“I guess my bartending skills are going to be put to good use,” he chuckles. “I’ll walk you back to the table before I get to work.”
“Put me to work, too,” I say, stopping him from leaving.
“You don’t have to do that,” he laughs. “Enjoy yourself tonight. We’ll be okay.”
“No, I want to. I used to waitress when I first graduated from high school. It’ll be fun.”
“Your heels,” he says, looking down at my boots. “Your feet will suffer in those.”
“I’ll be fine,” I giggle. “I used to walk miles in heels when I lived in Chicago. Put me to work, boss.” I grin wickedly at him and lay my hand on his chest.
“NowthatI could get used to,” he says, raking his eyes down me. “You’re hired.” He takes my hand and leads me through thecrowd to the doors heading outside. “If any guy bothers you, I want you to tell me immediately. I won’t tolerate drunk assholes who touch my staff or talk rudely to them. Especially you.” He opens the door to the deck, and I walk outside.
The crowd is twice as big out here, and we have to squeeze through to get to the bar.
“I’ll be fine,” I assure him. Stopping, he turns toward me and blocks me from going further.
“I’ll be finedoesn’t cut it. Promise me, Olivia, or I’m walking you right back to my brothers.”
Rolling my eyes, his eyes narrow, and I suppress a grin at his serious face. “I promise I’ll come and get you. Better?”
“I don’t know. Something tells me I’m going to regret this,” he mutters, leading me to the bar.
CHAPTER THIRTY
MILES
Popping the top on the long neck, I hand it to the guy in front of me as I keep a watch on the blonde hair that moves in and out of the crowd with a tray for of drinks. I have to admit, she’s got skills. When she said she used to waitress, I didn’t know what to expect, but she’s damn good at it.
Balancing the tray with ease, she grins at the group sitting at the table and hands them their drinks that she memorized. She naturally has people skills, and they feel how genuine she is as they chat with her. So far, everyone has been respectful, and I start to breathe a little bit better as the tightness in my chest eases up.
“I don’t think I've ever seen you this uptight,” Knox laughs, eyeing me from across the bar. He’s been sitting out here as I bartend, and I have a feeling he’s here to back me up if something goes wrong.
“There are a lot of people here. I’m just keeping her safe.” I tilt the glass and pour the craft beer to the rim before handing it to the next person in line.
“Have you told her you love her yet?” His question catchesme off guard as my eyes flick to his. I debate whether to blow it off, but I find myself speaking the truth I’ve been holding in.
“No, not yet,” I say quietly, pouring a shot of tequila and adding a lime slice on the rim. “She’s not ready.”
“Sometimes the truth needs to be spoken, whether that person is ready to hear it or not.” He swirls the dark liquid around in his glass before shooting it back. “Want my advice?” He slides his empty glass across the bar, and I take it. Pouring him a refill, I hand it back.
“Do I have a choice?” I chuckle.
“Nope,” he says, giving me a small smile. “I’m going to give it to you either way.”
“I figured as much.”
“She loves you, man. It’s clear as day when she looks at you. Don’t hide your feelings for too much longer. Nothing good ever comes from keeping things inside.”
I study him as he does a good job of hiding what is clearly something that is bothering him. “You good, Stone? You know I’m always here for you if you need to talk.”
“Yeah, I’m good,” he smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Just want what's best for you. I always have.”
“I could say the same about you. Maybe it’s time you started seeing the person I see in front of me. The one deserving of love,” I say quietly.
Chuckling, he takes the drink and stands.
“Not everyone wants it or needs it. But you,” he says, pointing at me, “do. So take it when it’s standing right in front of you and don’t let go.”
