Destiny’s feet were as angry as the clouds hovering low in the sky. She underestimated the distance from the hotel to the bar and winced every time the navy-blue strap at the back of her heel rubbed against the open blister. Perhaps pacing an entire day before walking over a mile in her new sandals wasn’t the best idea, and she cursed her poor choice of footwear. Those things were going in the trash the instant she returned to her room. Walking back was no longer an option, but at least she made it before the skies opened. She hoped the place was empty enough to find a seat.

     Stepping with a slight limp to the front of the building, she glanced at the old-style frosted glass on the windows and door. Making her speculate about the pub she’d walked up to. She knew a couple of gay bars still maintained those windows for privacy from insensitive asshats. Destiny wasn’t looking to be intrusive. She just wanted a place where she could grab a drink and attempt to figure out the next steps in her life.

     Taking a deep breath, she opened the door. The sudden crack of thunder and downpour of rain jolted her into the room, where a sea of male eyes turned to greet her. Not a woman in sight. For a heartbeat, she thought the storm may be easier to navigate, and contemplated returning to the hotel. Screw the rain.

     Ugh, but my heel.

     A man sitting at a table to the side caught her eye. The resemblance uncanny. They say everyone has a doppelgänger, and she’d found his. The familiarity of James’ face made her gut churn, and her thoughts swung to what she’d written in her journal. Straightening her back, she forced her feet toward the closest chair. A tall guy in black pants and a plain white shirt made his way over from behind the bar, his mouth tightly set.

     He opened it, simplifying things. “You’ve got the wrong place. Members only.”

     “Just men?”

     “Members only. You need to leave.”

     Hoping she could sway this dude to allow her to stay, she glanced around at the room full of males and mustered a bright smile. “It’s a nice place. Almost looks like a gentlemen’s club, if you ask me.”

     “Don’t remember asking.”

     His austere mien wilted the lighthearted manner she attempted to pull off. She understood why he didn’t want certain patrons here, but she wouldn’t remain long and would respect everyone’s boundaries.

     “Can I please stay for one drink? It’s just…my feet are killing me and it’s pouring buckets.” Destiny gave the filmy glass a once-over as though its molecular structure had morphed, allowing everyone to witness the soaker outside. “I won’t bother anyone. And as soon as I’m done, I’ll call an Uber and leave.”

     “Do you have a hearing problem? I’m asking you to leave now.”

     “Can I at least hang out while I wait for a ride?”

     “No.”

     “Tom. Stop being such an SOB and give her the damn drink. She looks like she could use one.”

     She turned toward her unknown ally, who sat a couple of stools away. The man’s long-sleeved burgundy shirt nestled against his upper body. His elbows rested on the antique oak bar with his hands clasped tight as he stared through hypnotic, dark eyes. Eyes that were almost ebony. Polar opposites of his short wheat blond hair, which was styled in a low fade that had grown out on top. The cut accentuating his strong jawline.

     “Thank you. But it’s not necessary. I don’t want to cause a scene or get anyone in trouble if that’s their policy. I’ll leave.”

     “Give her what she wants.” He spoke to the bartender before addressing her again. “Considering I’m the owner and create those policies, I’m sure I have the final say.” He extended his hand across the bar top between them. “Name’s Tieran.”

     She hesitated for a moment before matching his distance and shook it. “Destiny.”

     “Mine or yours?” His lips lengthened. “Sorry. You’ve probably heard that a million times.”

     “A million and one.”

     His laugh was melodious and warmed her from the inside. Whoa. What the hell? She needed to get her head on straight because she was certain he wasn’t, and even if he was—

     You built a wall, remember?

     Tom snapped a coaster in front of her, catching her attention.

     “Oh. I’ll have a rum and coke, please.” She retrieved her wallet from her jean pocket and pushed the twenty toward Tom.

     “No need,” Tieran said, “You’re covered.”

     “I appreciate it, but you’re already allowing me to stay. I can’t let you pay for my drink as well.”

     Mr. Sunshine placed the beverage in front of her and walked away. She swirled the swizzle stick around the ice a few times before emptying the glass. While her head remained bent toward her drink, she sensed Tieran’s gaze on her.

     “Rough day?” he asked.

     “You have no idea.”

     “You walked an obvious distance to sit in a bar with all men for a drink, which you downed in one go. I might have a clue. How ‘bout something a little stronger?”

     He held his finger up for his employee’s attention and the bartender wasted no time leaving his other customer mid-conversation.

 “Tom, give her a double of The Macallan 21. Neat. Make that two. I’ll take one as well.”

     Whatever drink Tom was about to dole out made him waver long enough for his eyebrows to shoot to his hairline.

     “Trying to get me drunk?” She winced after the half-joke left her mouth. “Sorry. Forgot where I was for a second.”

     Tieran’s brows creased, and he tilted his head when Tom slapped the glass in front of her. “I think you’ll enjoy this more and it should have the desired effect I believe you’re after.”

     “Whiskey?”

     Tieran’s lips turned up at the corners as he monitored his own two-finger pour. “Not just any.”

     Not being a whiskey connoisseur, she didn’t know what the fuss was about. She would make a point of looking it up when she got back.

Clasping onto the odd-shaped crystal, she inspected the amber liquid swirling inside. “Should we ‘cheers’ to something?”

     “How about…serendipitous friendships?”

Destiny crinkled her eyes, and she clinked her drink against his. “To serendipitous friendships.”

     After chugging the Scotch in one go, she unceremoniously smacked the empty glass on the bar. Tom eyed her with a what-the-fuck as Tieran tossed his head back with roaring laughter.

     “What?” Destiny scrunched her face. “Is there a protocol for how to drink this stuff?”

     Tieran’s grin widened. “Did you like it?”

     “Did she taste it?” Tom asked. “Damn good thing you didn’t give her the twenty-five,” he added, walking off to the opposite end of the bar.

     Destiny’s eyes and scowl followed him before she swiveled in Tieran’s direction. “He does not like me, does he? Or is it women in general?”

     “Don’t let him get to you. Tom doesn’t like most people. He’s not gender specific.”

     “Maybe he should question his career path.”

     Tieran released a small chuckle and jerked his head toward the vacant stemware. “So? What did you think?”

     “I liked it. I got vanilla and… I want to say… orange? A little spicy but smooth. I might have to get a bottle.”

     “I’m impressed. You have a good palate for someone who didn’t have it on her tongue long enough to get much of a read. But you may have a rough time finding it since they discontinued this one. Would you like another?”

     “You shouldn’t be wasting this on me, then. Besides, I think I need to pace myself. I’m already starting to feel the drinks I had.” Remembering her promise to leave after only one, she sobered with the thought of going back to an empty hotel room. “Did… did you want me to call for a ride now?”

     “After toasting to our newfound relationship? Hardly. And it’s not wasted if you enjoyed it.”

     Feeling her dimples deepen, she attempted to contain the happiness stretching across her face. “To be honest, I’m relieved.”

     “Yeah, you didn’t exactly seem hyped to get home anytime soon. You know it’s bartender law to confide about what you’re going through.” He shrugged. “And a pretty cheap way to gain advice.”

     “But you’re not the bartender. Mister Rogers’ over there is.” Destiny tipped her head in Tom’s direction. “And no offense, but in that case, I’ll get those pearls of wisdom in someone else’s neighborhood.”

     “What? I don’t count? I may be the owner, but I started out bartending. Still do occasionally. Look, I’m not guaranteeing I can offer any sage counseling, but I can lend an ear. And sometimes that’s all it takes. Besides, I thought we were friends now?”

     “I don’t think you have that much time on your hands.”

     “Why don’t you let me worry about how much time I have.”

     She mused over telling her tales of woe to a virtual stranger. Talking to him would be more productive than spilling into a diary. It’s possible Tieran could provide suggestions she hadn’t thought of. Or maybe he had the number of an excellent lawyer she could use.

     “Okay. But if I’m unpacking the complexities of my life, it’s going to require way more alcohol.”

     Tieran winked. “Lucky for you, I know a guy.”