Page 39 of Burning For You

It didn’t seem as if they were going to reconnect like maybe he would with family, but the door was open and she was willing.

Could he blame her? Probably not.

“Be good for the public. Don’t spill anything,” Clay said and walked away.

Like he’d do that.

And two hours later, he realized it wasn’t a community event, but rather two businesses that were going to become one bringing all their staff together to mingle.

Talk about tension in the air.

The company being bought out didn’t seem all that happy, frowns and sour pusses all around.

It just kept people coming back to the bar and throwing tips in the jar.

“What can I get you?” he asked a woman who stood in the corner.

“That cranberry cider was tasty. I’ll take another.”

“You got it,” he said, pulling the handle back and filling the glass for her.

There was beer on tap too. A local brewery that Clay contracted with. The brewery in turn had Ridgeway Hard Cider on tap in their pub also.

Lots of places around the capital district did.

“I’m Bree,” she said, putting her hand out.

“Ash.” He took her hand and shook.

“Do you work here often? Like in the factory or whatever it’s called over there? Or just fill in once in a while.”

“Both. I grew up here. Clay is my brother. I help in both places when he needs me.”

“Ahh,” Bree said. “Your brother, he’s a bit intense. Not like you.”

He wiggled his eyebrows. “No one would ever say we had the same personality.”

“You don’t even look that much alike. I mean, some. The same dark, dangerous looks, but you’ve got a smile on your face.” Bree’s eyes dropped. “And no ring on the finger like him.”

“He’s married.”

“And you’re not?” Bree asked.

“No. Hold that thought.” He moved over to someone else, filled their order, and thanked them for the five-dollar tip, that he shoved in the jar with all the rest of the cash.

The bar was open, the company paying for it all. Those events, the tips flooded in.

He moved back to Bree. She hadn’t taken her drink and left. Looked like she wanted to flirt.

That was all it’d be.

He wasn’t interested in anyone other than the woman he had a date with tonight.

Shockingly, he’d thrown it out before Skye left. Not that they’d call it a date. Just dinner again.

She’d apologized for what she felt was treating him bad as kids.

He didn’t think so. Or not really.