Page 69 of Books and Hookups

“I think my aunt Barb will have something to say about that,” he said. Then he leaned closer. “Though between you and me, when I take over this bar—and that’s a when, not an if—it’s going to get an upgrade. Think molecular mixology and haute cuisine.” His gaze took a leisurely tour from my clipped-up curls to my hand-me-down maternity dress to my combat boots, then back up to my face. “With a dress code. I’m not sure you’ll feel…comfortable here when that happens.”

My face and chest ignited. I filled my lungs to tell him off, but before I opened my mouth, a big hand squeezed my shoulder.

“Hey, Lucie. Tad.” Tad’s name was a growl in Danny’s chest. “Sorry, man, but the private party is starting, and you’re not on the guest list.”

“You can’t make me leave,” Tad said. “Aunt Barb will let me stay.”

“I don’t think she will,” Danny said. “Plus, none of the bartenders will serve you, so you might as well go.”

Tad narrowed his eyes at Danny, then at me. “There are ten better bars within walking distance.”

“Then you should walk to one of those better bars,” Danny said. “Be safe, Tad.”

With one last, mulish glare, Tad slipped off the stool and stalked out.

“Fucking asshole,” Danny muttered. He reached for his wallet and put a twenty on the bar. “Who the fuck doesn’t tip their bartender, especially when they drink for free?”

“Tad, that’s who,” I said. My racing heart slowed. Danny was more effective than my weighted blanket at muffling stress.

“Happy birthday.” He squeezed my shoulder again and released it, stepping away.

I missed his touch, but I stood my ground.You’reten years older. Don’t tie him down.“Thank you.”

The door opened, and my three besties exploded into the bar. Andrew followed, clutching gift bags in one hand and an enormous bunch of balloons in the other.

“I’ll check on Leo,” Danny said.

“Stay.” I grabbed his hand. “Meet my friends.”

The slow smile that spread over his face was like the moon rising over mountains. “Okay.”

A second later, I was engulfed in hugs and squeals of “Happy birthday!”

“Sorry, we meant to get here earlier to help decorate,” Savannah said, “but I asked Carly if she could zhuzh me up, and it took a minute.” Her dress hugged her figure, and her gray roots were gone.

“You look fantastic,” I said. Her skin was poreless. Though no amount of makeup could disguise the dullness in her eyes from her struggles with her terrible husband. Thank goodness I’d never be in that situation. I clasped her hand.

“Thank you.” Her glossy lips turned up in a grin, not as wide as usual, but she was trying.

“Let me introduce you to Danny,” I said. “Danny, meet my friends Savannah and Tessa. You’ve already met Carly and Andrew.”

“It’s so nice to meet you.” Savannah released my hand to enthusiastically pump Danny’s.

“You’re even yummier than Lucie said,” Tessa purred, letting her gaze linger on his broad chest.

Pain in my jaw made me realize I was grinding my teeth. “I never called him that.”

“Interesting,” Tessa said. “Did you see how she stepped in front of him, Carly?”

Carly chuckled. “I did.”

“Did no—” But then I felt his chest at my back. “Screw you,” I said.

“I think I’ll leave that to him.” Tessa’s smirk was pure evil. “Danny, where would I find a stepladder? Savannah says we need to put up streamers.” She lifted the box she was holding to show us the rainbow of crepe paper inside.

“I’ll hang them,” he said. “I don’t think our insurance covers guests on ladders.”

Tessa handed him the box, and he disappeared down the back hall.

---