Page 30 of Bidding War

But then my phone goes off to tell me my break is over. “Gotta get back.”

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16

JUNE

“I’ll stick around if you don’t mind. I’d like to walk you home. Make sure you get there safe.”

“Are all of you Midwestern guys so chivalrous?”

He smirks. “Only the ones who were raised right.”

I giggle and get myself back to work. It’s still a madhouse, and I might have taken a little too long with Neil in the corner, but Kelsey doesn’t mention it. In fact, all he says is, “Thought I might have lost you tonight. Looks like someone’s head over heels.”

I laugh and shake my head as I pour a Bud. “Definitely too soon for me?—"

“Not you. Him. I haven’t seen a guy that smitten since I met my wife.”

“You really think so?”

He nods once. “Watch yourself with that one. He is very into you.”

I cringe at that. “Damn.”

“That’s a bad thing?”

I duck under the bar for a tray as Kelsey reaches over me. Can’t believe we still move in sync as well as we do. “I’m fresh out of a relationship. Not sure I want someone smitten with me. Especially someone as sweet as Neil. He’s a really good guy, newly from Nebraska. I don’t want to be the Boston bitch who broke his heart.”

“Understood. Want Bruno to chase him out of here?”

“No, no. Nothing like that. I just need to be careful with him. Make sure I don’t lead him on, that kind of thing. No big deal. I’ll handle it.”

Kelsey nods, and we go back to slamming drinks out for the crowd. With my boss’ words ringing in my head, I’m torn. On the one hand, I like that Neil is sticking around to walk me home. On the other hand, I don’t want him to think we’re a thing. I like kissing the guy. He’s easy on the eyes. But letting myself get close to someone the way I was with Anderson is out of the question for a long, long time.

As the hockey game heats up near the last period, two fans of the opposing teams get into it. The bar is too clogged for Bruno or Marcus to get there in time, so Neil steps up. I can’t hear what he says to them, but he brings the guys to the bar and buys them a round to keep the peace. They go to their separate corners after that, and I mouth, “Thank you!” to Neil. He gives a shy smile and returns to his booth.

“If you don’t marry him, I might,” Kelsey says.

When things wind down, Neil hangs out at the bar, but when they pick up again, he returns to the quiet booth at the corner. I appreciate that he’s trying to make sure I get more people in my section. More people, more tips. He’s so thoughtful. It’s a nice change from the boyfriends I’ve had before. Harry, who I had to remind, it was Valentine’s Day. Derek, who balked at eating pussy but wanted blowjobs. Neil isn’t like them at all.

Honestly, he’s unlike anyone I’ve ever met.

At the end of the night, I say my goodbyes, and Neil helps me into my coat. It’s such an old-school gesture, and I find it endearing. He even opens the door for me on our way out. The frosty air hits my lungs hard. “Oh, wow. It’s colder than I thought.”

Without a word, he takes off his scarf and wraps it around me, tying it comfortably around my neck. “This will help.”

“Thanks, but what about you?”

He gazes over my face and smiles. “I’ll think warm thoughts.”

“Me, too.” I grab his collar and pull him to my lips. When he brushes over mine, there’s such a spark, and it flashes through me, warming me from the inside out. Okay. I might not be ready to start something with Neil, but I’d like to be. Just as we break the kiss, snowflakes fall. It’s a perfect moment.

But then another icy breeze hits.

Even with his heat on my mouth, I shiver. Neil says, “Let’s get you someplace warm. I’d suggest my place, but I’m getting it painted.”

“We’re not that far from mine.”

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