“You’d be surprised,” he murmured cryptically. “Your uncle won’t be the head of Vegas forever.”
A move like that wouldn’t be without bloodshed, but I didn’t want to darken the mood, so kept my thoughts to myself.
“How was work today?” he asked.
“Fine,” I replied. “Aside from the visit from my uncle and Bruno that I told you about, it’s been pretty quiet the last few days.”
His brow creased with concern. “I appreciate you sharing that. But I don’t know about you listening in to conversations. Angelo is many things but dumb isn’t one of them. I don’t like it.”
I shrugged, taking a sip of the margarita that was placed in front of me. “They talk regardless of me sharing it or not. I might as well make some good come of it if I can.”
“I’d feel better if you were closer,” he shared, “where I could keep a better eye on you.”
I looked down at my glass, my finger swirling the condensation on the glass. “Well, I’m not. And I’ve dealt with my uncle a long time,” I murmured.
“Wish that wasn’t true.”
“Me too,” I agreed wholeheartedly. “How was your day?” I asked, wanting to get the attention off me.
“Fine. Took Liv with me to restock the bar for a little while. She’s stir-crazy living with my parents.”
His sister, Olivia, had moved home recently with their cousin Wren. Wren had encountered some sort of danger at school in Portland, but Maddox had been hazy on the details.
“The bar your dad named after you?” I verified.
“Mad’s.” He nodded, looking as close to sheepish as a man like him could. “I work shifts a couple of times a week but help more with the business side. We’re looking into expanding—potentially near here, actually.”
“How do you know how to do that?” I asked, my interest piqued.
“Practice on the job.” He shrugged easily. “And I’ve got a business degree,” he added just as our waiter appeared.
We ordered an appetizer to share and our entrees, and then I asked, “You have a business degree, really? From where?”
He chuckled. “Don’t sound so surprised. And I didn’t stray far. Hawthorne Community College. My ma’s probably got my diploma somewhere if you doubt it.”
“I didn’t mean to sound surprised.” I was quick to apologize. “It’s impressive is all. I’m not great with numbers or marketing,” I admitted.
“I’m happy to help,” he offered, his tone sincere. “Anything you need.”
Our appetizer appeared and we dug in to the delicious ceviche.
“Oh my God, this is awesome.” I groaned in appreciation.
“Damn, it’s so fucking sexy to watch you eat. Well, to hear you eat, actually,” he amended.
I blushed, feeling self-conscious.
He squeezed my thigh. “It’s hot, babe. You enjoy your food. As you should.”
“I just didn’t realize I even do that. I usually eat alone.”
“Good. Any other man heard those sounds you make—we’d have a problem,” he replied. At first I thought he must be joking, but the look in his eye told me he was completely serious.
“So, Olivia’s not taking well to living back at home?” I asked, turning the conversation back to his younger sister.
“She’s fine.” He shrugged. “She and my mom are close, our whole family is, but my pop is definitely protective.”
I snorted indelicately. “Why does that not surprise me?”
