Unlike earlier when he woke up, he’s now dressed in a pair of distressed jeans and a cut-off muscle shirt with a “rock on” fist printed on the front. His hair looks wild like he ran his hand through the strands at least a dozen times.
“So, this is what it’s like having a nosey sister. Does this mean I get to sneak into your room when you’re not home and go through your shit?”
“You wouldn’t.” My jaw flexes.
If I find out he’s messed with my stuff, he’s going to have a lot more to deal with than me peeking through his door.
He takes a step toward me, crowding my space. My chest heaves with every strangled breath I take. His eyes roam over my face, dropping to my chest as he leans in. With my head pressed firmly against the wall, I have nowhere to go. He has me trapped, right where he wants me.
“What? Would you prefer I snuck into your room when youwerehome?”
My tongue darts out, licking my dry lips, trying to form a response. I watch in rapt attention when his eyes fall to my lips, his jaw clenching and nostrils flaring.
“What would you prefer, Ivy? Are you thinking about me sneaking into your room, crawling into your bed next to you when you’re asleep at night?”
“What?” My eyes widen in shock. He can’t be serious.
“Tell me you’re not picturing it now. Fuck, I’m gonna be hard as a rock lying in my bed tonight, thinking about you in the room next to mine waiting for me.”
“You’re out of your mind.”
“Am I?” he asks, leaning in closer, “What will you be wearing for me?”
I press my hands against his chest, pushing him away. He stumbles, falling back against the wall on the opposite side of the hall.
“If you come in my room, the only thing waiting for you will be a swift kick in the balls.”
Turning on my heel, I storm off, leaving him bent over at the waist, laughing behind me. I don’t have time for his bullshit.
Four
Ivy
I ended up stopping into the Whiskey Barrel later that day. Turns out the owner, Jayde, was in a desperate need for help, which worked out for me since it meant she had me starting the following weekend with a full schedule ahead. Tonight was my first night, and I couldn’t stop the nervous jitters when I showed up.
“Here, we’ll have you wear this.” Jayde tosses me a black shirt to wear. She catches me off guard, reaching one hand out to grab it before it hits the floor.
“Works for me.” I hold the Whiskey Barrel t-shirt in front of me, checking the size.
“I’ll have a couple tank tops for you in a day or so. I’m waiting for the shipment to get in.”
I slip the shirt over my head, tying the cotton material at my waist and cuffing the sleeves. Jayde smiles warmly at me before turning to head back to the front of the bar.
A cute blonde turns the corner, stopping in front of the time clock, grabs a card, and swipes it through the reader before sliding it back into the rack on the wall.
“Hey!” She smiles. “You must be the new girl.”
I recognize her from the night I was here with Kyla, as she slips her phone in her back pocket. Her makeup is done and her hair curls in waves over her shoulder. She’s beautiful, and I’m willing to bet she makes a killing on busy nights.
“That would be me. I’m Ivy.” I reach out, shaking her hand.
“Oaklyn.”
“Nice to meet you.”
“Back at ya. You ready for tonight? It’s going to be a busy one.”
“Bring it on. I desperately need the money.”
