Coffee doesn’t count as breakfast? Also, advanced in years?!
Hollis
Well, you are almost thirty.
It should not impress me that he still knows my age, but it does. Is that how low my standards have fallen?
Me
Says the man who’s 32.
Hollis
Exactly. I’m just offering sage advice from the other side. It’s not pretty over here. Soon, you’ll be bitching about all those rowdy kids on bikes and telling anyone who will listen about how when you were young…
Me
Were you gonna finish that sentence, Grandpa?
Hollis
Sorry, nodded off…
I snort out a laugh, then yelp in surprise when Jace suddenly darkens my office door. “What’s so funny?”
“What?” My face flushes scarlet, like I’ve been caught doing something scandalous. It’s a ridiculous reaction, but it doesn’t stop me from answering, “Oh, nothing. Just a funny video I saw on Instagram. What are you doing here so early?”
I check my watch and nearly gasp. He’s here a full half hour early. I don’t think that’s ever happened in…well, ever. He casually shrugs and saunters forward. I place my phone face down on the desk. Thankfully, it doesn’t buzz again.
“I promised I’d come help with inventory.” He smirks. “Plus, I’m just an awesome boyfriend.”
“Yeah.” I nod, remembering how much he used to help in the beginning. Maybe he is trying to make it up to me. “That’d be great.”
“Great.” He rocks back on his heels, looking far too eager for a stock run. “Let’s go.”
Ten minutes later, Jace seems to be more interested in the booze than actually stocking it. “What’s this?” he asks, holding up a bottle.
“Oh, I ordered some new wine from this vineyard in Paso Robles.”
“Expensive?” He eyes the label.
“A little, but our wine list is in need of a refresh. Plus, I like supporting California businesses, and Paso has some amazing vineyards.”
“I wouldn’t know.”
“You’ve never been to the Central Coast?”
He scoffs. “I’ve never been anywhere, Pres. Not all of us grow up in mansions on the beach.”
His words feel like a slap across my face, and I’m momentarily stunned. He must notice because the hardened expression on his face suddenly disappears and is replaced with an easy-going smile. “I’m sorry, babe. Maybe you can take me there?” he offers. “And in the meantime, I’m gonna take a pic of this label so I can grab a bottle at the store. I like the idea of supporting local businesses too.”
I try to brush it off, nodding as he snaps the photo and then types out something on his phone. For the next half hour, he’s the model employee, helping me empty crates and restock the bar. But as we get closer to finishing, his mood shifts, and he decides a quickie in the stockroom is exactly what we need before the bar opens.
“Jace,” I steady his hand as it slides down to grip my ass. I’m pinned between him and the stock shelves, and I can feel the cold metal digging into my back. “Mel will be here any minute.”
“Then I guess we’d better be quick.” He palms my breast as he drags my lips between his teeth. It stings.
My watch suddenly lights up, alerting me to a new text.
