Page 36 of Yours to Catch

“Shut up. It hurts. This is your fault for rushing me.”

“I’ve done no such thing.”

She blows out a thick exhale, buzzing her lips in the process. “You said the bar is closing.”

“It is, but that doesn’t mean we have to leave immediately. I’m the owner. We can sleep on the floor if you’d like. You can also keep drinking after hours, but I’m pretty sure you don’t need another drop.”

“You’re right about that.” She closes one eye, glancing from right to left. “That last one went straight to my head. The room is spinning.”

“And that’s our cue.” I turn toward Ridge and Drake, who are busy cleaning their stations. My section is already spotless, seeing as my solo customer wasn’t too demanding. “Hey, I’m gonna take Grace upstairs. I’ll be back down in a bit to help with the rest.”

Ridge waves me off. “Nah, get outta here.”

“You sure?”

“Positive. Your focus is needed elsewhere.” He juts his chin in Grace’s direction.

I glance at her, only to find her already staring at me. She puts forth a valiant effort to wink, but it just looks like she has something in her eye.

“Yeah, you’re probably right,” I mumble.

He snorts, but it almost resembles a laugh. “Good luck, Foster. Don’t do anything you normally would.”

“Fuck off.” I step out from behind the bar and sidle up beside Grace. “Ready?”

Bleary eyes blink at me with unmasked hunger. “Heyyyyy, you.”

With a hand pressed at the base of her spine, I gently ease her off the stool. “C’mon, Gracie Lou. Time for bed.”

Her expression brightens as she sways into me. “Together?”

“Not quite. I’ll take the couch. You can have my bed.” I guide her to the exit with gentle pressure on her lower back.

“Oh, my. You’re taking me to your place?” She leans in and cups a palm around her mouth, as if sharing a secret. “People are going to talk.”

I laugh at her poor attempt at a stage whisper. “Let them blab. If anyone is rumored to be my girlfriend, it might as well be you. I’m more committed to you than anyone else.”

She straightens, almost appearing to have a moment of clarity. “What was that?”

“Nothing.” I hadn’t meant to say that. Here’s to hoping she forgets most of what happens tonight, including that dumbass who hurt her feelings to begin with.

“It was something,” she retorts.

“Doesn’t matter. It’s almost two o’clock in the morning. Anyone awake right now isn’t the most reliable source.”

A chill greets us when we walk outside. Relief washes over me and I don’t bother stifling a sigh. The cool air tames my feverish desire. Grace notices the drop in temperature and takes the opportunity to cling tighter to me. A breeze carries her scent on a wave of temptation. She smells like an exotic vacation and lowered inhibitions.

As if listening to my inner turmoil, Grace snuggles impossibly closer. “This is nice. You’re warm and toasty and hot.”

Instinct reinforces my grip on her. “It is.”

“You kissed me,” she blurts.

“I did.”

“Do it again.” Grace puckers her lips.

“That’s not a good idea.” But I feel myself bending like a willow branch.