Page 15 of Cowboys at Coconuts

“Are you always this cheerful in the morning?” Alex didn’t bother to meet her intern’s eyes as she flipped through her old-school weekly calendar in an effort to plan her week.

The bank had barely opened, lenders were seated behind their desks, and tellers filled their cash drawers. Hearing Paula, the New Accounts rep, welcome a customer, Alex glanced up to see the first early bird customer of the day. Nearly spewing her coffee, her eyes widened when she realized it was her boyfriend’s inconsiderate, rude cop brother. “Why the fresh hell is that jerk in here?”

“Who?” Hannah followed Alex’s gaze.

Alex watched his every move. “That’s Sean Montgomery. Sean Asshole Montgomery.”

“Sean?” Hannah’s perk had disappeared.

Alex noticed a pinkish red hue had crept up Hannah’s chest while she focused on the lobby. Her intern’s voice came out weak and garbled with an unconvincing, “Sean who?”

Studying her intern, Alex’s mind skittered to the time she was almost positive Hannah dared to enter her haven, Coconuts, with a man no less. That man had looked strikingly like Sean. Happy Hour patrons and the server kept getting in her way, plus the bar was dark, so Alex wasn’t one hundred percent certain her intern was with Tony’s cop brother, but her stomach recoiled at the thought. To make matters worse, whoever Hannah’s date was had had the audacity to send a drink to Alex. Shuddering in an attempt to erase the memory, she said, “Surely you’ve heard me discuss Tony’s brother.”

Chewing on her bottom lip, Hannah said, “I don’t think so.”

Alex eyed her intern who had transformed into Dolly Parton during her last vacation. “Stay away from him. He’s bad news. Besides, he’s married.”

Her eyes got as big as doughnuts. “He is?”

“Yep. In fact, that horrible specimen of a man is married to Tony’s ex, Nikki. Don’t get me started on that bitch. She screwed around with Sean while married to Tony. Now his poor kid, Joey, is his freaking nephew. The kid is understandably confused, Tony remains in a funk over the situation, and Joey won’t have anything to do with me.” Alex leaned forward while keeping an eye on Sean. “Trust me. You don’t want any part of that shit show. He’s bad news and—”

“Well, well. The two prettiest ladies are in the same room and right here at Show-Me Bank. Who’d athunk it?” Leaning against the door jamb to Alex’s office, he challenged her with his eyes, while simultaneously staring Hannah up and down like a hungry wolf.

“We’re busy.” Alex turned toward her computer and tapped on the keyboard.

He laughed. “It might help if you turned it on.”

Hannah giggled; Sean winked at her.

Alex caught their interaction and stood, maintaining her best authoritative pose. Squaring her shoulders, she took a step toward him. “If you’ll excuse me, we have a board presentation to prepare.”

“Sounds fascinating as hell.” He scoffed. “And hello to you too.” Patting the doorframe, he said, “Is this any way to treat a new customer?”

Hannah avoided eye contact but muttered, “Thanks for your business.”

“Seems like you could teach your boss a thing or two about customer service.” Pausing, Sean said, “I assume she’s your boss since she’s behind the desk and you’re not.”

With a clenched jaw, Alex said, “I’m Hannah’s boss. Now, if you’ll excuse us.”

Beaming, Hannah stood and extended her hand. “I’m the bank president’s daughter. Hannah. Hannah Hooban.”

Alex observed the exchange and noticed Sean held her hand for far too long, the corners of his mouth twitching the entire time.They’re playing me. I know it.

“How about a bank tour, Han-nah.” He drew out her name as he focused on her recent twin peaks.

Hannah jumped up, sending her breasts bouncing. Alex was surprised they didn’t give her intern a black eye in the process. “Okay with you, boss? He, Sean—Lt. Montgomery—is a new customer, after all.”

Alex smirked. “How do you know his rank?”

Adjusting her tight, plunging black sweater, Hannah shrugged. “Wild guess. He looks like a lieutenant, plus you said he was your boyfriend’s brother. With my master’s degree mind, I practically have a photographic memory.”

“Is that so? A photographic memory is part of the curriculum, huh? Splendid. That’ll come in handy when I make my report to the board.” Alex waved them off. “Go. Give him a tour. Be back in fifteen minutes.”

Chapter 15

After checking in at the front desk, Suzy settled into a chair at her OB/GYN’s office. Glancing at a young woman who looked like she was providing housing for a watermelon or two, Suzy observed the tattooed, very pregnant girl.She’s so different from me.The young mother-to-be wore earbuds, high-top sneakers with red laces, and torn-on-purpose jeans. Peering at her own mom-like brown wedge heals and knit tan sheath dress, Suzy chuckled as she made notes in her leather wedding planner.What a generational difference. I could be her mother. Geeze. But moms are moms. We’re all excited and nervous about our little bundles . . .

“Excuse me,” a young, very pregnant mother pushing an enormous stroller addressed Suzy. “Is this seat taken or are you waiting for someone?”

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