“You like the beach?” he asks.
“Sure, doesn’t everybody?”
“Nah, my enforcer, Shady, hates the beach, hates the sand, and bitches and moans how hot it is.”
“Okay, but obviously you like the beach.”
“Spent plenty of days surfing and plenty of nights sleeping on the beach.”
“You surf?”
“Don’t sound so surprised.”
“I just don’t see you as a surfer boy.”
“I’m obviously not blond, but I do get a damn good tan.” He stares off, remembering. “Paddling out over the breaking waves,then finding the perfect one to ride into shore. Nothing like it for complete freedom.” He smirks. “Except riding my Harley and . . .”
“Sex?” I couldn’t help myself. There is something about this man that brings out the teasing banter in me.
“Yeah, sex with the right person.” Again his eyes linger on mine, but this time, I quickly look away, stand and replenish my coffee.
The absolute one thing that cannot and will not happen again is Deuce and I having sex. Especially now that we’ve entered a business agreement and have a joint investment in the renovation of The End.
Shit, we’re practically partners.
I wouldn’t allow my feelings to interfere with getting the bar up and running at a profit since right now this is my only source of income—and my only home.
Chapter Sixteen
SAMMIE
“It’s pretty unbelievable,” Evie shouts over the sound of hammering and the power saw Deuce is wielding on the other side of the bar.
“I know, I can’t believe all they’ve gotten done in two weeks.”
The smell of new wood and paint fills me with hope. For the first time in a long time, I have a plan and maybe even a future.
“I also can’t believe that two weeks ago, Deuce could barely get off my couch, no less be down here doing manual labor.”
Evie glances at Deuce. “He is a fine-looking specimen.” Then back to me. “Have you told your father what you’re doing?”
“I’m taking pictures, and when I’m no longer a prisoner here, I plan on taking a trip to Rikers.”
No matter how many times I deny it, making my father proud is always stalking in the corners of my mind. I haven’t seen him in over a year. He drove me crazy with his schemes and dreams, but the need to please him still lives deep inside me.
I’d kept the photos off social media for obvious reasons, but I definitely plan on making one of those photo books as proof of what could be accomplished with dedication, hard work, and persistence. Three attributes my father never acquired.
Evie leans into my ear. “Did you find the money or anything else of value yet?”
I shake my head ‘cause it baffles me.
The first week, they ripped up the flooring and brought the walls down to the studs, then they hauled out the rotted wood. The whole main floor has been stripped down from the rafters to the floor boards, and the question still remains—where is the hidden money and the flash drive?
“I know you have to be here all the time, but what if they found it and?—”
“Deuce gave all his guys a very explicit warning the first day, making it perfectly clear if anything was found, it was to go to me. And what would happen if they didn’t.”
“And you believed him?”
