Just One Thing (The Alexanders 6)

The bartender leaned over, interrupting their tense standoff. “You ready to close out, Livvy?”

She pulled her eyes away from his and handed over some cash. “Yeah, I’m done Jeb. Keep the change.”

“You got it.” The bartender glanced over at him so King pulled out his wallet and handed over the first credit card his fingers touched. “Charge her drinks to my tab. Keep the cash for yourself.”

The bartender didn’t look impressed at his largesse but took the card.

Olivia crossed her arms. “Okay.”

“Okay,” he echoed. “You’ll do it?”

She nodded and pulled out a small business card from the inner pocket of her jacket. “Here’s my card. My cell number is on the back. Let me know when you need me. Don’t worry about the clothes. I’ve got that covered.”

She turned and he reached out before he thought, panicked at the thought of her leaving without him. He wanted to walk her to her car and make sure she was safe, a completely alien feeling, but the bartender still had his card so instead he stood there, patting her arm like an idiot.

“He called you Livvy.”

Her lips curled up. “You didn’t really think my name was Angel, did you?” She stuck out her hand. “Olivia.”

He shook it. “Olivia. I’ll call you tomorrow, Olivia.”

She winked. “I’ll answer.”

People moved out of the way as she walked through the crowd, as if they too could sense the power in the swing of her hips. There was something hypnotic about the way she moved. It made him think he could enjoy watching her do anything and not just the dirty things he’d been unable to stop imagining the entire time they were talking. He’d love to watch her dance when she thought no one was watching, or sing in the shower or wiggle that perky little behind while she brushed her teeth in the morning. The door to the pub swung shut behind her and King groaned.

“You don’t look so good.” The bartender held out his card, watching him with a knowing smile on his face.

“I’m not. I’m completely fucked.”