," a deep voice threatens as he grabs Whiskey Breath by the collar and yanks him back, placing himself between us.

"Who the fuck are you?" Whiskey Breaths snaps, glaring at my rescuer.

"I'm the man who's gonna knock you the fuck out if you don't leave my girl alone."

Scoffing, Whiskey Breath sways to the left. "Whatever. Fucking have at her. Bitch isn't worth it anyway."

My rescuer clenches his fists as his jaw tics. "Beat it. Now," he warns.

Mumbling incoherently, Whiskey Breath heads toward the bar. My rescuer turns to me and I almost choke on my tongue.

Holy crap... it's him.

Carter Knox, the angry young boy my father had taken in all those years ago, and the very same Carter Knox I'd had the biggest crush on.

The same guy who'd broken my heart in a monumental way.

Jesus Christ.

He must be in his early thirties now, and god, he's aged deliciously. Taking a quick glance, I noted that he was the definition of masculinity. Broad shoulders and a slim, muscular body, he is easily 6'2". His brown hair cut short and styled as a slight dusting of stubble covers his jawline. His very chiseled jawline.

"Mind if I join you?" Carter asks, sliding into the booth before I can respond.

Does he not know who I am?

Well, it has been three years, Idiot.

"I guess not."

Winking, he settles back to stretch his legs. "You're welcome, by the way."

My eyebrows shoot up. "Excuse me?"

"I saved your ass with that joker, and you know it." Clearly with age comes cockiness, making him even sexier. Dammit.

My lips tip up in amusement. "I had it handled."

"I don't doubt it." He chuckles. "I could see you were holding yourself back from beating his ass. Very convincing."

Stifling a smile, I repeat, "I had it handled."

"Sure you did." he winks. "Is this the part where you pledge your undying gratitude for my saving you? Or maybe name your firstborn after me?"

I can't help but laugh. "Wow, full of yourself much?"

He shrugs, a knowing grin on his face as he holds his hands up. "Hey, I'm only going by the shit written in nearly every romance novel out there. Women drool over that kinda thing."

Running my tongue over my bottom lip, I can't help the ripple of satisfaction that runs through me as his eyes lower to my mouth. "Read many romance novels, have you?"

His mouth slants. "What can I say, I know what women like."

Leaning forward, I rest my elbows on the table and lace my fingers together. "You don't know what this woman likes."

He mimics my movements, but leans in further until our forearms almost touch. "You sure about that?"

The intoxicating scent of his aftershave wraps around me, creating delicious ripples of desire between my thighs. I keep my eyes trained on his. "You know who I am."

Carter drags his teeth over his bottom lip, his gaze fixes on my mouth. "As if I'd ever forget."

Sitting back in the booth, I shake my head, feeling like a complete moron. "Why'd you let me carry on if you knew who I was?"

Carter quirks a smug grin. "It was entertaining. You were very persuasive."

I roll my eyes. "I see you're still an asshole."

He taps his fingers along the wood. "Never claimed to be anything but, Robbie."

"Yeah, I just knew how much of an asshole you were until 3 years ago when you pushed me out of your life."

Carter's expression turns serious and his jaw clenches. "You know why I did that."

"No. I don't. All I know is you kissed me then pushed me away like I was nothing. Like I meant nothing." That kiss was the most magical kiss of my life. The way he brushed his lips against mine, so softly and tenderly. I felt so cherished.

"That was the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but you know why I did it. I couldn't let you throw your life away for me."

I sit there for a second, biting my cheek and contemplating my next words. I'll probably kick myself for asking this but I need to know. "Do you ever think about it?"

Stormy green eyes find mine. "Every fucking day."