Page 17 of The Nice List

“Hmmm?” Cory has his head propped on one hand as he lazily runs his fingers through the mess we made.

“We’ve beentogetherfor eight months, sneaking around town for almost two, and I’m still a virgin.” I shift so that I’m facing him and giggle again as I pluck the front of his tank top he’s still wearing. “I haven’t even seen you shirtless. Not in person anyway.”

Cory sits up and reaches behind him to pull his undershirt off before using it to clean us up as I let my hands roam over his pecks that I’ve become obsessed with. The ink that is definitely not in my favorite picture catches my eye. When I turn on the lamp and look closer, I gasp.

“You like mypretty girltat?” Cory flexes his chest muscles making her—me— appear to shimmy.

I study the tattoo, running my fingertips over the detail as he explains how he got it the day I moved to town. Even though he thought I wouldn’t be here until weeks later. I have to admit, I look badass.

“I can’t believe you did this,” I say with astonishment.

Cory swallows before speaking. “I know you’re young and innocent. But I also know that I will never find anything close to the feelings I have for you with anyone else. If the day ever comes that you realize you’re too good for me, I want to have a piece of you to keep with me.”

Tears prick my eyes at his confession. “Cory, I’m not too good for you. I know we joke about you being the bad boy, but Iseewho you really are, and I love you.”

“Fuck, Liv.” Cory tackles me to the bed and kisses me like he’s starving before pulling back to tell me, “I love you, too…so fucking much!”

Chapter 11

Cory

I laugh at the text from Livvy, informing me that she’s going to tell her family about me at Thanksgiving dinner tomorrow. It’s become a constant threat since I told her that I didn’t feel right about taking her virginity when we’re still hiding our relationship.

I wanted to. I tried to. I just…couldn’t do it. Stealing her virginity like a thief in the night would make me the bad guy everyone else thinks I am. So, until we find a way to come clean, we can do anything and everything else, but no sex. I don’t know who my declaration pissed off more…her or my dick.

I look up from my phone to see Joey Campbell step through the door of Slade’s Automotive. Slade had one of his ominousside jobs come up unexpectedly and called to see if I’d watch his shop since he didn’t have any major jobs scheduled for today. Since my girl is in Cherokee Forest for Fall Break, I agreed.

“Hey, Cory. I’ve got an appointment to get my oil changed,” Joey says with a grin.

I nod as I hit the intercom to let Billy know to come get the keys to Joey’s truck. “So, what’s up with you?” I ask once Billy leaves.

Call it an occupational hazard—whether it’s bartending or chatting with a customer while they wait for their vehicle at the shop—I learn way more about people than they would tell most people. Like the fact that Joey is head over heels in love with his childhood best friend turned girlfriend, Tracey…and they’re both infatuated with his coworker, Devon.

Joey shrugs. “Nothin’ much.”

“Liar.” I laugh, but decide to let him off the hook. “What wild party have you college kids got planned next?”

Livvy has mentioned more than once that she can’t wait to attend one of the infamous parties that Tracey throws at her cabin up the mountain.

“Why?” Joey smirks. “You lookin’ for an invite?”

I scoff. “That’s just what I want to do…party with a bunch of kids a decade younger than me.”

“You party with them at Ball Busters anyway.” He shrugs. “Tracey’s throwing a New Year’s Eve party. You should go. Hell, I think Alexis will even be there if her little sister has to drag her kicking and screaming.” Joey laughs as my blood boils at the idea of Livvy at one of those wild parties.

“Alexis is engaged to your cousin,” I remind him.

“Oh yeah,” Joey chuckles. “I just meant that some of your crowd will be there, too.”

I can tell he’s trying to lead up to something with the sudden invite. “Spit it out, Joey. Why are you pushing me to go sinceyou’ll probably still be in Denver with your folks anyway? You want someone to look after your girl?”

“Not exactly. I was actually hoping you’d hit it off with Devon’s roommate, Skyler. She’s thick…just your type.” He shakes his head before I can tell him my type has changed. “She probably won’t give you the time of day anyway. Forget I mentioned it.”

I laugh, remembering how he’s told me that everyone thinks that Devon and his roommate are dating. If I wasn’t already taken, I’d be all over the opportunity. But at least this gives me a way into the party without crashing like I’d planned to if Livvy was going to be there.

“I might make an appearance. I don’t have anything else going on that night.” I shrug nonchalantly.

Livvy

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