Page 19 of On The Rocks

“Looks like you’re settling right back in.” Kira hopped up on a stool in front of me. “You want to go over a supply list?”

I gave her a sly grin. “A little pep in your step now?”

The skin of her chest above the wraparound V-neck flushed as she cleared her throat. “Gotta catch a moment when it arises.”

“Uh-huh.”

Kira snickered. “So, do you have any ideas or do I need to dig through your fascinating brain a bit more?”

“Nope, I have a few ideas, especially thanks to that Honey Cider line.”

“It’s great, isn’t it?” Kira leaned on the bar, obviously a little keyed up.

“Definitely.”

What must that be like? To be so into someone that sneaking away put you in such a good mood?

Kira gave me a speculative look. “Something up?”

“No. I’m just a little out of sorts since Griffin decided he wanted to help. Messed up my system.”

“Heaven forbid.” Kira drummed her fingers on the wood. “I saw you guys talking out there.”

“Don’t take that tone of voice with me. Not everyone in this orchard needs to be hooked up with someone else.”

“I didn’t say anything.”

“Uh-huh. Don’t give me that innocent look.”

“You guys look good together.”

“So did Sid and Nancy, and you know how that worked out.”

“Pretty sure Griffin is a hell of a lot better looking than Sid Vicious.”

“I’ll agree there. However, he knows just how hot he is. Bumps him down a few points.”

“Hmm. Think you’re protesting too much.” She held up her hands in mock surrender. “But you do you, boo. Just the air crackles.”

“Your head is cracked.”

A baby’s cry split the air. “Saved by baby.” Kira grinned, then she turned and made soft murmuring sounds as she scooped up one of the twins. The other slept on blissfully.

Oh, to sleep like that. How many times could I wish for that?

Too many, clearly.

I was pretty sure I hadn’t had a full night’s restful sleep since I was ten.

I slid the last of the pint glasses into their rack, then finished up the slim glasses with the frosted geometric patterns.

I’d found them at a flea market last summer. The nice thing about rural areas were the diamonds I found. Vintage T-shirts, sweatshirts, and bar glasses were my weakness. And currently, old records had been added to the mix.

Since I’d started working at the orchard, I’d kept an apartment in town. I was so used to being on the move that I’d never settled anywhere long enough to acquire stuff. Now I had a place I kept all year-round even if I was only at Brothers Three for two of the seasons.

It was nice to have a home base—even if it was temporary.

Straightening up, washing down the bar, and tucking my supplies in their correct spaces eased out the frayed edges Griffin had caused. The sun was dipping lower in the sky, but the days were getting longer.

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