My goodness, he’s adorable. “You’re such a good boy. You definitely don’t want to hang out here.” I grab a glass and pour myself a double shot of whiskey, then hold it up in his direction. “I might corrupt you,” I say with a wink, then swallow the whole thing.
His mouth slips into a crooked grin before he disappears into the back.
Except he was actually helpful, not just with the creep.
He made every meal with only minor directions and has already restocked most of the cases under the bar.
It takes me a second to rinse out my glass, then I follow him into the kitchen.
“When can you work?” I ask point blank.
Those big blue eyes focus on me from the sink and turn away. “I guess most evenings. All my chores are during the day for the most part.”
His non-chalance is almost irritating.
The liquor burning in my belly has me moving closer and leaning against the prep counter next to him. “Numbers, Sawyer. What times? Days of the week?”
His nose wrinkles and he fucking shrugs. “I don’t know when you’d need me.”
“I swear I’m going to shake you like a glowstick. Okay. Be here Friday and Saturday. Next week is Labor Day, so I’ll need you allweekend. That includes Sunday and Monday.” My fingers raise with every one I mention. “Be here at three until two am.”
He nods while scrubbing one of the plates.
That’s when I see all the pots and pans on the drying rack past him.
Damn, he’s bucking for a raise and we haven’t even discussed money.
“How much do you want?” I can already tell he’s worth it.
He doesn’t bitch, sees what needs to be done, even jumps in as a bouncer.
“I dunno. Maybe a pizza? It’s just kinda nice to be off the ranch. Sometimes it’s kinda claustrophobic now that my grandparents are here.” The corner of his mouth drops. “I shouldn’t say that.” Shaking his head, he focuses on the sudsy water.
“Sawyer.” My palm covers my eyes as I rub my temples. “I’ll give you any food you want, but you actually get paid, too. How does twice minimum plus tips sound?” It’s higher than I’ve offered anyone else.
Maybe it’s just because I know him? He’s buddies with my brother after all.
But he grimaces. “This ain’t hard work. I got money in herd shares.”
I throw up my hands. “Free it is!”
Like hell. He’ll get it, even if I have to just stash it in an envelope for him.
I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone like him before.
How can he be so…genuine?
Chapter 7
Sawyer
“Sawyer, can you takeyour grandma to town? She needs to pick up a prescription.” Dad uses the side of his fork to cut off a chunk of egg to scoop onto his toast.
“Um.” I pause mid-chew. “What time?” I choke out, grabbing a swallow of coffee to swallow.
He blinks at me, then his brows furrow. “I don’t know. This afternoon I think? After you’re done with the saddles. She’s going over to Dixon’s to help with the twins this morning for a while.”
“Oh. I, uh, got something going on this afternoon. Can Sophia take her?” I push another wad of sausage into my mouth.
