Romance: Playing With Fire - Contemporary Romance (Chasing Happiness Series, Romance, Contemporary Romance Book 1) Read Online Free

His overt feelings for her touched her in a way no other man had. Suddenly, she was important and mattered to someone.
    When she fell for him, she fell hard. She couldn’t even remember when he stopped being the John she used to love so much—the John that accompanied her to her craft shows, that used to boast about her work to friends, and even helped her business by suggesting her items as gifts to friends.
    He used to be proud of her. And now? Tina slowly pushed the rings off her finger and turned them over in the pads of her fingertips. “Now he doesn’t even care that I exist.”

Chasing Dreams
    Chapter Six
     
    The air was stuffy, a huge contrast from the previous night when only smooth music and a low rumble of mixed voices greeted Tina and her friends. It was Sunday, and there were a lot more people than before. She had just been given entrance to the second floor. These people weren’t kids. They were adults looking to meet and connect with other mature adults. That’s why she had purchased a membership to the club—that’s why anyone ever became a member here.
    They were tired of the college students and late twenty-somethings running from their responsibilities. Along with the increase in patronages, so too had the volume risen from a conversational rumble to a step below a cafeteria roar.
    As she ascended, she could make out a smooth voice over the speaker system. Her heart rate increased. Is that Brett? She tried to peer through the many heads and bodies standing on the open floor of the lounge.
    She heard pool balls breaking in the distance, empty glasses clanking, women and men laughing. There was too much shifting on the floor for her to see the stage. Some people grooved in their own world on the open floor. Several people lounged at corner tables, playing cards and dominoes.
    “Want a drink? On us this time.”
    Tina turned to the voice. It wasn’t Brett’s. Behind the bar she met the rusty eyes of the bartender grinning back at her. His smile eased her nerves.
    She stammered a yes, and then helped herself to a seat he motioned her too. As she sat, she pulled her purse around to rest on her lap, and took a deep breath. “It’s been a while since I’ve been in a place like this,” she admitted.
    The bartender only nodded, preparing for her a lightly mixed drink. “Hopefully this’ll get you to relax,” he laid out a napkin as he sat a tall, skinny glass down with three cubes of ice. “Enjoy. It’s a Jack and coke.” He nodded towards her drink.
    Tina smiled, feeling giddy inside. She lifted the glass, pulling the straw towards her. The liquid was both cold and hot. As it made its way down her throat, she felt its warmth smoothing out the flutters within her gut. She smiled, sitting tall with a deep breath. “That’s a great mix. Thanks.”
    “No problem,” he gestured towards the stage. “Brett will be on after this set is done. He’s great in the evening. Really sets a good mood.”
    Tina nodded, feigning mild interest at the stage. “He sings with just acoustic?”
    The bartender nodded. “Mostly. He’s a chill guy,” he paused, then smiled. “I’m Matt, his best friend.”
    Allowing a girlish giggle, Tina locked hair behind her ear. “I figured you guys must be close. How long have you known each other.”
    “Almost ten years.”
    Tina took another sip. “Wow,” she didn’t hide her astonishment, “That’s a long time.”
    Matt nodded. “Brett’s a good guy. You’ll like him. I’ll see if he can come over before he hits the stage—”
    “Oh no,” Tina shook her head quickly. “I just came because it’s Sunday and I wanted some me time,” she spoke so fast her words flowed together like running water. “He doesn’t need to try and see me, I don’t even know him.”
    Matt paused. “Oh, I thought you came to see him.”
    Tina flushed, face beginning to burn. This was a bad idea. In her hesitation, Matt put up a hand. “Don’t worry, you won’t be