Page 4 of Malone's Fate

“Hey, there, cowboy. What’re you doing in a joint like this?”

Happiness filled Tanner as Lilac slid into the chair next to him. “Well, I heard it has this really gorgeous, amazing, sweet . . . beer.”

“Beer! What?”

“Why? Were you expecting me to say something else?” he teased.

“Yeah. I thought you might’ve been talking about Harry.”

Tanner glanced over at the bartender, who had a huge beard that finished halfway down his chest and not a single hair on his head. He had that look of a man that had seen a lot, done a lot, and could only remember half of it. “Hmm, strangely, facial hair doesn’t do it for me.”

“No?” she said in surprise. “Darn. And here I was going to let mine grow out. I’m sick of shaving it every morning.” She touched her chin, giggling.

“For you, I’d make an exception.”

“Yeah?” She looked excited but also nervous. Slightly tense.

He felt like he was getting mixed signals. She seemed into him, but skittish.

Yeah, that was the word he’d use.

“Yep.” They’d spent all of last night chatting and flirting while she worked. She was easy to talk to. Tanner wished she had tonight off as he wanted to spend the entire night with her.

“What time are you working to tonight, darlin’?” he asked.

She wrinkled her nose, which might be the most adorable thing he’d ever seen. “Midnight.”

Fuck.

“When’s your next night off?”

“I finish early this Saturday and then I have Sunday off.”

“Yeah?” It was only Thursday, but it was something. “Well, save your Saturday night for me.”

“Your wish is my command, cowboy,” she teased.

“I’ll remember that.”

One of the waitresses walked past and shot her a dirty look. Lilac jumped to her feet. “What can I get you?”

“Nothing, darlin’. I have to go soon. I’m in the rodeo tomorrow.”

“I wish I could come watch.”

“Why don’t you? You’re not working in the morning, are you?”

“Oh no. Just . . . other things going on.” She moved off before he could question her.

Hmm. Something going on with her, but it wasn’t like he had the right to question her.

Someone else slid into her seat and he glanced over at Raid, who grinned at him.

He groaned. Fucking wonderful. “What are you doing here?”

“Came to look for my baby brother, of course. Three nights in a row, huh?”

“Maybe I just like the beer and atmosphere.”

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