Crazy.
I shudder at the thought.
I’m never going to do that again.
“Well, there are some tour guides here that offer that kind of trip,” Mac says with a nonchalant shrug.
“Sure, because I should put my last money into a whale-watching excursion.” I let out a scoffing chuckle, taking a napkin from the stack beside me and folding it absentmindedly.
Mac reaches out a big hand and nudges my chin with his finger so that I look at him, before he retreats again. “Everything will be all right, Mouse. You’re gonna see your whales,” he reassures me before turning and walking over to the sink to wash his hands before returning to work.
“Your presence is requested,” Tally whispers from behind me, and I turn to frown at her.
“What?” I ask, looking around her to Hunter and Lio, who are sitting at a table, both smiling and watching me.
“They just want you,” Tally tells me with a teasing tone, handing me two menus. “Hunter is one of the most sought-after bachelors here, and it looks like you’ve caught his eye,” she whispers as she steps closer to me. “I know he’s a big guy, but he’s honestly the best, so don’t prioritize looks over personality.”
What?Hunter is like a handsome teddy bear.
From what I can see, he has both looksandpersonality.
But even if I wanted to, I can’t go there.
“I slept with his little brother,” I whisper.
Tally jerks back and looks at me with wide eyes. “Does he know that?”
“Yep,” I admit, cringing at the memory of that awkward morning in his kitchen.
“Well, this just got ten times more interesting.” Tally giggles without a hint of shame when I glare at her. “Go on,” she teases, wiggling her eyebrows at me. “Get your second Jones. Maybe you can make a hat trick before you leave.”
I want to retort, but she gives me a gentle shove forward, so I reluctantly walk over to the table, where I’m greeted with even brighter smiles. “What can I—” I begin, but Lio interrupts me.
“We got you a job,” he announces, sounding proud of himself.
My eyebrows shoot up to my hairline. “You did?” I look over at Hunter, unsure if Lio is just rambling.
“We did,” Hunter confirms with a smile. “You start tomorrow as our new boat mechanic.”
“Nah-uh. Not gonna happen,Mr. Jones…” I nearly spit out his name, “… made it loud and clear that he doesn’t want me there.”
“Well, North can go fu—” Hunter starts, his face contorted in frustration, but he catches himself mid sentence, turning toLio. “North and I had a constructive discussion and came to the conclusion that we would very much like to have you as our new mechanic.”
I laugh at how wrong that sounds. “Hewantsme there?” I ask, aware of the real answer to that question.
“He has to live with it because I want you there,” Hunter states, his tone soft, and I can’t help but feel a flutter in my chest at his words.
Stop that shit right now, Sloan.
“I don’t think I should…” I begin but trail off, my gaze wandering to the window where I can see my van parked outside.
I fucking need that money.
Sooner rather than later.
It’s what I wanted in the first place. I can deal with Satan. I’ve dealt with a lot worse. It’s the best chance I have to get everything fixed soon. I bet he sits in his office all day, not around the regular folks he reigns over. He’ll probably watch me, but I can tune him out.
I can do this.
