“Yeah! If it weren’t for us, you’d have no one to talk to,” Gerald said.
“And I’d be able to drink my fill,” Johnny chimed in.
“Johnny, I know damn good and well that I’m the only sucker that’ll still serve you in this town,” I deadpanned.
He looked toward Olivia, cheeks heating as Gerald clapped him on the back of the head. “Ow! What was that for?”
“For being a damn fool. Go get in the truck before we decide to leave your ass here,” Gerald said, tipping his hat toward Olivia and walking out the door with his brother.
Oliva turned toward me, her smile too goddamn infectious. She sauntered over, taking the stool in front of me. “What’s the damage, bartender?”
“It’s been taken care of,” I said, shaking my head. Gerald and Tommy already paid for it, but I couldn’t tell her that. “On the house.”
She frowned, jutting out her bottom lip. It was painted a vibrant red similar to the dress she was wearing. “Tell me how much I owe, dammit.”
“Already told you.” I wiped the beer taps, bracing my hands on the bar to stare at her. “You don’t owe anything.”
Olivia narrowed her eyes. “Then let me help clean.”
“Olivia—”
She hopped off the stool, hips swishing as she walked toward the middle of the room. “If I were a broom, where would I be?”
Ryan finished stacking the last of the chairs on top of the tables and gestured toward the storage area. “Right in there.”
She smiled and thanked him, heading around the corner to grab what she was looking for. He stood there, watching her go, until I popped him on the neck with the rag I was holding. “Ow, shit.” He turned to look at me, rubbing the red spot with his hand. “Point taken.”
“You’re done for the evening. Lock the front door on your way out.”
Ryan smirked, bringing his hand up to give a mock salute. “Yes, sir.”
As he made his way to the door, I added, “If you wanna keep your job, you’ll keep your eyes in your fucking head, too.”
“Territorial, huh?”
“She’s my best friend’s sister, dumbass. I’m just looking out for her.”
“I’m pretty sure she’s a grown woman,” he said, failing to hide his laughter. “But whatever you say, boss.”
“Get out before I fire your ass,” I grumbled. Once I heard the door shut and the lock click into place, I breathed a sigh of relief.
Having Olivia here, so close, and being unable to touch had been killing me all night. It was still fucking killing me, because I had no idea what her plan was. The only thing I knew was that she wasn’t going to be driving home.
For better or for worse, she was staying with me tonight.
As Olivia walked back into the room, she looked around, noticing Ryan’s absence. “And then there were two,” she said, slowly. She brought her hand up, tucking a wild curl behind her ear. “I should probably get out of your hair, too, huh?”
“And go where?” I asked, voice low. “You’re not getting behind the wheel.”
“I’ve only had a few drinks?—”
“I don’t give a shit. You’re not leaving.”
Though I knew she knew better, she still argued. “And you’re not the boss of me.”
“I am tonight.” I wiped down the bar to give me something to do. “And I have your keys.”
Olivia looked down, patting down her dress and freezing when she heard the jingle. Her head snapped up to where I was dangling her keychain in front of her. “How did you get those?”