Page 67 of On The Rocks

“Virgin for me,” Helena said, with a flush. “We’re actively trying.”

My eyebrows raised. “Justhowactive?”

She nibbled on her lip. “Let’s just say I’m hoping the next week gives us some good news.”

“You guys are too cute.” I swapped out for a different glass and made an iced tea with one of the shamrock stirrers, then added a few cherries and a wedge of orange. “Virgin for you.”

She took the glass. “I don’t know how you always make everything so pretty.”

Bells peered over the bar at the array of goodies I had for drinks. “Be creative for me.”

“You got it.” I knew she liked a Negroni, and we had a special Irish whiskey for an extra kick. “We’ll start with this.”

“Oh, you know me so well.” Her dark eyes danced with excitement as she took a sip then let out a whoop. “Kain’s getting lucky tonight.”

“When doesn’t he?” Helena asked with a smirk.

“Okay, you got me there. That beast is potent.”

“The drink or Kain?” I asked.

She snickered and wiggled her fingers to show off the flash on her left ring finger. “Both.”

“Go on, get out of here. People are waiting.”

“Okay, okay.” Bells picked up her drink and slid off her stool. “Don’t work too hard.”

Helena took her drink. “Make sure you take a break.” She glanced over her shoulder at the wall of people, then back to me with wide eyes. “At least try.”

“Thanks for coming to say hi.” I smiled over her shoulder at the guy sliding forward. “What can I get you?”

“Your number?”

“Doesn’t come with a pint, I’m afraid.”

“Damn.” He smiled, flashing a pair of charming dimples. “Cider Irish Car Bomb.”

“You got it.” I pulled a Firefly cider and poured him a shot. “You want to drop it or me?”

He held a hand to his chest. “You, baby.”

I rolled my eyes, but I kept the smile on my face as I dropped the shot glass into the cider, exchanging the drink for cash. “Enjoy the night.”

“Thanks, heartbreaker.”

I winked at him and moved onto the next person. Sweetness netted more tips than sarcasm.

The first part of the evening was a crush of people. We piped in fun Irish music, heavy on the more kid-friendly tunes. Saturday night would be a bit wilder with the down and dirty songs like the Pogues and The Dubliners.

Food was plentiful, and I even managed to get a quick bowl of shepherd’s pie while CJ and Kevon covered the bar for me. On my way out of the kitchen, I stopped at the storage room for a keg I knew had to be low when an arm slipped around me from behind.

I stiffened, elbow at the ready, when the familiar scent of leather and warm spice rolled over me.

“Hello, Lenny,” he purred against my ear.

I elbowed him, anyway. “Have my Jeep yet?”

He laughed against my neck and ushered us both through the door and shut it behind us. “Working on it.” He swung me around and caged me against the door. “Wonder how many people made out in the room?”

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