Page 71 of Bastard Bartender

I notice Marie’s eyes widen with his reference of calling me his girl.

I turn back to Nic. “Why the interest? Are you planning on taking me?”

“Hell yes.” He puffs his chest out. “You and me. Dinner, drinks, show, casino floor … the whole nine.”

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I want to.”

I brush him off. “I can’t picture you as a candlelit-dinner man. You’re more of a big-time rush kinda guy.”

With his elbow on his knee, he leans in and quirks his mouth up on one side as his deep green eyes burrow into mine. “Baby, if you don’t think the Vegas strip is a rush, then you’re not doing it right.”

My tummy lets out a whoosh at the way he says those words in a deep, husky voice. If I’m correct, Marie lets out a whimper as well.

“You ready to call it a night?” I practically whisper … and a touch begging.

He face covers in that wicked grin. “Ready when you are.”

I stand up and almost lose my footing with the way the room spins a little and my stomach gives out a touch. Nic stands, grabbing my elbow and steadying me.

I swear, the room was level a moment ago.

“Easy there, mi amor.” He laughs.

I’d appreciate the cute nickname if I wasn’t using all my energy to try to get control over my body.

“I’m okay,” I assure him and then start to walk.

Now, with my bearings intact, I start to say good-bye to everyone. First to Marie, then Sammy, and then to their friends who are still gathered around the apartment.

When we walk into the hallway, I’m thankful that my place is in the same building. I start to walk to the elevator but stumble slightly, stretching a hand to touch the wall for support. Nic is quickly at my side. In seconds, he lifts me up and into his arms.

“I can walk,” I assure him to which he laughs in response.

“I’m sure you can, but why don’t you let me do the walking and you navigate?”

I point to the elevator bank, and he brings us there and hits the call button.

My nose is buried in his neck, so I take an inhale.

“Are you sniffing me?”

“You smell sweet. Like oranges and vanilla. You’re good enough to eat.”

He laughs that deep, hearty chuckle I love as we ride up two floors. At my apartment door, he gestures for my key. It’s in my back pocket, so I pull it out and hand it to him to unlock the door.

We get inside and into the dark entryway, where he sets me down on my feet and closes the door behind us, locking us in.

There’s a faint glow of the moon as it shines into the room and casts the perfect light on Nic. He really is handsome with his velvety skin and chiseled jaw. There’s a strength to his build, and yet he’s gentle in his movements.

When we met, I knew he was gorgeous on the outside, but I had no idea what he was like on the inside. Funny, charming, insightful. A cancer survivor who is living his life to the fullest in honor of those who lost their fight.

He’s a man who loves his mother and abides by his father. He works hard for his boss and values time with his friends. He’s an amazing man, an incredible lover, and someone I am quickly becoming attached to.

His hands rise to his shirt, and he slowly unbuttons it, unveiling his rigid torso and chiseled chest. My eyes roam to the thirst trap that leads down his pants, and I have to swallow down the excitement building up inside of me.

His shirt falls to the floor, so I lift mine up and drop it as well. I’m standing here in my bra, watching as he unbuckles his pants. The bulge below is evident, and I start to salivate, just thinking about what it will feel like to have his long, hard, thick—