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Gage lifted his head in a subtle nod, and Carrie whipped her head around as he approached the table.

“You were so worried about me that you left work early, didn’t you?” Her tone was accusatory, and Gage smirked.

“Is this your play date?” He stuck his hand out to the woman, ignoring Carrie.

The woman tossed her head back and laughed. Gage pretended to pout. “I’m hurt that you don’t want to be my play date, Liv.”

“You’re too much of a whore for me, Gage. You have a new girl at every party.”

She took Peter’s outstretched hand. “Olivia. I own the place, and I come to Gage’s parties when I can. I’ve seen you a few times. We’ve just never officially met.”

“Good to meet you.” He turned to Darci and offered her a little wave. “Glad to see you again.”

Gage kissed Olivia on the cheek and stood. “I do need to get out of here. Ladies, thank you for the company. I’ll stay long enough to enjoy a drink next time.”

Gage clapped Peter on the back and headed for the door. Peter moved to take his spot next to Olivia, but she stood. “I should get back behind the bar. What’s your poison?” Olivia’s gaze swept Peter from head to toe while she waited for him to order.

“I’ll have a scotch. Something top shelf.”

“That sounds amazing,” Carrie said. “Bring me the same. And can we get some onion rings, cheese sticks, and fried pickles?”

Darci smiled affectionately at Olivia. “I’d like a cider and an order of wings, please.”

Carrie looked up at Peter. “What do you want to eat?”

“Did you just say fried pickles?”

“What’s wrong with that? It’s a vegetable. I thought you would be happy.” Carrie fluttered her eyelashes at him.

Peter shook his head. “I hardly think that counts. Fine. I’ll eat some of your fried food, but only if you drink a glass of water before your alcohol.”

“Party foul.” Olivia shook her head at Peter with a look of disapproval, then turned and winked at Carrie.

“Nonsense. It’s smart drinking.”

Peter dropped into the vacated side of the booth as Carrie grinned. “To see you eat fried food? One glass of water please, Olivia.”

Olivia moved to the bar and filled a pint glass, looking amused. Carrie followed her and picked it up and chugged while Olivia cheered her on as if she were chugging beer at a college party.

When she slammed it on the table and put her hands in the air, Peter cracked a smile and gave her an applause. “Well done, Miss Davenport.”

Carrie took a bow and settled back into the booth next to Darci just in time for Olivia to bring them their drinks. She was efficient behind the bar. He didn’t see any other employees around, and he wondered how often she worked by herself.

Peter lifted his glass. “To staying well hydrated.”

Carrie rolled her eyes but clinked her glass with his and Darci’s.

“So what’s our plan this evening, ladies?”

Darci looked at Carrie and smiled. “I wanted some time with my best friend, and she says you’re being a bit of an… how did she put it? Overprotective ass.”

Peter bit back a laugh when Darci winced and looked apologetic, as if she was the one who’d called him the ass.

Carrie shoved her shoulder. “Way to tell on me.”

Darci laughed. “It’s not like you can get in trouble. You’re the farthest thing from submissive that I know.”

Peter leaned forward. “Believe me, if she puts herself in danger like this again she’ll be in trouble, submissive or not.”

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