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“You remember that?” he turns to her, smiling.

“Who wouldn’t remember winning one thousand dollars? It was so much fun. That night, I lost a bet and had torun around the pool table in only my bra and panties.”

Olivia laughs. “We need to stay in touch. If I’m ever in Austin, I’m gonna hit you up for a good time.”

“The whole bar saw her in her underwear,” Josh says, throwing his hands up.

“I got so many drinks bought for me. It was the best night.” Nicole smiles.

Taylor Swift starts to play, and Nicole squeals. “Come on, let's dance.” She grabs Olivia’s hand and drags her from the booth.

The locals make room for them on the dancefloor, stepping out of their way as they bend and snap or whatever else they’re doing. All I know is Olivia looks like she’s having the time of her life. She’s relaxed, happy, and carefree as they take turns twirling each other around. I hope I’ve played a small part in making that happen.

I turn to Josh, who is staring just as intently at Nicole.

“So, how long has this been going on?” I ask him, pointing my finger between him and Nicole’s chair.

“We’re not—”

“Hey man, we’re probably never going to see each other again. Lay it on me,” I say, taking another swig of beer. Dr. Alfie would be proud. Making friends and offering to be a listening ear. Call me a regular human being.

“She’s my best friend's little sister.”

I nod. As if that fucking explains anything.

“She doesn’t look so little to me,” I say finally as he raises an eyebrow. “Okay, yeah, she is short, but you know what I mean. She’s a grown woman.”

“She’s off-limits. Besides, I’m not interested in her.”

“Sure, man, that’s why you can’t take your eyes off her and saw red the second she mentioned running around a pool table in her bra and panties.”

He laughs, shaking his head before sighing. “Fuck, she’s a fucking wild child. Just does whatever pops into her head. She lives in the moment, and that’s not something I can do.”

We turn back toward the girls—andfuck. Nicole is dragging Olivia to the pool table.

They shake hands with two guys and begin a game of doubles. My heart skips a beat for a second as I wonder what the bet is.

“Fuck me, she’s gonna have her tits out in ten minutes, and her brother’s going to kill me.”

I look over to Olivia and realize she must have made the bet, too. And I suddenly remember she’s not wearing any panties.

???

“Austin, it’s Saturday night. You know that’s my off-limits time.” The harsh drawl hisses into the phone.

“I know, Alfie, but it’s an emergency.” I look back through the window, and I can make out Olivia laughing with Nicole as she covers her ass when she bends to take her shot at the pool table. Thankfully, they seem to be taking care of each other despite the taller of the guys leering at them like they’re his next meal.

“Are you in danger?” Alfie’s voice has returned to his professional self, and I almost feel bad.

“Well...no. I’m at a bar with Olivia. And she’s gone to play pool with some other guys.”

“For the love of—”

He sighs heavily into the phone, and I roll my eyes. For a medical professional, Dr. Alfie Adams is kind of theatrical.

“Is she not allowed to play pool with other people?”

“She is...I just don’t want to do anything I’ll regret if one of them gets handsy,” I admit.