Something steely came and went quickly in Jake’s hazel eyes before he settled into a playful smile. “Of course you don’t because you are way too good for that dumpster fire masquerading as a bar. I’m talking about a decent establishment where they don’t take a whiz in the beer before they pour it into a dirty pitcher.”
Rachael chuckled. “Tell me more. Sounds like paradise.”
“Oh, it is a paradise. You should try the cheeseburgers there.”
“Jimmy Buffett. “Cheeseburgers in Paradise”.”
Jake pointed at her. “Got it in one.”
Rachael made a show of touching her arm and pulling her finger back quickly as she made a sizzling sound. “I’m on fire.”
“Springsteen.”
“Ha.Yougot it in one. So tell me more. I’m intrigued.”
Jake tapped his chin. “There’s no piss in the beer, as I believe I mentioned.”
Rachael nodded. “You did. Always a bonus.”
“But the best part is…” He trailed off.
“What? Tell me.”
Jake rubbed his chin, pretending to be deep in thought. “Well, I think you’d have to see it for yourself.”
Rachael looked at the ceiling in exasperation. “Really?”
“Really. But I’d be happy to show you.”
Rachael shook her head. “No dating employees.”
“So don’t think of it as a date. I’m not.”
She tilted her head. “What are you thinking then?”
In all mock-seriousness, he said, “I’m thinking I’d be doing the world a service if I took you.”
Rachael arched her eyebrows. “How so?”
She expected another snappy comeback, but instead, Jake’s gaze went warm and soft. “You’ll see. Trust me.”
Could she trust him? Probably…no, make thatabsolutely… not. But, did she?
Yes.
At least for tonight.
Nine
“Yes,” Rachael said.
Jake’s heart sped up. “Yes what?” Did she trust him, is that what she meant?
“Yes, I’ll go with you to this mystical bar in paradise.”
“Even though you shouldn’t?”
“Even though I shouldn’t.” She gave him an unguarded smile.
