Page 69 of Bastard Bartender

“My hair is down,” I deadpan.

He ignores me and starts to move his body that way he did back at the Justin Bieber concert. I almost forgot what it was like to watch Nic dance. His hips are like a rolling invitation to a sin. Back then, I had no idea what those hips could do.

When we made love in the car, I was on top, and he still had some intense action from below. I’d forsake heaven for another chance to sit on those hips again. I’d give up even more just to have them grinding on top of me, finding what they can really do.

“Eyes up here, sweetheart.” His fingers point at me and then back to him, bringing my gaze up from his crotch to his face. “Later,” he croons as he takes my hand and brings me closer, careful not to spill my wine yet with enough force that I have to dance with him.

And I do.

The people around the dining table are watching, which makes me feel self-conscious, and yet I quickly start not to give a damn. It’s the smile. Nic’s grin can make you lose your mind in all the right ways.

I’m not the only one who can’t help myself to his convincing ways.

Marie comes over to dance, pulling Sammy by the tie as he reluctantly grimaces.

“You can’t complain. You’re home. It’s your favorite place to be!” She chides as she pulls him closer.

“I don’t dance,” Sammy groans. “Especially in front of people.”

“Come on, brother. What do you have to lose? You have a beautiful woman who wants to move with you. Trust me, three dances, and a woman is guaranteed to do anything you want in the bedroom,” Nic explains with his hand on my hip.

“I already do everything,” Marie explains with a laugh.

“Everything?” Nic challenges.

She pulls on her lip. “Well, there is that one thing …”

Sammy’s eyes widen. He takes Marie’s hand, spins her quickly, and pulls her hard against his chest with a roll of his hips.

“Oh my!” Marie calls out, shocked with Sammy’s eagerness. “If you want me to do that, it’s gonna take more than three dances.”

“I’ll take my chances.” He moves her through the living room, and I have to bury my head in Nic’s shoulder as I laugh hysterically.

For the next hour, we drink and dance and tell jokes. Nic blends in seamlessly with Marie and Sammy’s friends, and I make a point not to hide in the kitchen, playing hostess, and enjoy myself even more than I usually would.

“Whew. I drank way too much,” Marie says as she plops down on the sofa next to me.

One of Sammy’s friends is a dealer, so the guys broke out a deck of cards and are playing blackjack.

“I’m surprised Sammy can see the numbers on the cards straight. I’ve never seen him drink so much,” I say, feeling the same way.

“It’s Nic. He’s a bad influence,” she says with a giggle. “I like him. He should hang out more often.”

“I plan on it.” And I do. Nic and I have only known each other for a short time, but it’s been great.

She sits up and spills a little of her wine on the sofa. She doesn’t seem to notice as she leans into me and asks, “So, tell me. Is he a good lover?”

“Marie!” I admonish and hit her lightly, which makes her fall over in a fit of giggles.

As she sits up, she tries to make her face serious, yet her eyes seem to have a hard time focusing. “But seriously, a girl needs details.”

I look to the side toward the men around the table. Nic is leaning on the glass top, watching the others make their deals, hits, and passes. As if sensing I’m looking his way, he rolls his neck to the side and winks at me.

“Best on the fucking planet,” I say, biting on my lip and blushing.

She makes a fist pump in an excited way. “You get yours, girl. Let me know how long you need until you’re ready to get back out to the bars.”

I twist my mouth in confusion. “What do you mean?”