Page 52 of Secret Billionaire

“After we get off tonight, I’ll tell him. He’s helping me out behind the bar, so I’m sure I’ll spend the night with him.”

Maddy said, “Maybe you should soften him up first and wait til after the mind-blowing sex.”

“Ha! You’re coming tonight right? I’m having the DJ back again for another night of karaoke torture.”

“I wouldn’t miss it. With the two of you behind the bar they might decide to film you guys in a reality show. I can see the tag line now, ‘If you like Southern Charm then you’re gonna adore Love Southern Style.”

Faye threw her head back and cackled, “That would be one boring show.”

“Have you watched any reality TV lately? Girl, it would check all the boxes. I’m sure we’d have a hit on our hands.”

“Get out of here, I have work to do. See you tonight.”

* * *

The inside of the bar was packed and overflowing to the outside deck. Faye had nabbed Maddy to wait tables and she and Jesse were cranking out drinks faster than a hot knife through butter. Ty was coming out of his shell and bantering with the customers as he mopped off tables and cleared the empty glasses and bottles.

Jesse’s mom had sent a ton of Chex mix over with him and they couldn’t fill the bowls fast enough. As quickly as the jerky and chips were going, she knew she’d do well once the kitchen was open. She was equal parts thrilled and terrified by the speed at which things were moving.

She glanced over at Jesse who was laughing with a customer as he showed off his juggling skills with three liquor bottles. His exhibition was drawing a crowd around that end of the bar and she stopped what she was doing to watch. He was so damn beautiful it took her breath away. She had earlier observed him handling the bottles with flair and showmanship, but this was another level. She clapped her hands along with the rest of the crowd when he finally finished with a flourish and took a bow.

He glanced over at her and winked, and her body pulse kicked up a notch. How had she gotten so lucky? She didn’t deserve this man. He was everything that was good. She was falling hard, and she knew that if she hit the ground it was going to be a brutal landing.

She turned back to her customers and the hair on the back of her neck stood up. There sat Dave. His piercing dark eyes scanning the room with an intensity that implied he was looking for something or someone. Why the hell did he have to pick her bar to drink in? When he noticed her staring at him, he tipped his red ball cap and winked. Faye wiped her hands off on her apron and went to take his order.

“Hey Dave, the usual?”

“How about a Coors draft.”

“Got it.”

Jesse looked over and his jaw tightened. He strode purposefully over to the guy and said, “FYI, I’ve got my eye on you. If there’s even a hint of trouble, I have no qualms about kicking your ass out. Got that?”

The guy held his palms up in mock surrender, “Hey, I thought there were no hard feelings, I did apologize.”

“I’m just saying, check yourself.”

Faye walked up and placed the frothy mug of beer in front of him, “It’s okay, Jess.”

He glared at the unwelcome guest and said, “It’d better be.” Jesse wasn’t happy about it, but he backed off and went back to his end of the bar.

The crowd had thinned somewhat now that the DJ had quit. Everyone caught up with their tasks and took a much-appreciated breather. Ty came out from the back carrying a case of beer and set it down in front of the cooler.

“Thanks Ty.” Faye said, then watched as Ty’s eyes went wide and his face drained of color. “Ty? Is something wro…” She didn’t even get the sentence out before he turned and rushed out from behind the bar into the back room.

“Jess, I’ll be right back I’m going to go check on Ty.”

Jesse, in the middle of serving a customer, nodded, acknowledging he had heard.

“Ty, are you okay?”

“I’m out of here. I’ve got to go,” he hastily threw his backpack over his shoulder and ran out the back door. Faye followed him calling out, “Wait, Ty, talk to me.”

“Later,” he jumped onto his motorcycle and sped out of the parking lot like the devil was on his heels.

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