Page 22 of Make Me Dream of You

It’s better in the shadows—away from the strobe lights on the dance floor, not that I dance, and away from the speakers blasting remix after remix until the beat echoes in your eardrums. It really is a terrible place to meet and talk to anyone.

Almost everyone here looks coupled up already, minus a few groups and a couple guys standing by themselves around the bar. A large group of women with pink sashes and tiaras are taking shots, all huddled around one in a white sash, signaling the bride-to-be.

This was a bad idea.

I should go upstairs to my apartment. I can have a drink there for free without the headache or having to navigate a crowd of drunk idiots.

But then I spot Livvy behind the bar. A little beacon of sunshine, bright-eyed and flashing a big, toothy smile at everyone she talks to. It’s not the same smile she gave me last night after getting her tattoo. It’s tinged with something else I can’t quite put my finger on.

Whatever it is, I don’t like it. The muscles in my neck tighten.

And even though she’s surrounded by customers, and I know she’s busy working, I start walking toward her. Just to say hi. Order a drink. I can ask her how her tattoos are feeling so far.

But when I make it to the bar, I can’t even get close to the end she’s tending. It’s backed up three rows deep. I wedge myself into a seat at the other end.

“Hi, stranger.” Riley sidles across from me, already getting a highball glass down from the rack. “Gin and tonic?”

“And that’s why you’re my favorite bartender.”

“Mm hm.” He rolls his eyes as he loudly plunks ice into my glass. “That’s why you’ve been eyeing Livvy this whole time.”

I’d like to deny that, but I can’t. So I grunt noncommittally instead. “How’s she doing?”

“Hunny, it’s her first weekend shift. She’s overwhelmed. But she’s handling it well.”

I sip my gin, that feeling in my neck and shoulders gnawing away at me again. It’s Livvy’s smile. It’s forced. And around the corners, it’s starting to slip.

Even though Bex is with her at that end of the bar, the crowd of people waiting for drinks keeps growing. She pours one drink for every three Bex does, and there’s way too much head on her beer pours.

On top of that, several of the men seem to be trying to get her to chat with them. She’s got a great figure and a cute face—beautiful, actually. It’s no wonder she’s getting a lot of attention, but my brothers in Christ, she’s working. She’s being nice because it’s her job, not because she’s interested in you.

One of the guys, camping out on a stool in front of her, hands her some cash. She takes it, smiling and mouths “thank you” and he reaches out with his other hand and touches her elbow.

My stomach lurches.

Something inside me wants to growl don’t touch her. But on the outside, I remain still and stoic. Watching.

He pulls his hand away after a second. My jaw hurts and I realize I’ve been clenching it.

It’s not my style to butt into situations or play the white knight. I know women can handle themselves for the most part. Hell, Bex is more likely to punch someone for touching her sister than I am. But I wouldn’t hesitate to lay a fucker out if I need to.

Maybe I’ll go tell one of the bouncers to keep an eye on that guy, just in case he gets any more handsy or decides to wait around outside after the girls get off their shift.

I scan around the place for the younger, real muscle-y one. Mark, I think is his name.

Riley slides another gin and tonic in front of me. I hadn’t realized I’d emptied my first one.

“Thanks,” I say as I stand, taking my drink with me.

I slink back into the shadows to finish my drink in the corner where it’s a little quieter.

My eyes keep going back to her. Livvy. That same guy is still sitting at the bar, nursing the same beer. I obviously can’t leave until he does.

Does that mean I might be standing here watching them all night? I will if I need to.

It’s called brooding.

I’m just being protective. She brings out the primal need in me for whatever reason. It’s probably those round eyes and pouty lips. She’s too pure. Too pretty. Too precious and trusting.

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