Page 105 of Falling for You

Chloe

“Happy New Year, gorgeous.”

“Aren’t you supposed to say that at midnight?”

“What’s the point of only celebrating for a minute?”

“Hmm,” I suppose that’s true, I purr, leaning into his touch.

“I’m sorry I have to work today.”

“Don’t apologize. It’s not like you’re working all night. Just for a few hours, right?”

“Yeah. The Zeus twins will take over tonight and Ethan hired two others that were experienced enough they can dive right in.”

I trail my finger through the coarse hair on his chest. “Will you miss it?” He told Ethan he was pulling back, as in no more nights and weekends. Which only leaves him filling in when they’re short on help. It was Rex’s decision.

“Bartending? No.”

“I thought you loved it, though.”

“I love working with Ethan, even Penny. And once upon a time, until a sexy as hell woman came into my life, I liked the attention it brought.”

“But not anymore?” I ask, grinning.

“Not anymore.”

We’re lying in my bed, Malcom on Rex’s feet, purring away. Rex has to be at The Flying Goat in an hour to help get the bar ready for a busy night.

“Wanna come with me to The Goat? Olivia will be there and could probably use the distraction.”

“Ethan’s not letting her out of his sight, huh?”

“Nope. She had those fake contraction things yesterday and she’s due in a week.”

I rest my chin on my hand, looking up at his handsome face. “He’s protective.”

“I don’t blame him.”

“Is that how you’ll be?”

“Yes.”

Warmth floods me. Never could I have expected this. Especially not from the sexy bartender from The Flying Goat who was so against relationships.

The one-eighty we both took once we met still shocks me. Especially for Rex. Who would have thought the bartender who was notorious in town for his one-night stands would be so ready to settle down?

But he’s all in. I know this from his words, his actions.

“So? You want to come with me to The Goat today?”

“Sure. Sounds fun, actually.”

“You just want to see your guy in action.”

“Yes. I’m so excited to see you serve drinks to people.” I deadpan. I am a little excited for that, though, if I was being honest. I had noticed him that first night we met but didn’t truly watch him. Now I can stare all I want and no one can call me out on it.

“And stake your claim.” He guesses, hopeful, if I’m hearing him correctly.

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