Page 20 of I Wanna Be Your Lager

When I leave Jake’s office and go back to the bar, I spot Eve and Jake at the opposite end. He’s showing her the beer selection, what’s on tap, and what’s chilled. She looks even more gorgeous than I remember, her long legs and every curve of her delectable body underneath the Porter’s shirt. Somehow, I’m supposed to watch out for her to honor Jake’s wishes while not wanting to wrap her in my arms and kiss the hell out of her. I’m going to be in a constant state of blue balls while she’s here.

I can’t have both, though. I can’t betray my best friend. That’s when shit gets messy and complicated, and both are the last things I need.

“I knew that was going to be fun.”

I glare down at Nora. “How did you know? And why didn’t you give me a heads-up? A phone call or text would have been nice.”

“And miss that exchange?” She throws her head back in laughter. “Never. And you damn well know you would have done the same thing if the situation were reversed.”

I shrug. She’s not wrong. I would have reveled in all the awkwardness, just like I had to endure.

“She’s exactly how you described, but her tattoo gave it away. How many people have a sunflower tattoo on their neck? It was a carbon copy of the one you drew. But now you can get the girl you’ve been lusting after.” She nudges me with her elbow.

I huff out a humorless laugh. “If only it was that easy.”

“Why isn’t it?”

“Did you miss the part where she’s Jake’s sister? I’m his best friend. I prefer my balls attached to my body. They work better that way,” I murmur so only she can hear.

She rolls her eyes. “I think you’re being a little dramatic.”

“Have you met Jake?” I glance over my shoulder to make sure he’s not standing behind me. “I slept with his little sister,” I grit through my teeth.

“It’s not like you knew who she was when it happened.”

“But I know now, and there is no way I can pursue anything.”

“So you’re just going to ignore her the entire time she’s here?” She props a hand on her hip. “If she’s working here, that’s going to be a little hard.”

A manic laugh escapes me. “Wait. It gets better. Jake asked me to look after her.” I rub my temples. The more I think about this, it’s a terrible idea. Cinder blocks rest on my chest. It’s going to take all my strength to keep my distance.

Now it’s Nora’s turn to laugh. “This is better than the sitcoms my mom makes me watch with her. Plus, I get to watch it play out in front of me. Where’s my popcorn?”

My gaze drifts down the bar to Eve. She’s laughing and smiling with a couple of customers. She’s completely at ease while I’m freaking the fuck out. “Who all knows?”

“Pretty much everyone but Jake,” she says nonchalantly.

I glare at her.

“What?” She shrugs with her palms up. “Rylee was here when Eve first came in with Jake, and since it all started at Dessa’s wedding, we had to tell her.” Nora shrugs.

“Keep this between us for now.”

She presses her lips together and motions like she’s zipping them closed. Luckily, a customer draws her attention so I can have a few seconds to stew in my own thoughts. My fingers curl around the edge of the bar. From the corner of my eye, I catch sight of Eve. Jake has left her to her own devices for the past thirty minutes—but who’s counting—and she’s been doing a great job. She’s a natural with the customers. Charismatic. She grabs a chilled pint glass from the cooler and sets it under the tap. She pulls the lever down but misjudges the flow before it’s too late, and foam spills over the rim. Panic takes over her face, but she quickly recovers without spilling beer everywhere. My mouth twitches into a smile. Damn, she’s cute but off limits.

“Okay, I’m going to take off.”

At the sound of Jake’s voice, I spin around, praying he didn’t catch me staring at Eve.

“I have to open in the morning. Can you bring Eve home tonight?” he asks me.

Fuck. I was hoping I’d have a day or ten before Jake started cashing in on me watching his sister. “Yeah. Of course.”

“Thanks, man.”

He strolls to the end of the bar and talks to Eve. I’m sure to let her know he’s leaving, and she’ll get a ride with me. Her gaze flits to mine, and a small smile spreads across her lips. Yep. That’s exactly what he told her. Great. I push off the bar and storm to the storage room. There has to be something that needs to be organized back here.

For the rest of the night, I do my best to avoid Eve. Since she’s been at Porter’s, the space behind the bar shrank by fifty percent, and every ten seconds we’re either bumping into eachother or crossing each other’s paths. She’ll graze my arm or rest her hand on my back while she passes behind me. My heart leaps in my chest every time. I swear she purposely sticks out her ass every time I pass by. There’s been three times now where her ass has brushed against my dick. Yes, I’ve been counting because each time another thread of my dwindling willpower snaps. Mix that with her sweet coconut scent invading my senses, and I’m on the brink of losing my shit. Even the sound of her voice has me on edge. Whenever she asks me a question, I either grunt a response, which she may or may not understand, or I give her a quick one-word response. Which aren’t helpful, but I need to minimize the time I spend with her. Or near her.

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