Page 69 of The Ghost of You

“I like both of them.” I shrug.

“But I’m sure you have a better connection to one over the other.”

I nod. “I do.”

“Then maybe that’s your answer.”

I slump my shoulders as I lean my back against the bar. “God, Liam. There is just something there between me and Noah. I know we both feel it. But he is so hot and cold. He almost kissed me once and I pulled away. Then on Thanksgiving, I almost kissed him and he pulled away. Some days I think he wants me and others he is just stuck in his head.”

“Wow, sounds like someone else I know.”

I glare at him. “I know I am just as bad as he is. But does that mean it will never work out for us?”

“It could go either way. Sometimes it doesn’t work out and other times it lights a fire. Love isn’t black and white. The best love is gray, the push and pull into the unknown.”

He makes a good point. Too bad my stupid heart can’t decide.

It starts to pick up in the bar, not too much that we are overwhelmed but enough to keep us busy. Liam takes over the bar as I work the tables. I bring a load of glasses over to the sink to wash before I start making drinks for the three tables by the dartboards.

“Mmm. There is a tall, built, sexy as sin man looking this way.”

I don’t look up as I mix the round of long island iced teas I am making. “Sounds just like your type, Liam.”

He lets out a low whistle. “Oh baby girl, he is. Too bad he can’t take his eyes off of you.”

I snap up as he says it to see Noah staring at me from across the bar. He wasn’t there five minutes ago when I was cleaning up that table so he must have just walked in. “Damnit.”

“What’s wrong? I see nothing wrong with that man.”

I pour the drinks into glasses of ice before garnishing them with lemon. “I need more time to think before I talk to a Taylor brother.”

“Ahh so this is one of the Taylors,” Liam says as he eyes Noah up and down. “Hmm from his posture, that face, and the death glare he is sending me. I am going to guess it’s Noah. He a bit protective over you?”

I sigh as I put the drinks on a tray with the beers I just grabbed. “Just a little. I mean he’s a cop, it’s like second nature for him.”

“Well with that stare I would definitely want to find out what he’s like in the bedroom. Maybe even with handcuffs?”

I punch Liam in the arm. “Good luck with that, you dirty whore. But he is one hundred percent straight.”

“And one hundred percent into you.”

“Unlikely. I don’t even know what he is doing here. He doesn’t drink in public.”

“He is probably here for you then.”

I don’t answer him as I walk away to serve drinks. I make my way around the tables, delaying my interaction with Noah as much as possible.

“Hey,” I say when I finally make it to him.

“Hi,” he says with that grin that makes me want to take my clothes off in front of him.

“What can I get you?” I ask as I pull my notepad out of my apron.

He doesn’t answer me but just looks at me. I look down to see if I spilled something on me but I am relatively clean. However, my shirt is low cut enough, the girls are on display. “How about an IPA?” I ask, knowing that is what he usually drinks. He doesn’t answer so I start to walk away.

He clears his throat and it makes me pause. “Can I just get a light beer?”

I nod and leave before he says anything else.

---