He’s not the kind of guy you fantasize about throwing you against the hood of a car and burying his face between your legs.
“He was in his thirties, probably,” I say. “Complicated. Not sweet, but not a total dick.Super determinedthat I didn’t think he was being nice, though—like that would’ve ruined his whole life.”
Gavin’s eyes sparkle.
“Despite his grumpiness, he was freaking hot,” I admit, feeling comfortable enough around my new acquaintance to admit such things.I’m only going to be in town for a month. What do I care what he thinks about me?“Green eyes. Broad shoulders. Forearms that just …ah.”
Gavin bursts out laughing.
“What?” I ask, shrugging. “Do you know who it was?”
I glance at Tucker. He’s watching me over his shoulder and grinning too.
“What?” I ask them both, holding my hands at my shoulders. “What’s going on?”
Tucker shakes his head, then focuses on the game again.
“It’s rude to eavesdrop,Tucker,” I say.
His heavy shoulders bounce as he laughs.
I sigh and turn back to Gavin. “Who was he? You guys know, don’t you?”
“How would we know fromthatdescription? So vague. I mean, think about it. My eyes are kinda green. Look at these shoulders.” He flexes. “And I’ll have you know I get compliments on these forearms all the time.”
I stare at him. “What’s your point?”
“My point is that your description could be anybody.”
“Hmm.”
“Don’thmmme. I bet you’ll figure it out once you’re here for a few days—if you’re sticking around.”
I swirl my straw around my drink.
Gavin is easy to talk to—but most bartenders are. He reminds me of Calista in a weird way. They’re both funny and open and have never met a stranger.
The exact opposite of Diesel Man.
“Yeah, I’ll be around for a while. I’m starting a … it’s a job, I guess, since I’m getting paid to do it. But it’s not ajob-job—more like a favor for my mother. Or for her friend, really.” I grimace. “Whatever. I’m here for about a month. Let’s keep it at that.”
“What’s the favor? Seems pretty complicated.”
I take a sip of my drink before answering him.
“My mom’s best friend, Maggie, is going out of town for a month to see her daughter. Mom was supposed to watch Maggie’s granddaughter,” I say, using air quotes. “She’s fourteen and testing lots of limits. They don’t want her home alone while her dad is at work especially considering he might be working out of town for stretches at a time.”
“Oh. Okay. I see.”
“Yeah.” I sigh. “I’m sure it will be fine, even though I’m staying in Maggie’s son’s house, and I’ve never met him before.”
His smile stretches from ear to ear. “That could get interesting quick.”
“I suppose it could, but Maggie said he’s working all the time now, and I probably won’t even see him. Besides, he’sherson. I’m sure he’s as nice as they come.”
Gavin nods his head.
“You’re odd,” I say.
