Page 74 of Aim Assist

So why can't I stop thinking about him? The way his hands felt sliding over my skin, how his mouth curved into that sexy smirk right before he—

I cut off the memories before they can fully form, a flush heating my cheeks. Nope, not going there. Not now, not today. Today is for lunch with Max and lemon tarts.

I straighten my shoulders and quicken my pace. Lucky trots happily at my side, tongue lolling. The sun is shining, the breeze is sweet.

I'm fine.

Everything's fine.

Amy

"Who's a good girl? Who's the luckiest little pommy pom? Who is it? Is it you?" Max coos at Lucky, ruffling her fluffy white fur. She yips happily, tail wagging a mile a minute as she tries to lick his face.

I smile despite myself, sipping my iced latte.

It's perfect outside. Sunny. Light breeze. Quiet. Only a few other patrons are scattered about the wrought-iron tables of the cafe patio.

"So," Max says casually, still focused on Lucky. "How you doing, Ames? Really. Outside of work, we haven't talked enough."

I shrug, tracing the condensation on my glass with a finger. "I'm... okay. Mostly."

Max raises an eyebrow. "Mostly?"

I sigh. "Romance has been a shit-show, but everything else is amazing. The stream numbers are insane, Max. I'm getting sponsorship offers left and right."

"That's outstanding! I'm so proud of you." He grins, and we high-five like we always do. It's nice to have your little brother as one of your best friends and cheerleaders. "You deserve all the success, sis."

I sigh. "I need to start working on all my priorities. It's too much for one person, and you can't do everything at the store on your own. I'm thinking of hiring a store manager. Full-time. It would help you out, too, since it's been affecting you the most."

Max nods. "Makes sense. You've been gone a ton lately. I can keep an eye out, ask around. Pretty sure I know someone who'd be perfect, actually."

"Yeah?" I perk up, intrigued. "Who?"

He waves a hand. "Let me feel them out first, see if they're interested. I'll let you know."

"Okay, sounds good." I sit back, nibbling on a lemon pastry. The sweet-tart burst of lemon explodes on my tongue.

I love these things.

I'm going to gain fifty pounds eating them.

We lapse into companionable silence, enjoying the day. Max tosses a piece of bacon to Lucky and she snaps it up. She's going to end up fat, too, if I keep letting my brother feed her.

Still, I'm too lazy to bother right now. It's such a nice day.

"So, uh," Max clears his throat. "I've kind of been talking to someone."

I nearly choke on my tart. "What? Who? Why am I just now hearing about this?!" I demand, leaning forward.

Max ducks his head, picking at the label on his beer bottle. "It's, uh... the new groomer we hired last week. Donovan."

I gasp. "Donovan? But he's married!"

Max shakes his head. "Not anymore. Got divorced like three years ago."

"What? Then why does he still wear a ring?"

Max laughs. "To keep the ladies away, apparently. Doesn't seem to be working too well."

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