Page 46 of Accidental Baby Daddy

It was nearly three in the morning by the time the bar was clean and ready to close. I yawned so wide my ears popped.

“It’s tough getting used to second shift,” Krista said with a chuckle. “But you’ll get there.”

I rubbed a hand over my face, feeling the weight from lack of sleep.

“I sure hope so. I feel like garbage.”

“Me too,” Lex admitted, holding her lower back as Krista split her tips with her. Lex’s eyes widened as Krista pushed bills into her hand. “I didn’t make this much.”

“Sure you did. You helped me out a lot, so you get half the spoils. Just make sure you tip out the bussers. They work hard too.”

Lexie nodded, looking at the money in her hand as if itwere spun gold. She walked over to the bussers, giving them a few bills each for their trouble.

“I have to learn tip-out culture,” I murmured, and Krista nodded.

“The golden rule is two to three percent of your sales, but I usually wing it. The bussers make a wage but they deserve tips when they do a good job.”

“What about the kitchen?” I mused, wondering how far it went.

Krista shrugged. “Sometimes I’ll throw them a ten for making me some food on the fly. They get paid a lot more than us bartenders, though, so we don’t do a percentage for them.”

Restaurant culture was turning out to be fascinating, and I wanted to learn more. Krista seemed like the right choice for head bartender and trainer.

“I’m giving you a raise,” I said, and Krista balked at me.

“What do you mean, a raise?”

“I’m going to pay you fifteen dollars an hour, plus tips.”

“Plus tips?” she gasped. “That’s crazy, boss?—”

“Maybe so, but you basically run this place,” I said firmly. “You deserve it, Krista.”

“Jeez Louise,” she breathed. “I can’t wait to tell my husband. Reggie will flip his lid. He’s always telling me I don’t make enough at this dump.”

“Tell Reggie this dump is under new management, and we’re going to take care of all our employees,” I said with a smile.

Krista smiled back, taking her tips, and giving me a sloppy salute at the door as she left.

The only people that remained were me and Lexie.

“Let me take you home.” I offered, and she flushed.

“Thanks. I wasn’t looking forward to foolingwith a ride share app.” She headed toward the door, and I followed, watching the curve of her ass in that tight skirt.

“How did you do?” I asked, trying not to look at how her ass jiggled.

“I think Krista gave me too much in tips,” she hedged. “I made almost three-hundred dollars.”

I chuckled. “I think that’s average for a night like tonight. We were slammed for a Monday.” I locked the door and the two of us headed to the parking lot.

She smiled as she slid into the passenger side of my truck. “I can’t imagine what I could make on a Saturday night.”

“Does that mean you’ll stay?” I asked softly, and I didn’t mean just for the week.

“For a while,” she answered hesitantly, looking out the window.

Stay forever,I wanted to say, but I kept my stupid mouth shut.

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