Page 26 of Driven Daddy

I threadedmy way through the tables of The Mason Jar. It was a mid-week kind of crowd with plenty of tables available. According to the hostess, Colette was on the upper deck.

I was glad I’d found a big, cozy sweater at Ember’s shop. I’d ended up with almost six hundred dollars of clothing. I figured I’d even out the last of my wardrobe with a Target delivery. I enjoyed supporting the local economy, but I still tried to keep myself on a budget.

Kind of.

I ran my hand over the sleeve of the fuzzy sweater. It had definitely been a splurge, but the soft sage color made my eyes look amazing. The worn jeans were totally going to become a staple in my wardrobe.

Well, when I wasn’t in my usual writer gear. Yoga pants were a gift from the gods as far as I was concerned.

I climbed the stairs to the second floor of the restaurant. How freaking big was this place?

When I stepped onto the deck, my breath stopped. This was why it was three floors. The lake spread out for what seemed like forever. There was a dock with a ferry-style boat tied to it.

The deep green boat was dark save for a few lights along the upper deck to show off like a crown. It was spectacular, and it probably would be the perfect place to throw a fun party.

Not that I was a party girl, but if I was… That would be the one.

“Rita!”

I turned at the voice and spotted Colette at the bar. She waved me over. “We have a table up on the top deck.”

I craned my neck. “Seems kinda high.”

“The view makes up for it.” She glanced at the bartender. “Right, Sly?”

He grinned. “I’ve stolen away up there on many a break.” He had jet black hair and gray eyes that looked silver in the waning sun. He was also freaking gorgeous and probably twenty-two damn years old, but it didn’t hurt to look.

“As long as I don’t have to think about how high it is up there, we’re good.”

Colette slipped her arm around mine. She had changed into slim fitting dark-washed jeans and a deep red sweater that matched her wide, lush mouth. She also had on a pair of wicked boots that activated my green gene.

“You look amazing,” I blurted out.

She grinned. “You’re good for the ego. Thanks. It’s finally getting cool enough to actually wear my hot girl fall clothes.”

“Succeeded.”

Her laugh was deep and throaty and at least three guys in the vicinity swiveled to look at her.

And somehow, she didn’t even notice. Colette just firmed her grip on my arm, and we marched up the steel and driftwood steps to the top.

I was definitely glad I’d listened to her about the sweater. Once we got to our table at the edge of the deck, the wind kicked up.

A waitress with long dark hair followed us over. “Hey, Col.”

“Hey, Rami! Long time no see.”

“Kid keeps me hopping.” The waitress grinned. “Can I start you guys with something?”

“How do you feel about rosé?” Colette turned to me.

“I feel very good about rosé.”

“I knew we were going to get along.” She smiled up at Rami. “A bottle of Ashes Rosé and those yummy pretzels and the hot honey mustard?” She glanced at me for affirmation.

My mouth watered. “Sounds good to me.”

“Got it.” Rami smiled and took off across the deck.

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