Page 50 of Brews & Bartenders

“I will.” He watches me get off the stool and I can feel his eyes on me as I walk toward the door.

Once I’m outside, I glance down. I’m going to need to do more than change. A shower is in order after sweating on the side of the football field. A part of me feels like something that could blow up in my face is going to happen, but I’m not going to focus on that. Instead, I’ll focus on the man who’s been amazing to me the past couple of weeks. I never thought I’d be the type of person who would fall fast, but being with Carlos is testing that theory.

22

Carlos

Caroline hasn’t been gonetwo minutes, and I’m already searching for Eric. I hope like hell he can cover me. Her having an entirely free weekend feels like a Godsend. Even though, I feel like her ex is only taking their son for the weekend for something nefarious.

I didn’t miss the look he was giving me when David told me bye at practice. Honestly, I don’t know what Caroline even saw in him. That’s three interactions I’ve had with the man, and he has a douchebag neon sign blinking over his head. Most people would say I feel this way because I’m dating his ex-wife, but it’s more than that. They are completely opposite people. Caroline is kind-hearted and values her family. The only thing I see Nathan value is what benefits himself.

Finally, I see Eric make his way back to the bar. Took him long enough. “Hey, you got a minute?”

“Sure, whatcha need?” He eyes me before I can even ask. “This has something to do with your girl, doesn’t it?”

Geez, am I that easy to read? “Yeah, she unexpectedly has the weekend to herself, and I kind of want to take her to dinner tonight. And maybe switch shifts with you tomorrow?”

Eric taps his finger on his chin, thinking it over. Though I think he’s purposefully keeping me on edge. “I don’t know, Man. You’re gone more than you’re here these days.”

Damn it. I knew asking him was going to be risky. I’ve been expecting too much of him. And he’s right. I’ve been leaving work more often than not to spend time with Caroline. That might make me a shitty boss and co-owner. “I get it.”

Eric holds up a finger to silence me, “You didn’t let me finish. But I’ll do it for you.”

“Wh-what?”

“Look, this is the happiest I’ve seen you in a long time. And it’s not like you haven’t worked from open until close a million times.” He shrugs as if he has no choice, “I’ll do it for you. Go out and woo your girl. My mom was a single parent. I know how hard those free weekends are to come by.”

I wrap him in a quick hug and let him go. “Thanks. I owe you.”

“When did you become a hugger? I don’t think I like it.” He laughs and continues his way behind the bar. This kid…here lately, I don’t know what I’d do without him, but I’m glad to have him in my corner. I won’t leave just yet. I want to give Caroline time to get ready. I just know the next thirty minutes are going to drag, and all I can think about is her. And how often she’s had someone bend to her every will. This may have been fake for her in the beginning, but for me…it’s always been real.

My phone dings with a text as I pull into Caroline’s driveway.

Caroline: I’m ready whenever you are

Relief floods through me. I’m not here to early. Waiting to leave work and stopping by the house to change give her extra time. I even managed to stop by the store and pick up her favorite beer. It’s sitting in my fridge cooling. It may be presumptuous for me to think she’s going to come home with me, but I’m hopeful she will. I’d like her to see where I live, amongst other things.

Rather than replying, I get out of the car and make my way up the porch steps. I knock, one, two, three times and wait for her to answer. When she does, I swear I stop breathing. “You look amazing.”

She’s wearing a short, strapless black dress that hugs her curves in all the right places. She looks great in yoga pants, but they don’t do her body justice at all.

Pulling up the top of her dress, a sheepish smile tugs at her lips. “Thank you. I wasn’t sure if it was too much or not enough since I don’t know where we’re going.”

After seeing her, I’m not sure I want to go anywhere. The need to keep what’s mine hidden from everyone else is simmering just under the surface. “I vote we stay in.”

“Nope.” She holds up a hand. “I put on real clothes, we’re going out.”

Point made. “Can I come in?”

She purses her lips, and takes me in from head to toe. “If you come in, we may never leave. Let me grab my purse.”

I chuckle and shake my head. Smart woman. Other than spending time with her, my new goal now includes peeling that dress off her body, inch by inch.

Caroline comes back with a small bag over her shoulder and slides her phone into a pocket. She closes and locks the door behind her. I hold my arm out in presentation. “Your chariot awaits.”

I slide my hand into hers and lead her to the passenger side of the car. Opening the door, I wait until she’s in and close it behind her. I know we’ve met for breakfast here and there, and the one time we had dinner in, but this feels like a true first date. Our debut into the world announcing we are a bona fide couple.

She’s quiet as we pull out of the driveway and head back into town. I want to ask her if everything is okay, but she’ll let me know on her own terms. My hand is on her thigh, and I give it a small squeeze, letting her know I’m there.

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