CHAPTER 4: AUGUST

_ TAKING CHANCES _

The second I made my way into Tally's pub I knew this was the right spot. I paid the tenner to gain entry then learned about a flyer to help raise money for The Rainbow Youth charity. It's the wide receiver of the Bucks sponsored organization. CJ Dawson has raised thousands for the future of our youth. Heck yes, I'm supporting this!

I pull my phone from my pocket and scan the Q-R code on the flyer. It's an easy two-hundred dollars spent on a charity that could use it. Hell, I'd be spending quadruple that for the stadium seat I wanted, and this way, it's going to our youth. As a teen coming out as gay to my friends and family, I felt nothing but support, however, not everyone is so lucky. Every little bit can help make a world of difference. Today, we are doing just that.

Before stepping through the threshold, I'm stopped by the doorman's strong hand on my chest. He's giving a delicious vibe as his gaze rakes me up and down, his eyes lingering on the small rainbow pin tacked to my jersey. This man is huge and dangerous and held a hint of hidden desire in his eyes. Could this be who I go home with tonight? I gave him my best flirty smile then he leans in close, his hot breath hitting the back of my neck as his deep English accent sent shivers through me.

[Weston, Englishman] "I will lend you a friendly warning. Do not mess with the bartender. It will not end well if you anger him."

[August smirky] "Duly noted. I'll try my best at keeping it contained to a minimum." I turn to face him, smirk still in play. "Wanna make a bet, big man?" His brow lifts as his answer. "If the Bucks win, I'll come find you for a kiss." His lips tilt just the slightest bit as he studies me. He's into me, I see it in his eyes. His arms came across his broad chest and I can't help but take in my fill. Did he just let out a snort?

[Weston sighs] "Americans." His eyes glance at the crowd for a second before finding mine again, a smile sneaking its way through. "I have all the American partners I can handle, mate." His gaze moves to the bar area, a genuine smirk filling his features. "That energy of yours, though, the bartender might find it - amusing ." His eyes find mine one last time as he nods once. "Enjoy yourself." Did I just get approval from the doorman to flirt with the bartender? Fuckin' right. That's how I took it .

[August] "Thanks for the info. I haven't even stepped inside and I'm already having a good time." I sent him a wink for good measure as he follows me inside.

A roar can be heard on the street outside of the pub as I enter. Tally's is buzzing with energy and lively chatter from both teams of football fans, a sense of community I've never felt before reverberated through the air. The scent of spicy wing sauce and the distant hum of the game created an atmosphere of friendship and a sense that this cowboy is far from Wyoming. I ain't scared though.

Finding myself amidst a sea of unfamiliar friendly faces, my attention is drawn to one person – the bartender. Apparently, this guy's temper can ignite faster than a dry hay bale on a hot summer's day. The doorman originally said it's best I steer clear of any interaction with him. You know what I say to that? Challenge accepted.

I take in the setting, allowing the vibe of the pub to consume me as I soak in the energy from others around me. Not a frown to be had here, my kinda place. I'm gonna fit right in.

Intuitively my gaze went to the bar and what did I find but the most striking man I have seen since landing yesterday. He moved with a graceful dance as he tossed bottles around, his forearms are bare, his dark sleeves pushed up his forearms showing an array of ink that I'm tempted to ask about. Beneath the gray beanie there is a hint of brassy hair, one lonely curl peeking out by his ear. The hoop on the left side of his nose gave him a ‘don't fuck with me' vibe, oh, and don't get me started on that scowl he's wearing. He's edgy with a whole lot of mystery. The concentration in his eyes as he expertly mixed drinks tells of a man who is prideful in his craft. It's damn sexy . I'm going to try my luck and see where it takes me.

***

Although my first interaction with the cranky bartender certainly left things up in the air no thanks to the game about to start, I'm not stopping now. I have my work cut out for me, and I fricken love it.

I knew I'd hear accents while along this trip, but hot damn, I could listen to his Scottish all day long. The scowl adds an extra flare that has my determination skyrocketing to the moon. A sexy Scottish bartender wasn't on my list of things to do, but now he most certainly is. I'll lasso this man and have him in my hotel room in no time.

The first half of the game unfolds as the cheers and shouts of the fans blended with the excitement on the screen. Yet, my attention remains divided between the screen and the captivating man behind the bar. He makes bartending seem effortless, a jungle I have no part in other than consuming the product. Don't think for a second I didn't miss him glancing my way. I picked this seat for dual purposes, and it's working to my advantage. Yes it is .

There was a moment he and the female bartender took advantage of the decent break in customers. The familiar crack of a whip skittered to my ears, drawing my attention their way. I glance over to see the two of them taking turns snapping each other with their bar rags, a friendly battle to pass the time. I laugh to myself when I see the Scotsman throw his hands up in surrender, signaling a victory for the lady. They hug it out then he grabs a glass of water. Watching his throat work as he swallows the contents has my mind conjuring fantasies which only adds fuel to the fire within me, that's for damn sure.

A glimpse of that unfiltered smile is all it takes to realize he has a shield drawn when in other's presence, and I'm going to break through it.

Gearing up for the halftime break, I check out the appetizer table and decide to snag a few wings smothered in hot sauce. A fond memory of my dad bringing me to a bar in Buffalo best known for their chicken wings hits me and I'm taken back in time. These wings taste exactly the same as the place thousands of miles away. Kudos to the chef.

With no one at the bar, I muster up the courage to strike a conversation with the bartender who unintentionally became my main focus of the day. Sure, the Bucks were up twenty-one to ten in the first half and kicking major Viper tail – I couldn't tell you a lick of what the stats are looking like for the team – hell, I'd be lucky if I knew who scored the three touchdowns. I'm never this distracted! This stubborn man has my mind all over the place. And I have to say, I like it.

I'd like to get him back to my room tonight for a little action. Time to rope him in.

[August] "Hey, stud." I place my glass on the bar top, ready for another. I'm not surprised when he returns my greeting with a grunt, completely dismissing me at first. Playing hard to get, I see. I live for this chase.

[Patrick] "An empty glass is a good sign." He comments as he fills the ice area. "Sit tight. I'll be right with ye."

[August] "Sure thing! It'll give me a chance to think of a decent pick-up line for you." That made him pause for only a half a second before he grumbles about something under his breath then disappears with the empty ice bucket. I'm pretty sure he caught that; he won't even meet my stare now. [Laughter] Boy, that face of his is red, I think I made him blush.

A surge of customers bombards the bar area, leaving no time for the Scotsman to entertain my attempts at a conversation.

That's alright . He doesn't know it yet, but I enjoy a good game of cat and mouse. I'll be here all night, there is no need to rush.

Behind the bar there are now three tenders. The lively blonde-haired woman who won the snapping war against Mr. grumpy has that look she wants to have a chat. Don't mind if I do. I don't discriminate against potential partners, I love ‘em all.

I'm never one to turn down friendly conversations, but as I glimpse the band on her finger, alarm bells go off in my head. Please tell me these two are not married. She has a ring, but I didn't see one on his hand. Maybe they're just friends. I hope they're just friends. Aw, shit . Did I just get my hopes up for nothin'?

[Lili] " Patrick is a bit tied up at the moment. I'm Lili. What can I getch'e?" She pointed to my empty glass. "You had a Stout, right?"

[August] "You have good ears, Lili. I'm August. Nice to meet ya." So, she said his name is Patrick. So far, this fishing trip for info is going just as planned. I'll have my chance to talk with Patrick, I'm sure of it.

She has my glass refilled and back in my hand in no time at all. Great service.

[Zander, American Male] "Siren. Is there another chicken wing dip in the back? We're about out at the table." An American man wearing the same Dawson jersey strides to her side.

[Lili] "Aye. It's on the table. Save me some! That's the last of it." She is a multitasking machine as she pours glass after glass then a long row of vodka shots. The second she set the bottle down, the man I presume to be her husband grabs her waist, bends her back, and kisses her senseless. Cheers and hoots fill her side of the bar as she pops up, cheeks glowing, and a lustful dare in her eyes as she rewards him with a smack on his ass.

Oh yeah, she is taken, and it's not by the man I've had my eyes set on across the bar.

Score one for August. I still have an opportunity to win over the persistent Scotsman. Let's see what Lili might be willing to divulge about her friend here.

[August] "This is quite the happening place to be." Getting a closer look, I swear I've seen this girl before. Not in person, it could've been the TV or a sign in a window maybe? She looks familiar.

[Lili] "Absolutely! Speakin' of –" She trails off and grabs her phone from her back pocket. "I should check the charity contributions." She taps her screen a few times then I watch her eyes alight in awe. "No way! Fans have raised almost fifty thousand dollars for the Rainbow Youth charity!" Fans close enough to hear her gave their woops and cheers at the current amount then she made a bar-wide announcement gaining further exclamations of pride.

The awesome thing about the Q-R code is everyone has the option to share the link to their social medias and text messaging apps. I wouldn't be surprised if the charity rings in one hundred grand by the end of the night. Football fans always come together for many different organizations and charities, it's what we do.

[August] "That's damn good!"

[Lili] "I know! CJ will be thrilled, and, whatever the total is at the end of the game I plan to double it. The charity deserves recognition."

[August] "Wow. That's incredible." Holy cow. Just who is this generous woman? Patrick yells across the bar, interrupting my thoughts.

[Patrick moody] "Lass! Get a move-on! We ain't got all day!"

[Lili] "Haud yer wheesht!" I'll be right there!" She leans in close and whispers loudly. "Patrick is mad he lost our wager. He usually is'ne this testy." Her grin says otherwise. "It's fun when I bring out his inner beast." Her laughter is infectious as she claps her hands together and steps back. "Enjoy the show." She winks, snatches three liquor bottles, then saddles up to Patrick's side. They playfully whisper and argue for a minute, and I don't miss Patrick sending her a sly smirk that has me questioning if my name was mentioned. By the quick glance he threw my way, I'd say that's a yes.

Patrick and Lili clink bottles then the fun begins.

What they do with bottles and glasses is nothing short of entertaining. I have never seen so many ways a bottle can fling through the air, act like it'll smash, then is caught at the last second. Absolutely amazing! Spectators ooo and ahh at the flair bartending happening and it revealed these two have years of experience together. What enticed me more-so was the way Patrick's arms flexed with every movement he made; he is quite agile and has me wondering if it extends to the bedroom.

I don't doubt it for a second.

Show over and applause simmering, Lili is back at her end of the bar and there is ten minutes to go until the start of third quarter. The crowd disperses as they head to their seats, leaving me to linger on a stool and find my best opportunity to learn more about Patrick. Lili is probing me for info as she wipes down the bar.

[Lili] "So, other than crossing the pond to watch the Bucks play, what else are ye looking forward to?" Hoots and hollers come from the other end of the bar where Patrick served a round of shots to a group then quickly disappears through the kitchen door. Must be time for a break.

All too eager to tell her about my plans, I pull the folded paper from my pocket and slap it on the bar top in front of her. As she scans through the list of landmarks and tourist traps, I explain my love for the football team and how my momma planned this trip as a birthday gift. Lili listens attentively, her brows lifting, and a smirk growing as she points to the box at the top of the list.

[Lili cheeky] "I see yer lookin' for, and I quote, ‘ a hot fling with a sexy European man' ." Her eyes met mine, grin still in play. " Do tell me more ." She gave a glance over her shoulder as a certain someone made his way back behind the bar.

[August] "Let's just say, I'm open to any and all possibilities." I glance at Patrick as I say it and Lili is quick to notice.

[Lili cheeky] "I see. You know, Patrick is in need of a bit of fun."

[August intrigued] "Oh, is he now?" Lili's eyes sparkle with mischief as she leans in close, her voice dropping to a whisper.

[Lili] "He's too stubborn to take my advice. He deserves a bit of joy, would'ne ye say?"

I nod in understanding, recognizing the signs. He's overworked. Just like me.

[Patrick angry] "Oi! Wanker! Get yer arse down from there!" Patrick yells at a Vipers fan standing on a chair readying to perform a backflip. In a flash, he races out to the floor to confront the fella, setting out to give him a piece of his mind. The burly doorman is right by his side, on hand to de-escalate the situation, or hold the Scotsman back from causing injury. "Dinnae be tryin' that shite in my pub! I should kick ya out!"

Holy hell! His temper went from zero to one hundred in three seconds flat! He could challenge our bull Bruno back home with that speed. He's the only one I have yet to tame and for good reason. No one messes with Bruno. He sure does make us top-tier offspring, though.

[Lili laughter] "Ya ken my meaning?" She gives a chin lift in Patrick's direction. "He needs fresh air and a good roll in the sheets to tame the beast."

[August] "Now you're talkin' my kinda language." [Turning serious] "I reckon everyone needs a break now and then. How long has it been?"

[Lili] "Far too long, I'm afraid. He doesn't like to delegate tasks and won't take time for himself."

[August laughter] "We can't have that, now, can we?" My gears are just a turnin' at the possibilities, and something tells me Lili has a plan already set in motion. Hell yeah.

[American NFL Announcer] "And we're back at the start of the third quarter here at Hotspur Stadium in London. The Buffalo Bucks currently have the lead against the Philadelphia Vipers – twenty-one to ten. It's anyone's game at this point. Let's head over to Michelle who's has the Bucks head coach, Ryan Doyle, with her. Michelle, what can we expect to see from the Bucks in the second half?"

I didn't leave the stool, too engrossed in this intel Lili is willing to provide me. The thought lingered in the air, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy for Patrick. The pub owner is in need of a reminder that life isn't just about work. There is sunshine to be had.

As the second half of the game kicks off, the pub buzzes with renewed excitement and the bar area soon became a ghost town. Patrick gave the Viper's fan the scare of his life and surprising to me, Patrick allowed him to stay. Now he is tied up chattin' with the doorman.

Now that I can see him in full view, I can't seem to look anywhere else. I am mesmerized by how broad his shoulders are as he crossed his arms, and how toned his body is in the fitted bar shirt and those tight dark jeans. His scowl is a constant fixture, his tattoos only adding to his standoff-ish mood. The intensity he is exuding is next level.

What a fuckin' turn on.

Lili caught me eyeing him up like a piece of savory steak, that mischievous grin of hers shining after she threw her hair up in a ponytail.

[Lili] "Tell me, truthfully. Would ye be averse to adding to that list of yers?" I chuckled, quickly catching on to her nudge. Those thoughts of hers are mirroring my own.

[August] "Well, after the game I'm just here to enjoy myself, whatever happens, happens. [Sultry] What might you have in mind?

[Lili bold] "I think ye might be the one to sway a certain Scotsman into a fun time." She leans in, determination written in her stare as she scribbles something at the bottom of my list. "Tomorrow at six. Club Neon Envy . Have yer dancin' shoes on, cowboy. Let's see those moves of yers." She slid the paper in my direction. Her sass is bold and it reflects what I've wanted to delve into. She's playing wing-woman to the extreme.

[August reluctant] "Thought you said he's not one to venture out."

[Lili] "Ye leave that up to me. This lass has a stubborn side, too. He won't see me comin'." I chuckle and knock twice on the wood then pocket the paper.

[August pleased] "I have no doubts about you, Lili. I'll be there." I wouldn't miss a chance to see Patrick's moves on the dance floor.

Lili winks, a silent agreement passing between us. The pub fills with cheers, and I turn my attention back to the screen to watch the replay of Dawson making his third touchdown of the game.

[Fan #1] "Dawson is the man! No one else could've made that catch!"

[Fan #2] "Right into the end zone!"

[Fan # 3] "Woods and Dawson know how to get it done!"

The Bucks quarterback, Brian Woods and wide receiver CJ Dawson are a match made in football heaven. This season I'm confident they will kick ass and take names. All the way to the Super Bowl, baby!

[Announcer] "And the kick is good. Twenty-eight to twenty as we near the end of the third quarter."

Excitement yet again fills the space and I'm quick to glance at the man who is now back behind the bar, and I find he's more than unamused with this group. Apparently, someone doesn't watch football. That's fair.

Potential scenarios flash through my mind at the two of us comparing and sharing our enjoyment for football and rugby or soccer games. We bond and fight over what we enjoy and somehow, the vision seems real, almost like a premonition.

The thought should scare the wits out of me. I'm finding it doesn't.

As the game nears the end, tensions in the pub turn palpable. Cheers and groans echo in unison, creating a symphony of emotions as the final twenty-three seconds count down. The Vipers had the ball at the seven-yard line. Everyone was on the edge of their seat as the Viper's quarterback snapped the ball, it sails through the air, and is caught in the end zone. Touchdown Vipers.

The Bucks fought valiantly; however, they ended their first international game in an upsetting loss to the Philadelphia Vipers, thirty-one to thirty-three.

As the final whistle blew, signaling the end of the game, I felt a strange mixture of disappointment and contentment. The experience, though not what I initially imagined, turned out to be an adventure I will forever remember and cherish.

My London adventures hold more surprises than I initially anticipated, and a certain Scotsman won't play hard to get too much longer.

Tomorrow night can't come soon enough.

Time to find my dancin' shoes.