Page 160 of On The Rocks

“When? You’re usually with me.”

I shrugged. “You sleep like a log, dude.”

He hugged me to him. “I do love you madly, darlin’.”

I held on. “Good. You can’t trick me into loving you and think you can leave.”

“Trickyou? I beg your finest pardon?”

“You did.” I pressed my cheek to his chest and listened for his heartbeat. “I’ve been perfectly happy alone for a damn long time.”

“I think that’s a lie. If you were, you wouldn’t have come back to the orchard every year. You love it here just as much as I do.”

I may have enjoyed my time at many of the bars I’d worked at over the years. Since I’d become a hired gun, I’d stopped trying to connect with people.

Until Brothers Three Taproom.

Until Kira found me and lured me in.

“Maybe you’re right.”

“Nomaybesabout it, darlin’.”

“Don’t get smug.” I slipped out of his arms. “I want to go check out the taproom.”

“We both should. And talk to Beckett. If something’s going on and I brought this here?—”

“You didn’t. It’s not your fault.”

He huffed out a breath. “It feels like it.”

“Lock it down. She’s the asshole.”

“Did I mention you’re terrifying?”

“Don’t you forget it.”

A bark had us peering over near the front door.

“Looks like someone needs to pee.”

“Well, he did drink a whole bowl of water. We’ll just take him with us. He’ll just whine and cry the whole time if we don’t.”

“Whipped!” I laughed. “But I couldn’t resist him either. Let me get my shoes and we can go.”

In our bedroom, I found a pair of ballet shoes and grabbed my bag. I sat on the bed and checked my phone to see if Kira texted me.

No one.

I’d texted Annette when I woke up. She wasn’t the best morning person, but the text was read. Not responded to.

“Lenny?”

“Coming.” I found him in the living room. “Sorry. Was checking on Annette.”

“She was in pretty rough shape last night.”

“I know. I’m worried about her.”

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