Page 24 of Firecracker

Arden’s eyebrows flew up. “That won’t happen. I promise. No drinking on the job. No stealing. I’m honest.”

“I’m sure you are.” Liam nodded.

Sorcha frowned. “Liam.”

“I’ll get you to fill out an application form,” Liam said. “And tax forms. I’ll be back in a jiff.”

Sorcha gave Arden a long look. “Well, wedoneed help. Especially this week, with the Fourth of July tomorrow.”

Arden smiled. “Great!”

* * *

A few hours later, she walked back into her apartment. The place smelled dusty, and plastic tote boxes filled with debris lined the small hall. Music blasted from a smartphone in the hall—Simple Minds singing “Don’t You Forget About Me.” She tipped her head. Seriously? Tyler was into eighties music? Okay, thatwasa good song…

She took a step closer to look past the plastic hanging from the door frame. Tyler was sweeping the bathroom. He’d taken off his shirt.

Arden’s mouth went dry seeing the muscles in his strong back flex as he swept. He sang along to the music in an off-key voice that made her smile.

For a moment, she just watched, mesmerized by the beauty of his big body.

Yep, Tyler Ramirez was definitely all grown up.

His jeans sat low on his hips, exposing twin indentations at the base of his spine. She dragged her tongue along her bottom lip, then sank her teeth into it. Her body tingled everywhere, studying the expanse of sleek skin and muscles.

This was her little brother’s best friend. She should definitely not be objectifying him. Or lusting after his hot body. She took a deep breath. “Hey,” she called over the music.

He started and turned to face her. His bare chest gleamed with sweat, although dust had accumulated on top of his shoulders and hair, which stood up in all directions. He’d apparently been working hard, and it looked good on him. “Oh, hey. You’re back.”

She nodded. “I’m back, safe and sound. And guess what?”

“What?”

“I got a job!”

His eyes widened, then he frowned. “A job? What kind of job?”

“Waitressing!”

His frown deepened. “Seriously? That’s what you want to do?”

Her pleasure at her accomplishment dimmed a little. “I don’t know what I want to do. But I do know I need money.” She lifted one shoulder. “So this’ll be fine for right now, while I figure things out.”

“Where’s the job?”

“A cute little place called Shenanigans.”

His eyes widened again. “Shit. Really? We hang out there all the time.”

“You do?”

“Yeah.” He leaned on the broom handle with both hands. “You met Liam, then?”

“Yes! He’s very nice.”

“He’s a good guy. But…damn, Arden. I can’t picture you hauling around trays of beers and cleaning sticky tables.”

“Why not?” She lifted her chin. “I worked as a waitress in high school. For a while.”

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