Page 12 of The Nice List

“Sure, you’re not.” He laughs. “I know you wanted things to work out with her, but she’s moved on.

Maybe you should, too.”

“Already have,” I say, tossing my rag into the sink. “We weren’t right for each other anyway. I know that. Hell, I’ve always known it.”

“Then, who…” His voice trails off as he looks over to see me staring after Livvy as she makes her way to the bathrooms. “Oh, shit. That girl will have your balls if you mess with her little sister, Cory.”

“It’s none of her business. None of yours either, if we’re being real.” I shrug off his warning as I head to the storeroom to grab the liquor bottles needed to restock the bar.

My phone vibrates in my pocket as I step into the storeroom and I pull it out to see a text from Livvy.

PG: I used to laugh at my mom when she said my dad looked sexy washing the dishes. But now I see what she was talking about.

Me: If you think washing beer mugs is sexy, wait until you see me washing the dishes after cooking you breakfast.

PG: Will you be shirtless? That would be even better.

Me: Only if you’re a good girl.

PG: Yes, sir.

My dick jumps at the thought of her finally saying those words to me in person. I’ve never been a Dom, but the idea of someone trusting me enough to submit to me that way stirs something inside of me. I’ve just never found it with any of the women I’ve been with before Livvy.

I slide my phone back into my pocket and grab the bottles I need off the shelf. When I step out of the storeroom, I catch Livvy’s eye and give her a wink. After storing the bottles, I make a fresh Shirly Temple with extra cherries and slide it across the bar.

“I didn’t order another drink,” she says before lifting the glass to take a long sip.

“It’s on me.” I smirk. “You looked thirsty,pretty girl.”

She glances over to make sure her sister is still occupied with her friends before leaning toward me over the bar top. Her mouth opens to say something but then closes again. Her eyes dilate and her cheeks are flushed, but—as usual—she’s having a hard time saying whatever is on her mind.

“Cat got your tongue?” I ask with a raised brow. “You never seem to have a problem with words when you text me.”

“Oh, well…” She takes another sip of her drink before squaring her shoulders. “I was going to say, I’m sure this would taste even better if it were reallyonyou.”

The pink on her cheeks turns a bright red and I can’t resist the urge to lift my hand and run my thumb across her cheekbone, letting the heat sink in.

“You know hot cherry is my favorite flavor.” I drop my hand to the bar and lean closer to her. “I’m going to hunt you down for another taste if you’re not still here at midnight,pretty girl.”

Livvy

“We’re headed to the football house for a celebration party in a few. You want me to ride with you or do you just want to follow us?” Alexis beams with excitement.

“I think I’ll just head back to the dorm room and crash. You know I don’t care about football that much. I don’t want to be a downer,” I tell her.

“Oh. Yeah, I know.” Her lips tip up into a rare grin. “But there will be music and dancing. You like all that stuff. You’ll enjoy the after party as much as I enjoyed the game.”

“Come on, Livvy!” Maddox says excitedly. “Livup to your name.” He cackles at his own joke as my sister rolls her eyes so hard I’m surprised they don’t stick in the back of her head. “Come party with us. I’ll even sneak you some booze.”

“The hell you will!” Alexis scowls at him. “She’s not drinking in a house full of jocks.”

Damn. She sounds like Cory,I think as Maddox bats his eyes at her. “At least we can keep an eye on her if she’s at the house with us.”

I appreciate his offer—and the fact that Alexis said no makes me want to go get hammered just to prove to her that I’m capable of drinking at a party without getting into trouble—but what I want more is to get into trouble with the bad boy bartender that’s eyeing me from behind the counter.

“Thanks, Maddox.” I smile at my sister’s boyfriend. “But I really just want to hit the shower and bed after hanging out in a sports bar for the past couple of hours. Maybe next time.”

“Okay,” Alexis says. “Well, we’ll follow you to the dorms before heading to the party if you’re ready to get out of here.”

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