“Well, I can assume so, yes. They don’t do anything small,” I state, moving to the end of the bar to grab a couple of drink orders.
“I’m kinda sad I’m not working tomorrow,” Jani replies with a laugh when she’s close enough to speak over the noise. “Collin will get first look at the Meyer clan.”
“Eight bucks,” I tell the guy buying the beer I just grabbed.
He hands over a ten, flashes a mega-watt smile, and says, “Keep the change, pretty lady.”
Jani snorts and shakes her head. “Stay away from that one. He flirts with everything and everyone, and his dick falls into any vagina it gets near.”
My eyes widen at her comment before a burst of laughter slips from my lips. “That sounds…yeah.”
She rolls her eyes. “Town manwhore. Charming as all get out, which is probably why it’s so easy for him. He’s cheated on every girl he’s ever dated longer than a month.”
“Good to know,” I reply, even though he’s not really my type. Not that good-looking, a great smile, and fit body aren’t my type, but I can tell he’s a player. It oozes from his pores, andafter finding myself dating one exactly like him back in my early twenties, I’ve vowed to stay the hell away from guys like him.
The only thing they’re good for is breaking your heart, because even the orgasms they swear they can provide are somewhat lackluster.
“…he’s pretty good. Just usually a little on the quiet side.”
I shake my head, snapping out of my own thoughts and try to focus on what she’s saying. I quickly realize she’s talking about Collin still. “Oh, uh, I actually haven’t talked to him. I meant to text him, but the day got away from me, so I don’t really know if he’s coming in tomorrow or not. He might just assume he doesn’t have a job, thanks to the new owner,” I state with an awkward chuckle.
She scoops ice into two glasses and starts mixing drinks. “I’m sure he’ll be here. He’s incredibly loyal.”
“Yeah, but he was loyal to Chuck, not me,” I reason, grabbing six different beers out of the cooler and setting them on the bar before twisting off the tops.
The front door opens and slams with a thud. Most people would hate the sound, but for me, I love it. The old door adds to the charm of the building.
“Well, here’s your chance to find out.”
I look up and find the man in question, as well as a handful of others, headed my way. My heartbeat quickens, and I feel my cheeks start to heat.
I’m blushing?
Seriously!
Frustrated, I clear my throat and finish my order, ignoring every set of eyes I feel on me. They’re nothing new. I’ve had eyes on me for the last two days, everyone wanting to see the new girl in town.
When I finish filling the order and take the customer’s cash, I finally turn my attention to the end of the bar where Collinstands. His intense blue eyes are all-consuming and all-knowing as he watches me work. “Hi,” I greet, offering a brief smile.
“Hey.”
I glance around the bar, noticing the brief lull in customers waiting for a drink, so I quickly add, “Do you have a second to talk?”
If he’s surprised by my request, he doesn’t let on. “Sure.”
I point toward the back room, where Chuck had a small office set up. Over my shoulder, I hold up two fingers to Jani. “Give me two minutes.”
She nods, waving me to go ahead, before jumping in and washing dirty glasses.
We step inside the small room, and I swear, with his presence, it feels so much tinier than before. I’m not claustrophobic, but the walls are definitely closing in around us. Not to mention the little space seems to amplify his woodsy, fresh scent, sending zings of pleasure to my core.
“I won’t take but a minute of your time, but I needed to apologize.”
That seems to catch him off guard, because his eyebrows shoot upward. “Why?”
“I’ve been meaning to call or text you. I was told you were working your other job yesterday, so I was holding off, and then today just got away from me. Chuck had you on the schedule for tomorrow, and I’m hoping you’re still planning to work here.”
He swallows, considering me with those intoxicating eyes. “I’ll be honest, I assumed you were starting fresh with employees.”
