Page 20 of Her Bossy Daddy

“Ronan is my best mate.” Liam nodded. “We’ll all come out more often for sure.”

“It’s too bad you’ve got someone, Lacey,” Devin winked. “Liam would’ve flattened that piece of shit who put his hands on you.”

“Oh! Lacey was kidding. She’s fucking single.” Sarah giggled.

“Yeah? You won’t find a better one. His father, rest his soul and his mother and I go way back. Way back! Not that I’m pushing, right?” Devin looked at each of us in turn.

“Em, you just want to cater my wedding someday. I swear you can when the time comes,” Liam assured him.

Butterflies swarmed my stomach. We’d never mentioned marriage but distance was the only excuse for our relationship not to grow. That obstacle is gone.

“You should get married.” Sarah untangled from me. “I create the most amazing silk flowers.”

“Sarah, I need a relationship first.” I grabbed her hand and tugged her into the doorway. “And a ring.” I risked a glance to Liam, who smirked in reply.

“I’m just saying be sure to come back,” Devin finished his thought from before. “You light up the place, Lacey.”

“Thanks, Devin. I’ll be back next week.” Or when my face stopped flaming with embarrassment. “Goodnight.” I waved over my shoulder, then supported Sarah as we made our way down the front steps.

“The owner was just being so nice. He’s all sweet. And Liam is all sweet. Gosh, you have lots of sweet people watching out for you,” Sarah mumbled.

“I didn’t think you were so drunk.” The two of us were almost to my car, and the others were already gathered there.

“I’m just buzzed, and I miss my bestie. We used to walk out like this at every bar. We should be friends, Lacey. You’re pretty freaking awesome.”

“Aw, thanks. So are you. My best friend moved away a few months ago, and I miss her too.” I never expected to open up to Sarah, but friends came from unexpected places. “Anyway, Liam is my boss. I can’t go down that road,” I reminded for the umpteenth time.

“So what? He like adores you.”

“What?” I stopped dead in my tracks and released her hand. “Why would you say that?”

“It’s in his eyes, Lacey. It doesn’t matter about where we work. When you walked up to him tonight, he was thrilled to see you. I don’t know if the others noticed. But I did. I’m not saying to throw away your career.” Sarah threw a glance to the car, checking to see if we were in earshot, and then focused back on me. “Just consider exploring that option.” She linked her arm through mine and blinked up at me innocently.

“You’re ridiculous,” I giggled. “You just want to ride shotgun.”

“Damn straight!” she replied and we continued on to the car. I might get a new friend out of this after all.

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