Page 67 of Whiskey Neat

Chuckling, I card my fingers through his hair to fix it. “Is it wrong that I think you look even hotter with my marks on you?”

“It’s a little caveman of you, but I’m not mad about it. It’s okay with me if everyone in the city knows Indy Hart wants me in his bed.”

“And wherever else I can get my hands on you.”

A pretty smile spreads across his face. “You’re good for a man’s ego.”

“You’re worthy of praise.” I cup his chin, lifting his face slightly. “I don’t take it for granted that you want to do this with me.”

He scoffs a laugh. “You’re too much sometimes. Has anyone in their life ever said no to you?”

“Doesn’t matter. You said yes.”

Salem exhales slowly, dragging his hands down my chest. “I should get back to work before the boss notices I’m slacking off during company time.”

I laugh at that. “I’ll cover for you.”

“Ooh, thank you. What a perk.” He kisses me again. “See ya later, Indy.”

I watch him leave, still wondering where I left my chill. At least I didn’t embarrass myself this time and ask him to stay or go out to eat. It was just sex. Just blowing off some steam, and that’s good enough for both of us.

TWENTY-TWO

SALEM

I barely remember what I was doing before Indy decided to turn me inside out, but I know I need to find where I left my notebook. I head to the bar, waving briefly at the guys while I move flooring samples and paint swatches around. That’s when I realize they’ve stopped talking.

I glance up. “Yes?”

Kit can barely conceal his laughter, while Jerryn and Bane look like they’ve seen an alien. Ridley has an amused smile on his face, but it’s Lowen who looks like a concerned big brother.

“Boo,” he says. “I think you should swing by the bathroom.”

“Bathroom? Why?”

“Because you look rode hard and left wet,” Kit says without hesitation.

My cheeks flame with heat as I twist on my heel and stomp down the hall to the bathrooms. They’re still pretty gross inside, but we have running water and mirrors, so that’ll do.

When I see my reflection, embarrassed laughter bubbles out of me. Sure, Indy sort of fixed my hair, but my face is red from his stubble and my neck and collarbone are covered in reddish purple bruises. I turn on the water, wet my hands, and run them through my hair, then splash my face.

Resting my hands on the sink, I gaze into my eyes in the mirror. I should be mortified that all the guys, my bosses, know what Indy did to me, but I can’t summon that emotion. I’m… proud. Indy is such an incredible man that it’s almost unbelievable that he actually exists.

When I come out of the bathroom, I walk down the hall with my shoulders back and all the confidence Indy’s attention provides. He’s with the guys at the bar now too. He winks at me, and my stomach fucking flutters in response.

Lowen smiles warmly, handing me my notebook. “Since you’re here, Salem, can you weigh in on the wood stain options?”

“Sure.”

He slides four pieces of wood toward me. They range from very light to very dark.

“Hmm, the dark one is nice, but it might feel like a dungeon in here. I think you’d want something durable with the college kids around, so I’d probably go with this medium dark one.” I push it forward.

“Told you,” Bane says.

Lowen pops his bottom lip in a pout. “Fine. You guys win.”

“What happened?” I ask.

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