Page 28 of The Red-Hot Stakes

He nodded thoughtfully. After another drink of the dark beer, he shoved away from the counter.

“Not even going to ask for advice?” I called.

“Nope.” The grin he tossed me took my breath away as he strode off. “I’ve been planning this song for months.”

Sarah and I exchanged shocked looks. I quickly checked on my tables, sneaking glances at Liam as he set up. He had the nerve to wink, making me ask a customer to repeat their order. I had just started filling drinks when his song started playing, and I recognized it immediately.

My hands went to my hips as I glared indignantly at Liam, who smirked as he sang T-R-O-U-B-L-E by Travis Tritt.

Sarah strode by. “I guess he’s got your number.”

I shook my head, warmth buoying me as I finished pouring drinks then hurried them out to the tables. When I came back, Liam was on his barstool once more.

“Thanks a lot,” I called as I walked behind him.

His expression was apprehensive when I came around the bar. “You’re not mad?” I shook my head, and his face lit up with a full smile. “Good. How should I do the whole bar news thing?” He glanced at Sarah and Burt.

“I think you should make an announcement before opening one day. Tell everyone at once. Whenever you’re comfortable with it.”

“Makes sense.” He nodded, sipping his beer. “And the other thing?”

My manager position or dinner with him? I decided to make him spell it out. “Which thing?”

He trailed a finger through the ring of condensation left behind from his glass. “The other thing you said yes to.”

I smirked, beyond amused at his shyness. “The manager thing? I have midterms in two weeks. Let’s wait till after that to make it official.”

“Oh, yeah. Okay.” His shoulders slumped. “That’s great and all, but what about the other other thing?”

He can’t even say the word date? Or at least dinner? I leaned forward on my elbows. “Hmm, nope. Drawing a blank here. We talked about a lot of stuff.” It was hard to fight the laughter bubbling up inside of me.

His gaze darted to mine, then he did a double take at my grin and my shaking shoulders. “Hey!”

The laughter spilled out as I reached over to nudge his forearm. “You did just sing a song about how much trouble I am.”

“You had me going there.”

“I know. So about our date,” I said pointedly. “It’s okay to call it that, you know.”

“Okay, okay, about our date.” His cheeks flushed, and it was adorable. “When would you like to have it?”

Good question. I mentally ran through my calendar, just as I noticed someone finishing a drink at the end of the bar. “I’m not dodging. I gotta check on my customers, okay? Can’t have the boss thinking I’m slacking.”

He nodded, smiling.

I made the rounds, cleared some empties, got some refills and went back to Liam. “I’m off Sunday, but I know that’s your football day. Monday and Tuesday are my school days, so those are out.” I thought for another minute. “I have next Friday off as well.”

“I don’t mind missing football for one week.” He hesitated. “If that’s not too soon.”

“Liam.” I leaned toward him, making sure I had his full attention. “You gotta chill. I wouldn’t have offered that day if it was too soon. Stop second-guessing everything, and just relax. Okay?”

His cheeks puffed out as he let out a long breath. “Sorry. I guess I’m still reeling from you actually saying yes.”

I studied the counter, because I was too. Who’d have thought I’d actually want to go on a date with Liam? Then I really assessed him and the vulnerability in his face made me want to hug him. I reached out my hand instead, brushing it over his. “Well, I’m not going to change my mind. We’re doing this.”

A group of five walked in and sat at one of my tables.

“We’ll figure out the details later. I gotta go.”

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