“You left them behind when you got up to play pool. Didn’t want anyone to steal them, so I put them in my pocket for safekeeping.”
“And now you’re going to hold me hostage.” It wasn’t a question, but a statement.
I shook my head. “If you wanna call someone to come get you, you’re free to leave.”
We both knew she didn’t have anyone to call. Lukas was out of town, and Grady was likely already asleep. If he wasn’t… Well, I didn’t think either of us wanted to interrupt whatever he and Cleo were getting up to.
“Then I guess I’m staying,” she said. Her grip on the broom handle was so tight, I could see the white of her knuckles.
“Guess you are,” I agreed.
I wasn’t sure what the fuck we were doing. Being alone with her felt like tempting fate. We’d been toeing the line in the sand for weeks now. There was no way we’d make it out tonight unscathed.
But even knowing that, knowing I should drive her home and say goodnight, I couldn’t find the power to do so. Selfishly, I wanted this time with her, even if I knew it’d ruin me when she left.
Olivia glanced behind her at the jukebox. “Mind if I turn on some music while we clean? It’s too quiet in here.”
“Go ahead. I’ll be in the back finishing up. Let me know when you’re done.”
She nodded as I walked out of the room and into the cold storage, where I’d half-assed putting up the garnishes. We didn’t use much around here. Mostly limes for tequila shots and a few beers.
The jukebox kicked on as I dated the labels and carefully put them away. Olivia’s voice quickly followed, though certainly not as off-key as before. I recognized the upbeat tempo as a song from Coyote Ugly and groaned. Images of Olivia dancing on a table, the hem of her dress rising to give me a hint of what was underneath, flitted before my eyes. It was torture knowing shewas just on the other side of the wall, likely moving her body to the sensual beat of the music.
I shook my head, trying and failing to clear my mind. What I needed to do was get this bar shut down, but how could I when all I wanted to do was march into that room and kiss her stupid.
Taking a quick count, I realized I’d left a single container of limes out on the bar. It was a weak excuse, but it was all I needed. I marched into the other room before I could talk myself out of it, stopping dead in my tracks when I saw her.
Olivia was still standing near the jukebox, the broom in one hand, while her other was wound up in her hair to keep it off her neck. Her body swayed to the beat, eyes closed, lost to the moment.
I leaned against the bar, unable to stop myself from watching her. Fuck. Olivia really was beautiful. From her soft chocolate eyes to her fuck-me-red lips to the short dress that rode up every time she moved, all of it was captivating. I wasn’t sure if I was turned on or relieved that she seemed so free.
As if aware of my presence, she opened her eyes. There was a fire in them. The same one I’d seen the night I watched her step out of her tub and cruelly tease me by dropping her towel. Her lips curved up. “Enjoying the show?”
I nodded. No point in denying it when it was so obvious. “I am.”
Olivia set the broom near the jukebox. “You know, I’m starting to think you like to watch. This is the second time in a week I’ve caught you looking.”
“It’s been a long time since a woman’s caught my attention,” I admitted, bringing my hand up to scratch the stubble along my jaw. “Wouldn’t wanna miss anything.”
Her lips parted in an O shape, and fuck me, I couldn’t help but wonder what they’d look like wrapped around my cock. I wanted to ruin her makeup, spreading that bright color alongmy length as I slid inside. I wanted to see how far she’d take me. If she’d choke or take it all the way.
“Maybe you should take a closer look.” Olivia stepped toward me, swaying her hips with the beat of the music. “I wouldn’t want you to miss anything either.”
I balled my hands into fists as she stopped in front of me, trying like hell to keep myself from touching her.
Once I did, it would be over. I wouldn’t be able to stop.
“You know, there’s one thing I’ve always wanted to do,” she said, peering up at me.
“What’s that?” I grunted.
Olivia glanced down at the noticeable tightness at the front of my jeans before flicking her gaze up. “A body shot.”
“What a shame.”
“It is.” I held my breath as she leaned forward, damn near caging me in as she reached for the bucket of limes behind me. She grabbed one, bringing it between our bodies. “But we could change that tonight.”
Goddammit. I couldn’t think with her this close. Not when all I could think about now was picking her up, laying her down on the bar top, and running my tongue along her skin. Liquor be damned.