Page 44 of Vodka And Virtue

“I was wrong when I said that you were mine only while you were here. You belong to me now, sweetness. You’re all mine, even when you aren’t with me.”

“I like the sound of that.”

His voice sounded torn and shredded, most likely from sucking me, and although I hated to cause him discomfort, I loved that I had done that to him, altered his body in some way to accommodate mine.

“Let’s get cleaned up, and I’ll make you a hot cup of herbal tea with honey.”

* * *

My night couldn’t getany better. I felt like I was floating on air. They could march a band through this bar and it still wouldn’t distract my attention from Carlisle. He was all I could see, a spotlight in the darkness, shining brighter than everyone around him. Every now and then he would stop, his eyes would find me through the crowd, and he would give me one of his shy little smiles that made me feel as if we were sharing secrets.

He was so fucking sweet. I was losing my shit over him, completely head over heels.

When Carlisle retreated to the lounge to get some bookkeeping and paperwork done, I joined Shannon at the bar.

“Wipe that stupid grin off your face,” he barked.

“Why does my happiness annoy you?”

“Because my cousin put that smile on your face, and I’d rather not know the details.”

I gave him a wicked grin. “You’re right about that.”

Aries strolled in and joined us at the bar.

“Hey, guys. How’s your night going?”

He always had a smile or a compliment for everyone. Aries was just a sunny person. He believed in karma and sending out into the universe what you wanted to receive.

“The usual,” I responded.

Shannon pointed to an empty stool. “Have a seat. What are you drinking?”

“Oh, I’m not staying. I just came to pick up dinner.”

I noted Shannon’s disappointment. “Would you like to look at the specials or a menu?”

“That’s alright. I only came for the meatloaf.”

Just then, Gordy walked out from the kitchen, holding a brown paper bag. He placed it on the bar top.

“Here you go. I added a side salad and some warm buttered rolls.”

“You’re the best. Nobody makes meatloaf as good as you do.”

In the handful of years I’d known Gordy, I was certain I’d never seen him blush before. It just wasn’t his style. Gordy was gruff, usually silent, abrasive, among other things. But bashful? Nope. Never once.

“So how’s that tatt coming along? Is it healing good? Do you need me to take a look at it?”

“It’s all good. Thanks for asking. You do amazing work. I wouldn’t trust anyone else to touch me, but you. I mean with a tattoo gun.” His blush actually deepened.

Aries laughed it off. “Well, I gotta run. I have a customer coming in twenty. Thanks for dinner, Gordy. I owe you one. And Shannon, don’t think I forgot about that drink you promised me.”

Then Aries skipped out, leaving the Carrick cousins to glare at each other, like they did best.

“You taking him out for a drink?”

Shannon ignored him. “Did you get new ink? Let’s see.”

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