Page 15 of Headed for Home

“Sure we are. You already agreed.”

“That doesn’t count. I was under the influence of Drake Granger. I’ve recovered and reinforced my priorities. There’s too much for me to do around here.”

“You can spare an hour or two.”

“I really can’t.” Especially if I’m this susceptible to him.

“All right,” he drawls. “If you’re that busy, I’ll just swing by and help you. Free labor.”

“That’s not necessary.”

Drakes crosses his inked arms over his chest. “I insist.”

I torture my bottom lip between my teeth. “Why me?”

“Why not you?”

“I’m nobody special,” I retort.

“Beauty,” he chides. “You’re the total package.”

Several choice words lodge in my throat. “You’re very persistent.”

“I’ve been called worse than that too.”

My laughter teeters on hysterical. “Okay, you win. The kids will be with their dad this weekend. I’ll meet you in town for a drink.”

Drake is quiet for a moment, too many thoughts swirling in his gaze. Eventually he settles for, “Does this mean I finally get your number?”

“I suppose.” My palm lifts to accept his phone.

Time is suspended while he watches me typing on the screen. “You’re gonna love the cock den.”

I swallow another giggle. “Is that code for sex? I barely agreed to a drink.”

His chuckle caresses mine, blending into a synchronized tune. “Roosters is the bar I own with two friends. Regulars started calling it the cock den and the nickname stuck.”

“How cute,” I coo.

“But we can put sex on the menu for the night. Just our table.”

“Don’t push your luck, trouble.”

Drake’s eyes gleam like sapphires in uncharted waters. “I’m going to have fun properly earning that title from you.”

The front door swooshes open to announce a new arrival. Like a dog expecting immediate gratification, my gaze whips in that direction. It only takes a second for another punch of disappointment to sink in. This is the nineteenth or twentieth flop since seven o’clock struck. I’ve lost count, but hope remains.

Cassidy confirmed our plans when I texted her a few hours ago. My phone sits silent and heavy in my pocket, but I’m not surrendering to the urge. I can control myself. Mostly. It’s too soon to unleash my crazy. That obsessive side needs to stay benched a bit longer or she’s going to regret giving me her number.

“She’ll be here soon,” I say.

The words are as much for me as they are for the peanut gallery in attendance. My friends and their significant others deemed this occasion worthy of their presence.

“Uh-huh, right.” Garrett pops the caps off several beer bottles in rapid succession. “No one would dare to back out on a date with you.”

“Didn’t say that. Plenty have and still would if given the opportunity. Cassidy is different.”

“She must be. You’re herding her into the cock den for your first date.” Garrett motions around our bar and the debauchery to come.

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