Page 90 of Play For Me
“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” I kiss her briefly on the cheek before heading toward the bar.
“Everything good here?” I ask Vic, the head bartender, as he mixes several drinks at a time like a pro.
“It’s going great, man. Drinks are flowing smoothly, and the feedback has been amazing,” he says, shaking a drink before pouring it into a martini glass.
“Perfect. It’s only going to get busier, so I’ll be helping out when I can.”
The band takes the mic, and I hear them introduce themselves before they go into their first song. It’s a popular country song, and it doesn’t take long before the dance floor starts to fill up.
My fingers tap along my side to the drum beat. I’ve played this song before, and I know it like the back of my hand. Although soulful country and southern rock resonate with my soul, I have a love for a wide range of music and plan to feature different genres to keep the crowd engaged. I don’t want to be known as a country bar or one specific type. I want to be known as a music bar, bringing the best music I can find for locals to enjoy.
I make my way through the crowd to check on the outside deck, stopping to talk to people I know around town. People are playing pool in the back room, and there’s a shuffleboard game going on as well.
When I finally make it outside, I check to make sure everything is running smoothly. I installed speakers out here and have another full-service bar that’s hard at work. With all the windows I had installed, the outdoor and indoor crowds blend together nicely. You can see and hear the band from both areas, so even sitting outside, you feel included.
Satisfied that my staff are happy and have things under control, I walk back in. A slow song comes on, and couples start to form on the dance floor. I don’t miss the way the girls in here try to catch my eye, but I have only one I gravitate towards.
My brothers are already on the dance floor with their wives by the time I reach their table. Knox and Olivia are talking and stop when they see me. A smile spreads across her face as I grin back.
“Thanks for keeping her company for me.” I glance at Knox, and he nods.
“I wasn’t about to leave her by herself. It’s like leaving a lamb in the middle of a pack of wolves,” he chuckles, and pulls his ball cap further down on his head.
Most people love the fame and attention. Not him. He deals with it because he has to, but all he wants to do is play the sport. If he can hide under a ball cap or blend into a crowd…he will.
“I can fend for myself,” she laughs. “No one has even approached me anyway.”
“That’s because I glare at them before they can, and they run away scared,” Knox smirks, standing up. “I’m going to head outside and check out the outdoor bar.”
“Let me know what you think. I could use some feedback on the staff when they know I’m not looking,” I grin.
“I’m your guy,” he says, walking away.
Turning to Olivia, I haul her up and smile against her lips.
“Dance with me?”
“I thought you would never ask,” she grins, putting her handin mine while I lead her to the dance floor. I find a spot in the corner, giving us some privacy as I pull her into my arms. Bringing her hand to my chest, I cover it with mine as our bodies start to sway to the music.
“Having a good time?” I whisper in her ear. Her other hand is around my neck as her fingers thread into my hair. My hand on her lower back keeps us molded together. I love feeling her body move to the rhythm against me.
“The best time,” she says, against my t-shirt that is similar to the one she is wearing. “I just adore your family and friends.”
“They adore you,” I murmur, kissing her neck and breathing in her sweet scent. I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed a slow dance this much. I also can’t remember the last time I’ve been tempted this much. I’m having a hard time remembering we are not alone as my hand slides further down and cups her sweet ass.
“Now, who’s the one trying to kill who?” She softly moans as I grow harder against her stomach.
“That’s still debatable,” I quietly laugh into her hair.
“There you are! We’ve been looking everywhere for you!” I hear Link say behind me.
“As always, their timing sucks,” I groan into Olivia’s neck before reluctantly breaking away and facing my two longest friends and former band members. Link and Seth grin at me before raking their eyes down Olivia in a way that causes my grip on her waist to tighten.
“And who do we have here? I don’t remember seeing you around this town before. I definitely would have remembered.” Seth chuckles, keeping his eyes trained on her.
“This is Olivia.” My eyes narrow as Link winks at her. “My girlfriend.” Their eyes widen in shock before they land on me.
“Girlfriend? Did I hear that right?” Seth asked, surprised.
