Page 139 of On The Rocks

The back doors were open and the outdoor bar was in full use. I was doing my rounds when Griffin walked up around the trail along the back of the taproom with a happy Elmer in tow.

He had Elmer’s leash tucked in his front pocket, but it wasn’t needed. Elmer wouldn’t leave his side. And the two of them caused quite the stir.

Since I couldn’t compete I took my time going down the stairs. Even CJ, who was running the outdoor bar, couldn’t resist checking out Elmer.

I leaned on the bar, waiting my turn.

Elmer didn’t mind the attention. In fact, he was the happiest I’d seen him so far. Eventually, Elmer caught sight of me and came trotting over, his tongue out. He checked over his shoulder for Griffin before plopping down in front of me panting.

“Does someone need some water?”

He licked his chops then started panting all over again.

“I’m going to take that as a yes.” I waved him forward. “Well, come on.”

Instead of following, he rolled onto his side and showed his belly.

“You’re a little turd aren’t you?” I crouched down to give him a rub and he wiggled his back along the patio pavers.

A shadow fell over both of us and I looked up to find Griffin grinning down at us both, his hands on his hips, toothpick tucked in the corner of his mouth. “Shameless.”

“Me or him?”

“Definitely him.” He unhooked a bottle of water from his hip that had a bowl on top. “He probably needs this.” He crouched down with us and squeezed the bottle.

Elmer popped right up and slobbered his way through two refills.

“He’s not exactly...”

“Polite?” He finished.

“No.” I covered his ears. “How dare you.” I kissed the top of his head. “Don’t let him talk to you like that.”

Elmer leaned on me and for once I got the adoring eyes.

“Look at that, he’s replaced me already.”

I laughed. “Well, he is prettier.”

“Hey!”

I curled my arms around the dog and squeezed him. “I only speak truth.”

Elmer’s massive tongue rolled out and I had a nice puddle of drool on my arm. I kissed the top of his head and let go to stand up.

Griffin looked around. “It’s busy tonight.”

“Not sure there’s been a night we haven’t been busy lately.” I nodded over to the side of the patio where Landon, our new bouncer, stood with his arms crossed over his muscular chest. “That was a nice find. He’s been pretty amazing from what I’ve heard.”

“He’s got a fist like a cement block.”

“Thankfully people seem to get that without him needing to show it off much, but I feel better with him around. There’s been a lot of new people showing up lately. It used to be mostly regulars, but now I never know what I’m going to get from one night to another.”

He moved into my space and Elmer trotted over to wedge himself between us. Griffin grinned down at the dog, then back to me. “I might not be Landon huge, but I can fill in when he can’t be here.”

I patted his chest. “I suppose I could make use out of you.”

He lowered his face to mine, just a breath away from my lips. “I like when you make use of me.”

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