Page 11 of The Nice List

I spend the next hour trying not to watch Cory while my sister watches the game on the TV that was playingElfandThe Grinchthe last time I was here. Christmas comedies beat football any time of year.

I smile behind my drink as I remember that night. I can’t believe it was only six weeks ago. It feels like Cory and I have been sneaking around forever.

Although, that’s probably because I’m still a virgin despite my constant begging. He’s had his mouth and hands on every inch of my body and I’ve yet to even see him in less than a tanktop and jeans in person. Not that I’m complaining about the orgasms; I just wish he would let me have more ofhim.

I take another long sip of my drink, wishing he’d spiked this one with Vodka like he did before—maybe that would help me tolerate football a little better—before I set it down and pull my phone out to send him a text.

Me: This TV has a much better picture when it’s Christmas in July.

I slide my phone back into my pocket as I continue watching him work. He does a little bit of everything when it’s busy. Running back and forth to the storeroom to keep the bar stocked, acting as a backup bartender. And my personal favorite…dishwasher.

He slides a draft beer to the customer in front of him before sliding his phone out of his pocket and reading my text with a grin. He looks up and winks at me before frowning at whoever just entered the bar behind me.

“There’s my sexy Lexi!” my sister’s boyfriend shouts, making us both spin on our barstools to see him striding toward us with his megawatt smile.

“What are you doing here?” Alexis jumps up with a smile—that she’s apparently been keeping in reserve her whole life just for Maddox—as he reaches us and bends to kiss her in a way that’s definitely not appropriate for public viewing.

He laughs as she leans forward when he pulls back. “It’s only a two-hour drive, baby doll. I thought we could hang here with the Bears after the game. Then, maybe head to the football house for the after party.”

“Hell yes!” my sister says excitedly before turning toward me with a scowl when I scoff.

“I don’t stick around for all that nonsense,” I mock my sister, making Maddox throw his head back and laugh.

“She will tonight. I’m here.” Maddox bounces his eyebrows playfully as Alexis rolls her eyes. “What do ya say, Livvy? Wanta party with the team tonight?”

Cory speaks up from behind me before I can answer. “Well, if it isn’t Tennessee’s favorite kicker. What are you drinking tonight, Campbell?”

I don’t miss the way Maddox’s smile drops just a little as he looks at Cory over my shoulder. “Hey, Cory. I’ll take an IPA draft for now. I’ll wait until after the game to hit the Fireball.”

I get up and excuse myself without responding to Maddox’s party invitation. My plan is to blow off the party and spend the night with Cory. That is, until I read the text on my phone as I walk out of the bathroom.

BB: It’s always Christmas when I’m with you, pretty girl.

BB: BTW…you are not partying with a bunch of drunk jocks tonight.

Me: Why not? Afraid they’ll give me something you won’t?

I scoff as I lean against the wall, waiting for his reply. I would never be that bold in person and it pisses me off that I’m such a keyboard warrior. I know I need to find my voice when we’re together. It’s part of the reason I’m still a virgin. I refuse to demand what I want when we’re actually together. His next text says as much.

BB: Oh, pretty girl. I’m ALL yours. Don’t you know I’d give you anything you ask for with that sweet voice? It’s not mine to give. It’s yours to take…whenever you’re ready.

I push off the wall with a new determination to use my damn words—in person—like the grown ass woman I am.

When I get back to my seat, Maddox is sitting there, signing autographs like a superstar with his full smile on display. I notice that the bar has almost doubled in capacity in the few minutes I was in the bathroom.

Chapter 8

Cory

We had an influx of customers—even more than the usual college crowd—after halftime when none other than Maddox Campbell came strolling into the bar to watch the last half of the game. Once word got out that the Thorngrove native NFL kicker was back in town, the crowd that usually frequents the more popular bar across town flocked into Ball Busters. Thankfully, Billy offered to man the outside bar with the unexpected early rush.

Once the game ends and everyone starts celebrating the Bears’ first win of the season, I look over to see Livvy staring at her phone. I’ve kept an eye on her all night to make sure none of the guys get handsy—especially after her texted threat to give what’smineto some jock—but Alexis and Maddox kept her under their wings.

As much as it pissed me off when he got the girl I thought I wanted, Maddox really seems to care about Alexis. Which means he’s acted like a big brother to Livvy all night.

“Give it up, son.” Zack claps me on the shoulder as I put the mugs I just washed in the cooler beneath the bar. “She’s only got eyes for Maddox these days.”

I scoff as I grab a rag to wipe down the bar. “I’m not looking at Alexis.”

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