“How fancy,” I croon.
He lowers onto his forearms, putting us at eye level. “Only the best for you.”
My mouth waters but I resist for a moment longer. “I’ve heard about similar specialty drinks from Grace and Callie. Is this mine?”
“Beautiful Sunflower.” Drake gestures to the pretty blend he created. “Just like you.”
“I feel like this makes me an official cock den groupie.” A giggly snort escapes me when he rolls his eyes.
“Taste it.” His low demand tickles my desire and I squirm while reaching for the jar.
“Oh!” A burst of crisp flavor bathes my tongue. It’s tart but sweet, which fits the inspiration. I eagerly treat myself to another sip. “Super delicious.”
Drake’s gaze is fastened on me biting the straw. “Worthy of touching your lips?”
I nod and pucker purposefully for my next suckle. “Might be the best thing I’ve put in my mouth.”
He scowls. “Now you’re exaggerating.”
“You’re one to talk.” I wink.
There’s no argument from the pro. “I suppose it’s appropriate. We’re celebrating.”
“That’s the spirit.” I pause but can’t connect the dots. “Wait, the first day of kindergarten gets me a yummy for the tummy that’s uniquely handcrafted by none other than Drake Granger?”
The man responsible blinks at me. “How much booze did I put in there?”
“Plenty, but you’ll have to try harder to get me tipsy.” I blow him a kiss.
“That wasn’t part of the plan, but the evening is young.” His gaze scans the thin crowd, which leads him to where Kenzie and Charlie are playing with Sydney in the game area. “Maybe we can get Harper to babysit.”
“What am I doing for you, boss?” The blonde’s ears must’ve been burning.
“A great job tending this bar.” He knocks on the wood.
She crosses her arms. “You want something.”
“Maybe like thirty minutes of private, uninterrupted adult time in the office.” Drake glances at me. A naughty smirk reveals his dimples. “An hour would be better.”
“Ewww, no. I recognize that smile. Please don’t do unmentionable stuff to yourself again. My vision hasn’t fully recovered from the last time.” She slaps a palm over her eyes as if suddenly traumatized.
I choke on my recent swallow. “What happened?”
Drake hangs his head. “I was doing inventory.”
“Nobody is buying that bucket of bologna,” she jests. “Besides, I’m already on child duty while you two get inked.”
“Thanks again for doing that,” I tell her.
“No problem. It’s a breeze now that there’s a designated kid section. I should be thanking you for convincing him to add a space for them.”
“Totally his idea.” Which has my heart skipping several beats.
Drake shrugs, a rare blush staining his cheeks. “I thought they’d appreciate it.”
“Us more than them,” Harper states. Her gaze catches on a couple who need a refill. “Don’t talk about me while I’m gone.”
“We’re not actually sneaking off, right?” Although the heat rushing through my veins demands relief.