Page 32 of Gin & Sin (Last Call #2)

“The line is around the damn block already,” Salem says, peering out the front window. “We’re gonna hit capacity right away.”

“Make sure we double check our reservation list,” Lowen says from the bar.

“I’m on it,” Stewart says.

“Me too,” Jerryn adds.

Indy, Ridley, and I are setting the tables up and adding some additional chairs while Bane is behind the bar with Florian, restocking. Stewart catches my eye more than once as he confidently chats with my friends. He’s been here all day helping us clean and organize for the big event, and he looks delicious in a gray cashmere sweater and jeans.

“The bathroom lights are working,” Oakley announces as he steps out from the hallway. His booming voice can be heard from any angle as he heads straight for Lowen.

“Thanks so much,” Lowen says, actually directing his gaze to the beefy contractor.

“He hasn’t worn him down yet?” Ridley whispers to me and Indy.

“Don’t know if it’s even possible.” Indy glances up. “But if anyone can, it’s Oakley. He’s determined.”

“May the force be with him,” I say, and we all laugh.

The night flew by, and with just minutes until midnight, I move through the crowded bar looking for Stewart. I find him by the door, chatting to a few people who look like college students.

I approach him, and when he turns and sees me, his whole face lights up and he waves me over.

“Kit, these are some students from one of my classes; Sarah, Bethany, and Micah. This is Kit, my…” His smile grows. “My boyfriend.”

I slide my arm around Stewart’s waist and kiss his temple. “Nice to meet you guys.”

We exchange a few pleasantries, but I barely hear anything over the swell of pride rolling through me. I know that was a big deal for Stewart, and all I want to do is kiss him.

“If you’ll excuse us,” I say. “It’s almost midnight and I have a handsome professor to kiss.”

Stewart’s cheeks turn bright red as he lets me lead him away. We make our way to the dance floor, and I pull him close just as the countdown starts.

“You know, they say however you spend New Year’s Eve is how you’ll spend the rest of the year.”

“Oh yeah?” Stewart’s smile is a mile wide. “So dancing and kissing a gorgeous hunk is how my year is gonna go?”

“As long as I’m the gorgeous hunk, yeah.”

“Trust me, no one else exists.”

I press my forehead to his. “You’ve changed everything for the better. I’m so glad you came in here that night.”

“I’m thankful for that blizzard, and the water heater fail too. Mother Nature hooked us up.”

Chuckling, I nod. “That she did.” I pull back enough to see his pretty eyes. “That’s when we fell in love, isn’t it?”

“I think so, yeah.”

Ridley jumps on the bar, shaking a bottle of champagne, and as the clock strikes midnight, I close the tiny distance between me and Stewart and claim his lips in a steamy kiss, ignoring the crowd and noise around us. All that exists right now is me and him.

He wraps his arms around me and slides his hands up my body until he tangles them in my hair. I plunder his mouth, losing myself in his sweetness, so hard I feel lightheaded. I could pull an Indy and drag him back to the office for a private session, but it sounds more exciting to wait until we can go home where I can take my time and undo him the right way.

“Happy New Year, beautiful,” I whisper into the kiss.

“Happy New Year, Kit. I love you.”

“I love you too.” I pull back. “So much.”

Stewart smiles but then lightly gasps. “Look.”

I twist around to see Lowen wrapped in Oakley’s arms, the two of them kissing like their lives depend on it. It’s a record-scratching moment in my brain.

“Holy shit.”

Ridley stops raining champagne over the crowd to stare open-mouthed at them. I scan the room for Indy and Salem, finding them near the patio, heavily making out and missing this moment, but I spot Jerryn and Bane nearby, watching with sweet smiles on their faces.

“Is that how they’ll spend the year, you think?” Stewart asks.

“I hope so. Lowen could use some romance in his life and a reminder that not all men are his ex. He deserves someone who worships the ground he walks on.”

“We all do.” Stewart tickles the back of my neck. “I hope he finds what we have.”

“Me too, babe.” I kiss him again. “I can’t wait to get you home.”

“You won’t be too tired?”

“I’m never too tired for you.”

“I like that about you.” He grins. “Besides, I’ve learned you can still fuck half-asleep.”

Chuckling, I pull him close and sway to the music, letting myself enjoy the moment for what it is. I wasn’t looking for love or a relationship or any of this, but I’m sure as hell glad I found it.

Indy and his crazy idea to open a bar changed everything. My future was looking pretty bleak before I came back to Willow Bay, and now, well now it looks like a gorgeous, intelligent, kind-hearted soul.

“This is gonna be a great year,” Stewart says. “I just feel it.”

“I couldn’t agree more.”

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