Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 23670 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 118(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 23670 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 118(@200wpm)___ 95(@250wpm)___ 79(@300wpm)
“You knew that was me?” She seems pleased.
“Of course I did. I’d know you anywhere, Liv. There could be a room full of a thousand people with no lights on and I’d still know it was you.”
“That sounds kind of scary actually.” She hiccups and tilts a little on her seat.
On instinct I reach out and put my hand on her waist to keep her from falling. “Easy there, darling.”
She looks up at me through her lashes, and I feel that heat in my chest like the first time we kissed.
“I didn’t make that cake for Troy.” She places her hand over my heart and I’m willing to bet she can feel it hammering.
“You didn’t?”
She shakes her head, and I lean in closer. “I baked it for you.” Her smile is sweet, and I feel her fingers playing with the button on my shirt. “I wanted to give you something sweet. Maybe talk you into letting me back in.”
“Can you give me a second?” I tell her but don’t move an inch.
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“I just need to go kill my cousin real fast.”
Her laughter is music to my ears as she grabs my shirt and pulls me closer. “Later.”
“Later,” I agree before I press my lips to hers.
Chapter Thirteen
LIV
It’s so easy to get lost in Julius’s kisses because I don’t think there is anything better than them. My body melts into his, and it’s not until I hear a few catcalls that I’m pulling back.
I forgot we’re in the middle of a bar for the whole town to see. How had that slipped my mind? Julius glares at everyone, and the sight of his annoyance makes me laugh.
“Hey, big guy.” I tug on his shirt to get his attention, and Julius gives it to me without hesitation. “They’re only teasing,” I reassure him. “It’s part of being in a small town.” I wiggle my finger for him to come down closer so I can whisper into his ear.
Instead, his hands go to my hips, and he lifts me right off my feet. In this position, we’re at eye level. My hands go to his shoulders to hold on. Not because I think he’s going to drop me, but I rather enjoy having the excuse to touch him.
“This is a lovely view.” A giggle bubbles out of me, and I glance around to see everyone from up here.
“What were you going to tell me?”
“Oh, right.” I lick my lips. “Now that everyone saw us kissing, they know you’re mine. Even Lola’s boobs.”
"I wasn't staring at her tits." A touch of pink lights up his cheeks. "I only want you."
"I should have asked you.” And I never should have trusted Troy. “I'm new to this dating stuff, and I've been crushing on you for a long time." I let out a sigh, and Julius’s eyes soften. "Also, I think I might be in love with you." My hand flies over my mouth. Why did I admit that?! I’m going to scare him off, but maybe I can blame the cocktails.
When Julius tries to speak, I cover his mouth too. I feel him smile behind it.
“Don’t respond to that, okay? We’re going to pretend I didn’t say it,” I tell him. “Nod if you understand.” His body shakes with silent laughter, but he nods his head.
I let my hand fall away from his mouth, and he smiles at me. “We’ll talk about it later.”
“So you two make up?” My sister pops up out of nowhere.
“You left me,” I accuse. I’m more teasing her than anything.
“I think it worked out for the best.”
“I suppose.” I wiggle, and Julius puts me back onto my feet. “I forgot I told my sister we’d have a girls’ night.”
“Actually, I think I’m going to head out. You two stay.”
“It’s late,” Julius says before I can respond to my sister. “We should take you home.”
Aw! He’s worried about my sister. I never should have listened to stupid Troy. Oh, I’ll be getting him back one way or another.
“I’ll be fine.” Lane grabs her purse off the chair.
“I’ll walk her.”
The voice comes from behind us, and I turn to see Sawyer standing there.
“Where did you come from?” I ask.
He’s so damn tall I don’t know how I could have missed him. I should have spotted him the second he walked in the door, but Julius stole all my attention.
“I’m always around.” Sawyer shrugs, and I don’t miss how his eyes move up and down my sister. I think he might be admiring my handiwork.
"I've noticed," Julius grunts, and his words hang in the air. I look between the two men, wondering what I missed.
"I'm going home with Julius," I announce using my liquid courage. "Right?" I turn my head to peek up at him. "I can go home with you?"
"Always." I can't help the giant smile that overtakes my face. I won't be shocked if my cheeks hurt tomorrow. "I've got their tab." Julius pulls out his wallet, dropping a hundred onto the bar.