The night is better than I ever could have expected, and at the end of it, I’m both relieved and exhausted. Plus, the fire marshal didn’t come, so we’ll chalk that up to a win. The band is working on tearing down their setup. Cade is working on doing the final stock of the cooler and alcohol bottles, while Collin is out in the bar, collecting trash left on all the tables. I’m washing the dirtyglasses and cleaning the bar top, the jukebox playing softly in the background.
“We’re gonna head out,” Gio says to Collin, walking over to where he is at a table.
Collin pulls out his key and hands it over. “I went ahead and changed the sheets on both my bed and the guest room so there should be plenty of space for you guys.”
Gio grins. “You’re not going home then?”
Collin’s eyes automatically look my way. “I’ll stop by in the morning to change before work.” They are both on duty tomorrow morning at eight, and I know Collin likes to give himself extra travel time. It takes an hour to get from Cooper Town to Sycamore, so that means he’s going to have to get up extra early in the morning to be on his way. Would it be easier for him to just go home and crash in his own bed? Probably. Do I still want him to stay with me here? Absolutely.
“Nice to meet you, Lizzie,” Gio hollers, throwing me a wave, along with his two friends who I got to meet at one point during the night.
“Nice to meet you, Gio. You guys be safe heading back.”
“We will,” he replies, giving one of those bro hugs to Collin before they make their way to the front door. Collin lets them out and says something about seeing him in the morning, bright and early.
We work quickly and quietly to get the bar somewhat put back together before we leave. Since it doesn’t open until noon, I’ll have plenty of time to do the deep clean in the morning, including sweeping and mopping the nasty floors. After tonight’s crowd, they definitely need it.
“Here,” I say, handing Cade an envelope of cash when we’re all done and the band has left.
He waves it off. “I don’t want your money.”
I practically shove the stack of bills into his chest, finding a hint of satisfaction when the force of my shove causes him to move. “Take it. You earned this. We couldn’t have done it without you.”
Reluctantly, he finally takes the envelope and slips it into his back pocket. “You’re welcome. I actually enjoyed it. And since my dance earned you all some extra tips, I think we should discuss adding it to the future lineup.”
“Not gonna happen,” I counter, fighting a grin.
“Spoilsport. That little bit got me a dozen new phone numbers,” he replies, waggling his eyebrows.
“Well, you’re just gonna have to earn those pages in your black book the old-fashioned way. Stay off my bar,” I state, noting the lack of bite behind my bark.
“Yeah, yeah.” To his brother he asks, “You good?”
“Yep.” It’s obvious he meant with his night plans.
“All right, then I’m out of here.” He heads toward the back door, bellowing as he goes, “Suit up, kids! I don’t want any grumpy baby Collins joining us in nine months.”
The door slams shut, echoing through the bar. “He’s adopted.”
I bark out a laugh at Collin’s comment and gather up the register. “Your tips, kind sir.”
He slips his envelope into his back pocket without checking it. Taking my hand, he escorts me to the office to lock up the deposit and register, flipping off lights as we go. When we reach the back, he makes sure all doors are secured before turning toward the steps. “Ready for bed?”
Smiling, my heart crashes against my chest.
With him?
“Always.”
CHAPTER
TWENTY-THREE
Collin
The moment the door is closed, I spin her around and press my lips to hers. My fingers glide against the side of her face and her hair, which is pulled up in a high ponytail. “I’ve been needing to do that for a while now.”
She grins against my mouth. “You just did that a few hours ago,” she reminds me, referring to when we came up here to use the bathroom.
