[Truyện Tiếng Anh] On The Rocks

On the Rocks
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“You’re such an ass.” I splashed Macon.

“Admit it. You’re glad I did it.”

“Why? Why would I be glad?”

“Because you secretly wanted to go for a night swim but were too chicken.”

“I am not chicken to do anything.” Maybe I didn’t want to get wet, but it didn’t mean I was afraid.

“Is that so?”

“Yes.” I floated on my back, watching the full moon above us.

“Kiss me while you’re sober.”

His words had me submerging as much of myself as possible in the water. “What?”

“You said you’re not too afraid to do anything, so kiss me. No alcohol to make excuses this time.”

“You think I’m afraid to kiss you?” I stood up.

“No.” He came closer. “I know you are.”

“I’m not afraid.”

“Then do it.” His hand circled my wrist.

“Why? Why do you want me to?”

“Because I need to know how you feel, Carly. I need to know what you want.”

I shivered, half from the cold and half from his words. “I know what I want.”

“Then show me.”

“What if it’s not the same thing you want?”

“Worry about that later.”

I leaned toward him, letting my lips brush against his.

“Really kiss me, Carly.”

I pressed my lips against his, still not sure which way was up. Why was he pushing me? Why couldn’t he make the move? His lips started moving against mine, and I stopped hesitating. I wrapped my arms around his neck and let my lips do the talking.

He deepened the kiss, and I pressed my body against his. I wasn’t wearing a bra under my white t-shirt, and my nipples rubbed against his bare chest.

He broke the kiss momentarily. “I feel exactly the same way, babe.” His lips returned to mine, and I pressed against him again.

He groaned, cupping a breast through my t-shirt. The sensation of his hand through the wet fabric had me about ready to lose control. His other hand started to tug down on my pajama bottoms. I stilled him. “Not out here.”

“If I take you to my bed again, it’s not going to be to cuddle.” His expression left nothing to the imagination.

“Take me to your bed then.”

“There’s no turning back this time. You need to know that.”

“There’s been no turning back since the last time you threw me in the ocean.”

“You’re right about that.” His lips attacked my neck as his hand found its way underneath my wet top.

I moaned as he squeezed my breast, and I didn’t resist when he pushed my shirt up so his lips could settle on my other breast. I braced my hand on his chest, letting my fingertips explore his muscular planes.

His lips left my breast. “I want you so bad. I don’t know how much longer I can wait.” He breathed the words in barely a whisper.

“That’s why you’re supposed to be taking me home.”

“Let’s go.” He tugged on my hand and pulled me out of the water.

The cold wind stung, but I was so numb from excitement that I barely felt it as we made our way back to the condo.

Chapter Eighteen

Macon

I wanted her. No, I needed her. The weeks of resisting her had broken down my restraint. As easy as it would have been to take her right there on the beach, I knew I couldn’t. I practically towed her back toward the condo, and up the stairs. Once inside, I kicked the door closed, only pausing to lock the door before picking her up. She wrapped her legs around my waist. Her lips found mine, but I had to break the kiss to keep myself moving forward.

Thankfully the walk to my room wasn’t long. I set her down right in front of my bed and wasted no time pulling off the wet top that had been in my way. Several trails of water streamed down her chest. I licked them away, using the excuse to give my mouth the opportunity to explore her breasts more. Her nipples were so hard and responsive, I needed more. She moaned for me, and I could tell she was struggling to stay standing. I was about to make it even harder on her. Without moving my mouth, I untied her pants and let them fall to the floor. I pushed away the satin fabric of her panties and slipped one finger inside her. Her moan became more of a groan. As I expected she stumbled back, and I caught her, easing her down on my bed. I pulled her panties down and tossed them in the pile with the rest of her wet clothes. A moment later my boxers joined them.

I looked at her. I looked at every naked part of her body, determined to memorize every inch of her.

She looked up at me with the ***iest damn expression ever. “Are you going to join me?”

“Hell yes.” I ran my eyes over her again. She was so damn beautiful I couldn’t really believe she was giving herself to me. I’d been with plenty of girls, but Carly was different inside and out.

I lay down next to her, letting my hands trail down her body. Her eyes were locked on my obvious arousal.

Things were hot and heavy—they were perfect really, but something was missing. I wasn’t making her laugh. “Aren’t you going to thank me for taking my pants off?”

She pushed my chest. “No, I think you’re supposed to thank me first.”

“But I took your pants off for you.”

“Macon?”

“Yes, babe?” I trailed tiny kissed from her neck down.

“I already told you that I want you.”

“Yeah?” I let my fingers move between her legs again, watching as her eyes widened. “What was that you were saying?”

She moaned before closing her eyes and letting her hands settle at her sides. “Macon.” My name came out of her as half a moan, and I could barely hold myself together.

“I want you, Macon.”

“You’re going to get me.” I kissed her, loving that I was able *****rprise her because her eyes were still clenched closed.

She reached out for me, gently stroking me. I groaned. Her touch was so careful. I’d have never imagined that was the touch that would set me completely on fire, but I could barely hold it together.

I reluctantly got up to grab a condom from the night stand. When I returned she was looking at me with those big ***y eyes again. “I’ve never wanted someone this bad before.”

“That makes two of us.” I moved above her, locking my eyes on her as I positioned myself between her legs. I hesitated for a moment, wanting to watch the excitement on her face before entering her for the first time. Damn, she felt incredible. Wet, hot, and ready for me. I moved in further, as her breathing sped up. I tried to go slow, wanting to make sure I didn’t rush things, didn’t hurt her, but when her nails dug into my back I realized that’s not what she wanted. I sped things up, driving into her harder and faster. She opened up to me more and wrapped her legs around me. I moved my lips to her breast, as I continued to move inside her.

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“Macon.” She said my name again, and I lost myself in her.

***

Light flooding in through the window woke me up. Carly stirred beside me. I had her very naked body cocooned in my arms and legs, and I couldn’t think of a better way to sleep.

“Morning, babe.” I let my lips brush against her ear.

“Morning.” Her voice was still heavy with sleep. With sleep she’d been having while naked in my arms—in my bed. I was already hard, but now it was worse.

I shifted so I could look at her. “Exciting night, huh?”

“Yeah, you could say that.”

“I’m taking you down to the beach in the middle of the night more often.”

“Are you sure it wasn’t the exhilarating bartending lesson that got me in the mood?”

I laughed. “Well if that’s the case, we’ll have to do the next one tonight.”

She touched my shoulder and gave me one of her signature ***y looks again. “The problem is I want you again right now.”

Did she know what she was asking for?

Her hand wrapped around me. Yeah she knew.

“As much as I want you too, we should probably talk first.”

Her hand dropped. “What do we need to talk about?”

“What happened. Us.”

Her smile faded, and she turned away.

“Hey.” I rolled her back to look at me. “You don’t regret it, do you?” Wanting me again or not, she could have regrets.

“No. not at all.” Then a look of panic crossed her face. “Do you?”

“No of course not… but I’m not exactly sure what happens now.”

“Yeah… I was just thinking about that.” She played with a corner of the sheet.

“And what was your final conclusion?”

“That this wasn’t a normal hook-up.”

“Have you had a lot of experience with normal hook-ups, then?” I shifted, accidently pulling the sheet off her. I remedied the situation, letting my hands brush against her in the process.

“No, actually I don’t.” Her expression was open and honest.

“I have some experience, for better or worse. And you’re right, this isn’t. But we both knew that going in.”

The look of panic was still there. I needed to do something about it.

“Can I be completely honest and open with you, Carly?”

She nodded slightly.

“I want this to—”

“I understand.” Her words tumbled out.

“You understand? What was I going to say?”

She looked toward the wall. “That this can’t happen again.”

For a second I thought she wanted that until I realized she thought that’s what I wanted. I laughed, and she turned back toward me with a look that said she was ready to kill me.

“Whoa. Calm down there. That wasn’t what I was going to say. Think you’d let me finish?”

“Yes. Say whatever you have to.”

“Look at me.” I put a gentle hand under her chin. “What I was starting to say before I was rudely interrupted,” I paused to smile, “Was that I don’t want this to be a one-time thing. I don’t think it can be.”

“What?”

“Ok, this is coming out all jumbled. Give me a sec.” I’d never been so tongue tied in my life. Nothing was coming out right. “All right. Here’s the thing. I really like you. I already did before last night, but well, I did tell you there was no turning back.”

“I like you too. You obviously know that.”

“I’m not going to pretend that I’m offering you forever or anything weird like that, because honestly we don’t know each other that well yet, but I respect you way too much to just hook up with you randomly, and we both know this is going to happen again.” I touched the bed.

“It is?”

“Seriously? I pour my feelings out and you’re pretending you don’t want to have *** with me again?” I was only half serious. It wasn’t the *** I was worried about.

“Oh. I do. But it’s not like it has to. We’re adults with the ability to make our own decisions.”

I leaned over her. “Ok, I need an answer this second. Are you trying to get out of having an actual relationship with me, or are you just being your awkward self?”

“The second one.”

“Ok, good.” I lowered my lips to hers. “Then, we’re going to try this.”

“And what’s this?”

“Dating… although, do you think maybe we should hold off on telling Colin and Maddy until we fix things for them first?”

“I was thinking about that too.”

“But that doesn’t mean we’re holding off on anything else.”

“Do we tell Brody?”

“Yeah. Let’s be honest, I’m not going to be able to keep my hands off you.” I slipped my hands underneath the sheet, completely ready to show her just what I meant.

“Ok, so what now?” Her eyes widened in that ***y way again.

“We have *** again.”

“Oh yeah?”

I kissed her chest right between her breasts. “Yeah, we need to have *** as an actual couple, right?”

“Are you really making up an excuse to have *** with me?”

I grinned. “I don’t have to, do I?”

“No…” She grabbed me again. I was so hard and ready. “And I promise you I’m not going to make one up either.”

“In that case.” I moved my hand between her legs.

“Are we still allowed to play games?”

“Games? Like where we try to annoy each other?” My breathing was erratic. Her hands on me felt so good.

“Yeah.”

“Only if they don’t involve flirting or otherwise implying we’re interested in other people.”

“Wow. You really are surprising me this morning, Macon.”

“Don’t worry. The surprises aren’t going to stop here.” I planned to keep my word.

Chapter Nineteen

Carly

Six times. I’d had *** with Macon six times. I’m not exactly sure how it happened. I don’t mean the physical part, obviously I understood that much at twenty-two, but how we’d managed to do it so many times in an eight hour period. But we did. We couldn’t get enough of each other, and I hoped that wouldn’t change.

“We should probably get up eventually.” I ran a hand down Macon’s chest. I still couldn’t stop touching him.

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“Are you sure we can’t stay here all day?” He nuzzled his chin against the top of my head.

“I don’t know about you, but I’m hungry.”

“Hungry? Who needs food when there’s ***?”

I pushed his arm. “There’s no more *** without food.”

“Want to go out for lunch? Maybe we can head over to Breakfast and Burgers.”

“Sure… I guess it would be our first official date.”

“A little backwards, but it works.” He stretched, letting the sheet fall off him. The movement gave me an eyeful.

“If you keep looking at me that way we’re not going anywhere.”

“Is that so?” I stood up, forcing the self-conscious feelings away as I searched for my clothes.

His hands were around me cupping my breasts before I could grab my underwear. “Are you sure I can’t have you one more time first?”

My stomach growled.

“I guess I got my answer.” He kissed my neck and released me.

I looked at my pile of wet clothes and decided I wasn’t bothering with them. “I need something to wear.”

“On your long journey down the hall.”

“Brody might be home. Do you really want him to see me naked?”

“Of course not.” He pulled a t-shirt and sweats out. “Wear this.”

I laughed. “I mention Brody and you offer me sweats? Are you really that worried?”

“I’m the only one who gets the pleasure of seeing that body of yours now.”

“As compared to yesterday? I could have pranced around naked then?”

“Who’s prancing around naked?” Brody called from outside the door.

I pulled on Macon’s t-shirt and pushed open the door. “Could you hear everything we said through the door?”

“I heard some of it…” Brody grinned.

“Great.” I left the door open.

“Tell me about it. I’m going to have to start sleeping with ear plugs if you guys keep this up.” He winked at me.

“Wait. You’re making that up. You didn’t hear us until just now.”

He shrugged. “I don’t know. Did I?”

“Give it a rest,” Macon yelled from his room.

“What are you two up to?”

“Nothing you’re invited to join us in.” Macon made a quick attempt at making his bed.

“I wasn’t asking to have a three-some, Macon. I’m not into you.”

“I meant our lunch date.”

“Lunch date?” Brody peeked into Macon’s room. “Aren’t you two fancy?”

I laughed. “I’m going to take a quick shower.”

“Wait. What?” Macon walked into the hall in just his boxers. “You were too hungry for *** yet you have the energy to shower?”

“Not listening to this.” Brody covered his ears and walked down the hall to his room. His music started blaring a minute later.

“You think I’m going on my first date with you this sweaty?”

“Sweating because you’ve been in bed with me isn’t a bad thing.” He took my hand.

“See you in ten minutes, Macon.”

He reluctantly dropped my hand. “Are you sure I can’t join you?”

“No. I wasn’t kidding about being hungry.”

“If you insist.” He walked back into his room.

I stopped by my room to grab fresh clothes before heading into the bathroom. I turned on the shower and stripped off Macon’s shirt. The hot water felt amazing. When I heard the door open I knew exactly who it would be. “Macon.”

“Yes, babe.” He opened the glass door and stepped in completely naked, he nudged me out of the way and moved under the spray. “Were you about to say something?”

My words were lost as I stared at him. Macon always looked good, wet or dry, but under the spray of the water he looked even hotter. He was also still completely aroused.

“I’m going to assume you changed your mind.” He stepped out of the spray toward me.

“Yeah… I changed it.” I picked up the soap. If he insisted on showering with me, we were both going to be clean.

***

I was famished by the time we reached the restaurant. Seven rounds with a guy like Macon can do that to a girl. We were seated at a table by the window, and I happily ordered a burger. Macon did the same.

“I love that you eat.”

“Uh, thanks, I think.”

“It’s just nice not to worry about it. I seem to usually date girls who diet all the time and stuff.”

“In other words you go for super skinny girls.” I wasn’t one of them. I wasn’t fat, but I definitely wasn’t a size two.

“No. Just health conscious ones.”

“You don’t think I’m health conscious?” Add that in with my lack of running, and I was the lazy bum of the group.

“That’s not what I meant.”

“Then what did you mean?” I sipped my water. My one lemon wasn’t enough so I grabbed the one hanging on Macon’s glass.

Macon didn’t blink. It wasn’t the first time I’d done that to him. It may have been our first date, but it wasn’t our first time out to eat together. That should have made things more natural, but in a weird way it made it stranger. It’s like we’d flipped a switch that was supposed to change everything, but it hadn’t actually worked. Dating a friend came with some complications.

“You’re beautiful.” He gazed at me intently.

“Thanks, but that doesn’t get you out of your previous comment.”

“You’re incredibly beautiful, and smart, and sweet, and fantastic, and amazing in bed.”

Of course the waitress had to come over with our orders right as he said the last part.

She cough-laughed before leaving our food.

“Thanks.”

“Anytime.” He reached over and grabbed a fry from my plate even though he had a whole plate himself.

“So are we doing our next class tonight when I get off work?”

“Sure. How about I pick you up tonight? I have a night dive, so I think we can time it up well.”

“I probably should learn to dive eventually.”

“Wait. You’ve never been scuba diving?” He poured some ketchup onto his burger.

“I told you that.”

He shook his head. “No you didn’t.”

“I’m sure I mentioned it.”

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“Then add a scuba course to your list of activities.”

“Isn’t a bartending class enough?”

“Nope. You’re doing this.”

“Do you strong arm all of your girlfriends to dive with you?”

“I haven’t had all that many girlfriends.” He looked off.

“How many have you had?” I wasn’t sure why I was asking. The number would have no relation to the number of girls he’d slept with.

“If you count Lauren from 4th grade, four.”

“Same here. Well, boyfriends.”

“Only four?”

“It’s the same as you.”

“Yeah, but you haven’t hooked up with more.”

“How do you know?”

He took a sip of his water. “You don’t just hook up with guys.”

“I almost did with you.”

“But I’m not just a random guy.”

“Why do you do it? Why do you hook up with random girls?”

“I haven’t as often as everyone thinks.” He took a bite of his burger.

“What does that mean?”

“It means people believe what they want to.”

I was about to ask him to elaborate when a brunette walked over to our table.

“Hey, Macon,” she cooed.

My stomach clenched.

Macon gave me an embarassed look. “Hi.”

“I had a great time yesterday. You’re really good at what you do.”

I was ready to punch the girl. Was Macon going to make me suffer through this?

“Uh, thanks, but not any better than most.”

Oh. My. God.

“I’m here another few days. Would you want to hang out sometime?”

She slept with him and now was asking him out?

“I’m sorry…. I uh.” He looked right at me. “I have a girlfriend.”

“Oh.” The girl put a hand to her chest. “I’m so sorry.”

“That’s okay.” He gave her a look like he wanted her to leave. I gave her a look too.

“Oh my gosh. You probably think. Wow. No. He was my dive instructor when I got my nitrox certification. I didn’t. I wouldn’t do that.”

“Dive instructor?”

The girl nodded. “Nice to see you again, Macon.” She slipped away.

Macon shot me a sheepish smile.

“You let me think you slept with that girl the same day we did.”

“It was a little awkward. What was I supposed to do? Say, I didn’t sleep with her?”

“Or mention the diving.” I leaned back in my chair and crossed my arms.

“This is probably going to get me in tons of trouble, but you look hot when you’re angry and jealous.”

“I’m not jealous.”

“You were, but let’s leave it at that and eat.”

“You’re so good at what you do… oh my.”

He laughed that ***y laugh of his. “Am I?” he wriggled an eyebrow.

“I don’t know. You haven’t taken me diving yet.”

“We’ll be rectifying that soon.”

“Don’t remind me.”

“Oh, I will.”

Chapter Twenty

Macon

Getting out of bed was becoming increasingly difficult. Untangling myself from Carly took will power I didn’t always have. Even after a few weeks I couldn’t get enough. Usually when I’d spent nights with girls we’d end up on the opposite side of the bed by the morning. With Carly it was different. I always woke up with her tucked in my arms.

“You’re going to be late.” She pushed against me lightly, before resettling herself in my arms.

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Which means you could get fired.”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Get out of bed, Macon.” Carly was so cute when she was frustrated.

“Do you really want me to?”

“You know the answer to that one.”

I kissed her forehead. “We don’t spend enough time together.”

“We’ve spent every night together this week.”

“It’s still not enough.” I ran my fingers through her silky hair.

“Want to do lunch today then?”

“Sure. I’ll have time. How about one o’clock at Urban Kitchen?”

“I’ll just come meet you at the shop. I still haven’t seen it.”

“Sure.” I didn’t love the idea of her being around Caleb, but then again he rarely showed up anymore.

She sat up and scowled. “Is there a reason you don’t want me coming by?”

“Of course not.” I put a hand on her bare leg. She was trying to cover up with the sheet, but she wasn’t trying very hard.

“Are you sure?”

“Why wouldn’t I?”

“I don’t know. You’re really good at your job, aren’t you?”

“What? That girl? Trust me that’s not it.”

“Oh. So you admit there’s a reason.”

“It’s just I don’t really want you near Caleb.”

“Caleb? Who’s that?” Her blank stare made my heart soar.

I kissed her, not settling for a light kiss.

She broke the kiss and laughed. “What’s that for?”

“For being your amazing self.” I hopped out of bed. “Would it be pushing it to ask you to join me in the shower?”

“It would be. Besides, I’m going running so I can’t shower yet.”

“You’re running?” I raised an eyebrow. Carly made her dislike of running known.

“Yes, is that so hard to believe?”

“No. But would you rather work out at a gym?”

“If I had one to work out at.”

“Ok, hold on.” I went over to my drawer and pulled out a guest pass to my gym. “You can use this at Oceanside Fitness. It’s the only gym out this way.”

“Awesome. If I like it maybe I’ll get a membership.”

“That would be nice.” A membership meant she was sticking around. I hadn’t thought much beyond the next few days—but could Carly and I really have a future? I really hoped so.

***

“Why do you keep looking over your shoulder?” Ralph tossed an apple core into the trash can next to me.

“Because someone’s meeting me here. It’s not like her to be late.” I checked for Carly for the millionth time.

“Maddy?” Ralph’s expression brightened.

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“No. Carly.”

“Carly? The new roommate?”

“Yeah. Also the girlfriend.” I’d started using the term without thinking about it, but that’s what she was. I mean she definitely wasn’t just someone I was hooking up with.

“What?” he sputtered.

“Yeah. Carly and I are together.”

“I hope she’s not the girl outside then.” Anna Marie said as she walked in.

“Why?” I dreaded the answer.

“Because Caleb is hanging all over her.”

“What?” The term I could see red took on new meaning. I stormed out of the shop without thinking.

Anna Marie was right. He was hanging all over her. Of course Anna could have added that Carly definitely wasn’t into it. With her arms crossed she wanted nothing to do with him. Relieved she wasn’t flirting I felt the second wave of anger. This one was even stronger—why was he invading her space?

I marched over and stepped between them, pushing Caleb back in the process. “Get the hell away from her.”

“Why?” Caleb smirked. “We were just having a pleasant conversation.”

I felt the anger rising again. All I wanted to do was punch the asshole.

“Macon.” Carly’s soft voice distracted me. “I was just telling Caleb about our big plans tonight, and how you still haven’t told me what we’re doing.” She put a hand on my arm.

“Wha—” I caught myself just in time. “You don’t want me to ruin the surprise do you, babe?”

“No. You know how much I love surprises.” She bit her lip in an exaggerated way.

Caleb glared at me momentarily before turning his attention back to Carly. “Want my number in case you change your mind?”

“I’m good, but thanks.”

I put an arm around her. “Ready for lunch?”

“Definitely.”

I scowled at Caleb before leading Carly over to my car. I forced myself to stay calm because Carly was around, but next time I saw him alone he was in trouble.

I opened her door and closed it before walking around to my side. I wasn’t usually the type to do that, but I wanted to with Carly. She brought out that side in me.

I’d just started the car when she put a hand on mine. “What was that about?”

“What are you talking about?” I backed out.

“Don’t bull**** me, Macon.”

I sighed. “It was nothing.”

“You were ready to punch him. Admit it.”

“So? He was bothering you.” I stopped short as the person in front of us slowed to let a bunch of tourists cross the street.

“And you think he’s the first guy to ever do that?”

“Are you trying to make me angrier?”

“I just didn’t think you had an anger problem.”

“I don’t have an anger problem.” I rolled down the window.

“Pull over at the park.”

“What?”

“You heard me. Pull up at the entrance up ahead.”

I did as she asked. As soon as the car was stopped she jumped out. I turned off the engine and followed. “Listen, you really don’t need to worry—”

“No. Don’t try to make up an excuse.” She took a seat in the grass. She stretched out her legs, carefully smoothing out her skirt.

I sat down beside her. “I’m not.”

“Tell me what happened? Why did you get so angry?”

“I already told you.” I pulled a fistful of browning grass out of the ground

“If you were telling the truth then you belong in an anger management program, but I don’t believe that’s what it was. That little spat wasn’t just about me.”

I groaned. “Just leave it alone, Carly.”

“Nope. I can tell something’s up, and I don’t like secrets.”

“Caleb’s a POS. That’s it.”

“Besides his annoying habit of hitting on me, why is he a POS?”

“That’s not enough?” I turned my attention to trimming the grass again.

“Macon.” No matter how Carly said my name it had an effect on me. It’s like hearing it from her lips changed the way it sounded.

“Fine. I just can’t stand him. His dad owns the shop, and he thinks he walks on water. He doesn’t even like diving, so why should he take it over?”

“Are there plans to hand it over soon?”

“The end of this summer.” I’d be looking for a new job as soon as that happened. I needed to figure something out and fast.

“A lot of family businesses are like that. Maybe he doesn’t even want it.”

“Not all are.”

“I’m guessing you’re speaking from experience.” She scooted closer to me.

“You could say that.”

“And you don’t get to take it over.” She rubbed my back gently.

“Right.”

“So in other words, you’re taking out your own frustration on Caleb.”

“Don’t start.”

“What? I’m being real here.”

“My uncle’s giving his company to the chick he’s been screwing for five years.”

“Wow, that’s a low blow.”

“Exactly.”

“What kind of business is it?”

“Risk management mostly.”

“I didn’t know you liked that stuff.”

“I don’t.”

“Ok… so why did you want the position?”

“Because it’s what I was always supposed to do. It’s why I majored in business. Don’t tell Maddy, but I’ve deferred my acceptance to Wharton twice now.”

“What?” Her mouth hung open. “As in the UPenn business school?”

“Yup. I don’t want to bother with it.”

“Why haven’t you told Maddy?”

“Because she’d tell me I’m being crazy. She thinks I still haven’t applied.”

“Did you tell her she was crazy for moving out here to bartend?”

I shook my head. “I’m the one who suggested she move out here.”

“Then why would you expect anything different from her?”

“I hate letting people down.”

She exhaled sharply. “Tell me about it.”

“Who have you let down?”

“Come on. You’re not making me tell that story again.” She leaned back on one hand.

“What? Your family? They’re just being idiots.”

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“As compared to yours? I’m guessing that’s who you’re referring to.”

“Yeah. My uncle told my mom I wasn’t up for it. She owns half the company but lets him run it.”

“Does she know about his extracurricular activity?”

“No, but he’s not married so he can do what he wants.”

“It’s generally not okay to screw your employees and then promote them for it.”

I laughed. “Screw? I have you using that word now?”

“What? That’s what it is.”

I put an arm around her. “You’re perfect.”

“That again?” She leaned into my side.

“Yeah.” I rubbed the palm of her hand that now had tiny imprints of the grass on it.

“You’re going to be okay.”

“You think so?” I lifted up her hair so I could kiss her neck.

“I know so.”

“So are you.”

“I hope so.”

“I guess I need to start planning a special date now, huh?”

She laughed. “Did you like my excuse?”

“I’m guessing he was asking you out?” I refused to get angry at the thought of Caleb. She’d turned him down hadn’t she?

“Yeah, and I figured it was a good way to get you to take me out tonight.”

“Because I wouldn’t take you out anyway?”

“Generally you prefer to keep me in.”

I looked her right in the eye. “You don’t actually think that, right? That I’m just using you for *** or something?”

“Of course not. Although I do wonder how I’m satisfying you.”

I laughed. “Yeah… good one.”

“You do have a bit of a reputation you know.”

“One you believed.”

“Oh?” She turned to look at me. “Should I have questioned it?”

“I’ve only slept with one girl this entire summer.”

“What?” her eyes nearly bugged out. “That’s impossible.”

“Is it?”

“I’m the only girl you’ve been with this summer?”

I nodded. “Are you going to make me scream it or something?”

“Then why does everyone act like you sleep with anything with breasts?”

“Because it’s easy to let them think that. People don’t worry about you if they think you’re having fun.”

“Wow.” She ran her fingers over my wrist. “Well, you’re the only guy I’ve been with this summer.”

“Very good to know.” I brushed my lips against hers.

“Now you’re officially perfect.”

“Oh yeah?”

“The only thing keeping you from that title was your propensity to move through women. With that removed…”

“So you were willing to date me even without me being perfect?”

“Of course. Perfect is over rated.”

“Does that mean you want me less then?”

“We both know that neither of us are actually perfect.” She crawled into my lap.

“Yeah well, I think you’re perfect for me and that’s enough.”

“***to.”

“***to? I haven’t heard that one in a while.”

“I rock it old school.” She wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed me. She pushed for access to my mouth, and I gladly let her. I wrapped my arms around her and lay back on the grass. The motion left her on top of me. There were other people around, but I didn’t care. Kissing Carly wasn’t something I could consciously decide not to do. She was addicting, and I had no plans to quit.

***

“This is your big plan?” She glanced at the boat and then back at me.

“Yes. I figured a romantic dinner out on the water qualified as big.”

“On that? We’re going to eat a romantic dinner on that thing?” One of the best parts of Carly was her reaction to things. She was so honest it was funny. It’s why I went out of my way to tease her.

“What’s wrong with it?” I looked at the tiny little rowboat. Did she really think I’d pull something like that?

“No comment.”

I pulled her back against my chest. “Babe, we’re not taking that boat.”

“Then which one are we taking?” She glanced around the marina.

“That one.” I turned her so she was looking at the yacht docked two down from where we stood.

“Uh, I don’t think that’s your boat.”

I laughed. “Not by a long shot. It belongs to a happy client of mine.”

“A client is letting you borrow a boat like that? That’s a lot of trust.”

“The captain comes with the loan. Really he’s just trusting we don’t trash it.”

“Does a chef come with it too?”

“But of course.” I led her over to the boat. I really hoped I was earning points. I’d never gone out of my way to organize something like this, especially not under such short notice, but Carly was worth it.

She leaned up and kissed me on the lips. “You’re amazing.”

“So are you.” I squeezed her hand, and we climbed on.

After introducing Carly to the staff, I’d actually lived on board for a week the previous summer and knew them well, I led her over to the starboard side while we pulled out of the marina. I’d timed everything to the sunset, and I loved watching her smile as she watched the pink, orange, and yellow colors cross the sky. “This is beyond beautiful.”

“I’m glad you think so.” I put an arm around her shoulder. It never ceased to amaze me how perfectly she seemed to fit at my side. A good four inches shorter than me, her head came to rest right at the crook of my arm.

We enjoyed the sunset before I led her over to the carefully set table. I’d left the dinner and wine selections to the on board chef, and I hoped Carly approved. From what I’d seen she wasn’t a particularly picky eater.

She seemed to love the mussels and lobster tails, and she didn’t leave any of her shrimp ****tail untouched. Clearly she loved seafood. After clearing our plates the staff went inside and left us with what was left of our wine.

Carly immediately returned to the railing. “You’re not going to try to get me to dive tonight, right? Because if so you should have done it before we ate.”

I laughed. “Your first dive isn’t going to be in open water. We’ll start with a shore dive.”

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“We’ll start? It doesn’t sound like you’re even questioning it.”

“Should I be?”

“Probably. I’ve never even considered doing it before.”

“I won’t bug you about it tonight, but don’t think you’re off the hook.”

“You’re really smart.” She lopped her arm through mine.

“Not to ruin the evening? Of course. I’m not taking the chance of interfering with my guarantee of getting lucky tonight.”

“Guarantee?” Her expression told me I was successfully riling her up. I was starting to see that for us getting frustrated with each other was a turn on. A major turn on.

“Yes. And you thought I was the easy one.”

“I’m not easy, Macon.” She turned away, but I could see the slight smile.

“You’re not?” I leaned in and brushed my lips against her ear. “I really thought you were.”

“Not at all.”

I sucked lightly on her earlobe. “That’s too bad. I was looking forward to tonight.”

She leaned back into me, making me instantly hard. “Just because I’m not easy doesn’t mean we won’t have fun. Sometimes the best things are the ones you have to work for.”

“Oh, this is going to be work.” I didn’t mean seducing her. I meant holding it together until we got home. I knew this client well, but not well enough to have *** with my girlfriend in one of his bedrooms. Or did I? He probably would expect it anyway.

“Come with me.” I tugged on her arm gently pulling her with me down the stairs. I opened the door to the room I’d stayed in. If he’d let his dive instructor sleep there, it couldn’t be that special to him. I closed and locked the door before pushing her up against it. I used one of my hands to pin both of her wrists above her head. “I’m willing to work as hard as I have to for you later, but babe, I need you.”

“I already told you I’m not going to make this easy,” she said coyly.

“No.” I slipped my hand under the skirt of her dress. “You said you weren’t easy. If I admit that you’re not easy can I have you?”

“I’m not sure.”

I moved my hand up higher, pushing away the fabric of her panties and brushing my hand against her. “Are you more sure now?”

She shook her head and took in a breath.

“Okay.” I slid my hand down her leg.

“But I might be persuaded.”

“I was hoping you’d say that.” My lips crashed into hers as my hand returned to where it had just been. This time I pushed her panties completely out of my way, letting them fall to the floor.

She squirmed, but I still didn’t release her wrists. Instead I reached behind her and unzipped her dress, needing access to all of her. Her strapless dress fell to the floor. Seconds later her strapless bra joined it.

I broke the kiss so I could look at her. I needed to see the beauty that was on display only for me. She didn’t look away as my eyes devoured the image, but the smile playing on her lips let me know she wasn’t going to stay quiet. “If you get a peep show, where’s mine?”

“Are you going to say thank you if I take my shirt off again?”

“No, but I’ll say thank you if you take off your pants and show me just how easy I am.”

I wasn’t expecting that kind of response. “You know you don’t have to ask twice.” I used my free hand to unbutton my shirt, and I released her wrists for half a second while I shrugged it off my shoulders. She used the new freedom to undo my belt and get rid of both my pants and boxers in one motion.

“Do I still get a thank you even though you did the work?” I teased with my lips inches from her breasts.

“I think you know what kind of thanks you can have.”

I reluctantly stepped away from her long enough to retrieve a condom from my wallet. She was waiting for me, sitting on the bed. As soon as I unwrapped it she took it from me and slowly put it on. Safe *** had never been so hot. I gently pushed her back on the bed, but pulled her down so she was right on the edge. She wrapped her legs around me as I thrust into her. She closed her eyes, and I watched the pleasure swirl across her face. That expression was because of me. Having me inside of her made her feel that good, and I needed to make it even better. I needed to make her feel an ecstasy that no one had before.

I thrust harder and she moaned, biting down on her lip to keep quiet. I struggled to hold on, I couldn’t ruin it for her, but she felt so good. She gasped, calling out my name before she put a hand over her mouth. Moments later I shuddered, finally releasing. I stayed inside her for a minute, unwilling to break the moment. We’d had good *** before, but this somehow felt different.

“Forget what I said before. You’re not just amazing; you’re the most amazing man on earth.” She pulled me down on top of her.

I laughed. “Funny, I was just thinking the same thing about you.”

“I hope you meant most amazing woman.”

“Of course babe, there’s no question what you are.” I lightly grazed her nipple with my teeth. “And for the record, you’re not easy, just irresistible.”

“Wow, even after getting lucky you’re still kissing up to me?”

“There’s always the chance of getting lucky again later.”

Chapter Twenty-One

Carly

Finding a florist able to fill the last minute request for twelve dozen roses took some work. I guess that wasn’t a frequent request in a community like Corolla. I choked down any problem with the cost. Colin wouldn’t care, and I was charging it to him. He wanted everything perfect for his proposal, and I was making sure that everything on my list was done exactly as he wanted.

After handing over Colin’s payment information, I burst into an uncontrolled grin as I thought back on the previous night with Macon. He was everything, yet nothing, I expected. I’d been confident the *** would be good, but I’d never expected we’d connect the way we did. Physically and emotionally Macon got me in a way that other guys never had.

“Is that all?” the florist asked giving me a funny look.

“Yes, sorry.” I waited as an employee, who looked like a younger version of the owner, walked out to my car with me. He helped me load all one hundred and forty-four roses into the backseat. I slipped him a two dollar tip. It wasn’t much, but I was learning just how important tips could be.

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My to-do list completed, I headed home, listening to my new favorite radio event—‘80s Flashback Friday. It’s amazing how your tastes can change.

“Hey babe,” Macon pulled open the door as soon as my key turned in the lock.

I hugged him, taking a moment to inhale his post-shave smell. It was probably just the aftershave he used, but I loved the scent. “I’ve got twelve dozen roses cooking in the car, I need to get changed fast.”

“Need my help?”

I put a hand on my hip. “Yes. Go sit in my car with it running so I don’t kill the flowers. I’ll be down in ten minutes.”

He took the keys I held out to him. “Not exactly the help I was offering, but I’ll do whatever my lady needs.”

“Well, you know I may let you help with other things later if you do this for me now.”

“As if I needed anymore persuasion.” He kissed me gently.

I closed my eyes and opened them again. “I need to stay focused.”

“Ok, I’ll be good.” He stepped back.

“Why am I nervous?” I asked the rhetorical question out loud.

“Because your brother is about to pop the most important question of his life.”

“Ok. When you put it that way it makes sense.”

“It’s sweet how much you care. I hope Colin knows how lucky he is to have a sister like you.”

“Well, he’s already proven he’s a great brother, so maybe this makes us even.”

“I’ll head down to the car and stay out of your way. See you in ten.” Macon headed toward the front door.

Eight minutes later (I pride myself in getting ready quickly) I slipped into the passenger seat of my car. “Ok, all set.”

“When you say ten minutes, you mean it.”

“That can’t surprise you. You’re used to me.”

“Used to you? No. I’ll never be used to you. That makes it sound like you’re not exciting. But no, I’m not surprised.” He put a hand on my leg as he backed out of the spot.

“Do you think she expects anything?” I leaned back against the cloth seat. Macon didn’t spend as much time with Maddy as he used to, but if anyone knew what she was thinking he would.

“No, but she finally told me.”

“What?” I sat up with a start. “When? Why didn’t you tell me she told you?”

“Earlier today. We had lunch and she spilled. She apologized for not telling me earlier.”

“What did you say?” I crossed my fingers he hadn’t let on he already knew.

“I didn’t want to outright lie, so I just asked lots of questions.”

“Did she say anything else? I need details.”

He squeezed my knee. “She said she was dying to tell Colin, and that she was still trying to figure out how to do it.”

“Well… at least his secret will be officially out before the end of the night.”

“That it will.”

Macon pulled into an employee spot in front of the Grille. I was technically not on the books to work that night, but Max had added me on so Maddy wouldn’t be suspicious. Unlike Macon who hung out at the Grille just to annoy her, I didn’t generally show up at work when I didn’t have to.

“I’m going to go around back with these roses. I’ll see you in a few.” Macon kissed me on the cheek before I walked inside.

Mary grabbed my arm as soon as I walked in. “Isn’t this exciting?” Her huge grin matched the tone of her voice. She was genuinely excited for Maddy.

“Very. I hope it all goes well.” I smoothed out my hair. I hadn’t taken the time to do much of anything with it.

“It will. Are you going to be out there with her?”

“Yeah. I’m telling her Max said I can shadow her for longer than usual.”

“Nice. I’m going to make sure I get out there in time.”

“Good. See you in a few.”

She released my arm, and I walked off.

“Hey, Carly.” Maddy looked up from the bar. She was putting a garnish on someone’s drink. From what I’d learned from my favorite polo shirt wearing instructor, the drink was in an Old-Fashioned glass.

“Hey.” I tried to keep my voice level. I didn’t want to let on that I knew something big was coming.

“I’m glad you’re here. It looks like it’s going to be a large crowd tonight.”

“Yeah, it’s always crowded on Fridays.” I checked to make sure the kegs were full the way Maddy explained I needed to do. I had to find something to do so I didn’t lose my mind.

“But I guess Max found a new singer. He hadn’t found anyone decent since Lyle left.” She looked down when she mentioned the name of the musician who used to perform once a week at the Grille. She’d had a bit of a crush on him when she was already dating Colin. I’d called her out on it. It wasn’t a huge deal, but it was probably the only awkward thing between us.

“Yeah? I can’t wait to hear him or her.”

“Hey, can I get a round of blow job shots?” a guy around our age asked.

I blushed. Maddy didn’t blink. “Sure, one for each of you?”

“Yup, if you can manage.” He grinned.

“You’re so funny,” I said sarcastically. For once I didn’t feel like being quiet. No one was going to talk to Maddy inappropriately the night of her engagement.

He turned his leer to me. “Why don’t you pour the shots, sugar?”

“Sugar? Seriously?” I raised an eyebrow. “Can’t you think of a better one?”

“I knew you had it in you.” Maddy laughed. “Why don’t we make them together?”

Of course that got the guys howling. We turned our backs. And she pulled down two bottles. “It’s just Bailey’s and Kahlua.”

“Then what makes it a blow job?”

“The whipped cream.”

I made a face. “Why would guys order that?”

“To make us uncomfortable.”

“Ah… I see.”

She leaned in. “Don’t worry. We’ll make them uncomfortable right back.”

I carefully measured out the liquors. I’d finally accepted that I didn’t have a particularly accurate eye for measuring things. Maybe I’d learn eventually. Maddy covered all four with whipped cream.

She set them down in front of them. “All right, you guys only get them if you take them the right way.”

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I covered my mouth with my hand. Oh my.

“Can’t you show us how that works, hun?” the ring leader asked.

“She’s hun and not sugar? I guess I should feel special.”

Maddy nudged me. I was on a role. “Nope. You ordered them.”

The guy ****ed an eyebrow. “What? You really want to see how good I am with my mouth?”

I was dying, seriously dying. This was too much.

Maddy leaned forward. “Yes, as a matter of fact we do.”

“I’ll show you.”

“Camera,” Maddy mouthed and nodded toward the back of the bar. I got the hint and found what she was hinting at. One of those old school instant develop cameras sat on the bottom shelf.

I got ready. As soon as the guy bent down to take the shot with his mouth I took a picture. I took another right after to show the whipped cream mustache.

He wiped his mouth. “Hey!”

I laughed. And held up the pictures that were starting to develop. “Maybe you can find a better use for your mouth later.”

His friends laughed at him.

He wiped his mouth again even though the residue of the whipped topping was gone. “Maybe I can find a better use of yours.”

Maddy stared him down. “I don’t think her boyfriend would like that.” She winked at me.

The guy leaned over the bar. “I don’t see him.”

“I do.” I saw Macon and decided to play along. I had a feeling Maddy had found out about our secret relationship anyhow. I moved around the bar and ran into Macon’s arms, planting a huge kiss on his lips.

He kissed me back, laughing as I pulled back. “Miss me already?”

“Just making a point.” I took his hand as I led him back over to the bar. “See, my mouth is very well used.”

Macon looked between the guys, three of which still had untouched shots with the whipped cream melting. “Uh, do I want to know what that’s in reference to?”

“No, you don’t,” Maddy quickly answered.

“Okay, I’ll trust you on that.”

“Want your usual?” She asked.

“Yes, but I want your cute partner here to make it for me.”

The annoying guy looked at Macon and then at me before shaking his head. “You guys are seriously weird.” He put some cash down, and they walked off.

“Somehow I doubt they left a big tip,” I laughed.

“No… but it was worth it.”

Macon examined one of the shots. “Wait, did those guys order blow jobs from you?”

“Yeah… and our girl here totally put them in their place. I knew she was a natural.”

I picked up the untouched shots and poured them out in the sink. “Or you’re just a really good teacher.”

“Hey, you’re the one taking bartending classes with her.”

“Speaking of which, where’s my Long Island, woman?”

“Woman?” I put a hand on my hip. “You didn’t just say that.”

“Yes I did.” He smirked. I knew he was irking me on purpose, but sometimes it worked too well.

“Maybe you should make your own.”

“Carly, are you asking a paying customer to make his own drink?” Max took an empty stool.

I pulled down the triple sec. I’d have to double check with Maddy on which rum, vodka, and gin to use. “Is Macon really a paying customer?”

“He better be.” Max attempted to give us all a serious look, but he ended up breaking into a smile. “More importantly, how’s the bartending practice going? You ready for a test?”

“Uh, Maybe.” Was he really going to make me do this tonight? I was already a bundle of nerves over the proposal.

“If you can manage Macon’s Long Island I’d say that’s good enough for tonight. Hopefully when I ask you next time I’ll get a resounding yes.”

I laughed. “I hope so.” I made a mental note to spend more time quizzing myself with my drink app.

“When’s the new musician starting?” Maddy poured a few glasses of wine and walked back over.

“Any minute now.”

“Where’d you find him?” She pressed.

“It turns out he’s been here all along.” Max stood up. “I’ll see you kids later.” He shot us an ‘oh crap’ look and hurried off.

“What was that all about?” Maddy asked.

“No idea.” Macon ran his fingers over a scratch in the bar top. “So, is there any way for a guy to get a drink around here?”

I laughed. “Sure. I can’t promise it’s going to be as good as Maddy’s, but it’s going to be better than last time.”

Macon chuckled. “That’s not saying much.”

I glared at him. “Do you want a drink or not?”

“Of course I do, but I’m winning tonight.”

“Are you guys still playing the ‘who can piss each other off more game?’” Maddy shook her head. “I’d have thought once you started sleeping together that would have lost its appeal.”

Macon turned to her. “Don’t you get it, it’s gained appeal.”

“Umm, what are you talking about?” I shot Macon a look. Maybe she hadn’t figured it out on her own.

“Oh, I forget to tell you. Maddy admitted to knowing that earlier today.”

I resisted the urge to hit him upside the head.

“Ok, let’s drop it. Carly, what can I do to help?”

I decided to let it go. No reason to cause any problems that night. “I think I’ve got this.” I felt a sudden surge of confidence, and I decided to embrace it.

A few minutes later I set what I hoped was a perfectly mixed Long Island iced tea down in front of Macon. Of course in the time I made that one drink Maddy had mixed at least four, but I refused to compare myself to her.

Macon took a sip. “Nice going, babe.”

“Yay!” I jumped up and down.

Maddy patted me on the back. “See, I told you you’d get there.”

A large crowd came over, and I helped Maddy out as best I could.

“Could you cut up some limes for me?”

“Sure.” I’d messed that up the first time she’d asked me to do. I hadn’t realized that limes and lemons have to be cut differently. This time I got it right, and she thanked me before serving a round of Coronas.

I was so busy with the drinks I’d forgotten to look for Colin. Because of that I was as surprised as Maddy when I heard his voice over the microphone.

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“Hey everyone, I’m Colin and I’ve got a song to sing to someone special.”

Maddy set aside the tequilla she was holding and walked around the bar. “What? Colin’s going to sing?”

“You haven’t heard him sing before have you?”

“No. I thought he just wrote songs. He never sings them.”

“Then you’re in for a treat.” I leaned back against the back counter.

Colin started in on his newest song, Hard to Get. It was obviously all about Maddy. It had his signature mix of sweetness and humor, and I knew Maddy was going to love it.

“Oh my god.” Maddy wiped a few tears off her face.

“I didn’t know Colin could sing that well,” Macon whispered.

“Yeah, we’ve got some musical genes in the family.” I came around to sit next to him.

“Can you sing too?”

“Yeah, and I play piano. Kim plays both guitar and piano of course.”

“Wait. Don’t tell me. Did you guys have one of those sibling bands?”

“Really, Macon?”

“What?” He held up his hands in front of him in defense. “I could see it.”

I laughed, and turned back to watch Colin finish the song.

Colin set down his guitar and walked over to Maddy. “I have something really important to ask you.”

I leaned forward on my stool. Macon grabbed my hand. I noticed Brody standing off to the side with a smile.

“Yes?” Maddy asked tentatively.

“Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?” He fell down to one knee and opened the box.

Of course the entire crowd started cheering and clapping. Max and Mary came over, and we all watched with anticipation.

Maddy teared up and nodded. “Yes.”

Colin slid the ring on her finger and pulled her into a hug.

“I’m pregnant.” She said the words loudly enough that the nearest members of the crowd could hear. There were quite a few gasps.

“You’re what?” Colin’s eyes widened, and I hoped with everything I had that he didn’t act like an idiot and screw everything up.

“I’m pregnant.” Maddy repeated herself, but this time she looked down.

He put a hand under her chin and made her look at him. “How pregnant?” He looked at her wide eyed. “Wait, you know what we can discuss that later. This is a good thing. We’re getting married and having a kid… life’s moving in the right direction.”

I squeezed Macon’s hand. “Wow, that was a nice save, and finally there’s no more secrets.”

“There’s still one.”

“No. Not tonight, Macon.”

“Yeah… I’m just going to get this over with so we can all get back to normal.”

“Nope. No way.” I cut Macon off before he could get to my brother. I hugged him. “Congratulations!”

“Thanks. It looks like you’re going to be an aunt, huh?”

“Yeah…”

“Why aren’t you more surprised?” Understanding crossed his face. “You knew. That’s why you pushed me to propose this week.”

“Wait, what?” Maddy asked. “Is that why you told me to wait before I told him?”

Macon slipped an arm around my shoulder. “Yes, to both of those questions. Carly was trying to make everything perfect for you.”

“I can’t believe you kept that from me.” Colin seemed to be talking to himself.

“I’m sleeping with Carly,” Macon blurted out.

My heart stopped. Had he seriously told my brother just like that?

“Well, she is your girlfriend now, isn’t she?” Colin smiled.

Macon and I both looked at Maddy. “You told him?”

She shook his head, and Colin smiled. “I had a hunch, and Brody confirmed my suspicion.”

“Where is Brody anyhow?” Maddy glanced around.

“He’s around here.” I knew exactly what he was getting ready. It went hand in hand with the roses Macon had set up.

“What’s going on?” Maddy glanced around.

“This way, babe.” Colin led her back inside. I followed with Macon right behind me.

The top of the bar was covered with red roses, and in the center was a large plate of chocolate covered strawberries. Colin said they were her favorite.

“This is the first spot I ever saw you. It’s also the spot where you finally said yes to going out on a date with me.”

Maddy smiled and started crying again. I’m sure she was on emotion overload. “You’re so sweet.”

“I’m so lucky to have you. I can’t believe how close I came to losing you last year—and I promise you are always going to come first. Our family will always come first.”

My heart was going to burst. I was so incredibly happy for them.

“Should we give them some privacy?” Macon whispered. That’s when I realized the whole main dining area and bar area was empty. Max had cleared it out.

“Sure. Let’s go.” I slipped my hand into Macon’s before taking one more glance over my shoulder at the happy newly engaged couple.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Carly

The moment of truth arrived all too quickly. After a quick test where I could tell Max was going easy on me (half of it involved simple shots), Max decided I was ready to run my own bar. I’d expected to spend more time working downstairs first, but he wanted me to be the first one to work the upstairs bar, and I wasn’t going to argue with him. I was lucky he was giving me the chance.

I dressed up my usual work attire with my favorite three inch red heels. Those shoes always made me feel ***y, and even if no one could see them with me behind the bar, they might help me mentally. Maddy had convinced me that her bartending confidence was all about attitude. She’d been right about everything else so far, so I decided to believe her.

I arrived at work over an hour before I had to just so I’d have time to get ready. I checked on the supplies and the kegs before I went through the most popular drinks in my head. I was determined that I wasn’t going to have to look anything up unless I was completely desperate. Still, to be safe I had my app ready to go. I also had Maddy’s number ready on speed dial. She was working outside that night, but she promised she’d listen for her phone. I was seriously getting the best sister-in-law.

I scanned the bottles lining the wall. I wanted to make sure I knew exactly where everything was.

“Hey, beautiful.” Macon wrapped his arms around my waist from behind.