Page 6 of Headed for Home

I snort at my irrational logic. It’s unlikely, considering she didn’t return to Bean Me Up as requested. Two more failed attempts followed. Not that I expected her to drop into my lap. That visual earns a groan. My cock twitches as desire thrums through my veins. I recline in my seat to relieve the mounting pressure behind my fly.

“Hey, boss? Are you able to—?” Harper’s voice cuts off abruptly as she appears in the doorway of the office. “Why are you smiling like that? You’re supposed to be doing inventory, which youhate. I don’t like that look of elation spread across your face.” A thought seems to occur to her and she dry heaves. “Oh, gross. Please tell me I didn’t interrupt you doing something unmentionable to yourself. At work, Drake? Really?”

I chuckle at the snarky blonde. She gives us endless piles of shit, but hiring her is one of the best decisions we’ve made for Roosters. Without her influence, our sports bar would be a total dive rather than a popular staple on Main Street.

“Can’t I just be in a good mood?”

She scoffs, flipping her ponytail in the process. “Not with your track record.”

My laughter booms across the small space. “That’s harsh.”

“But accurate,” she chirps.

“What’s up, Harps?”

“You tell me.” She leans against the doorframe, abandoning the original reason for intruding on my so-called private moment.

“I wasn’t doing anything.”

“But you were thinking it. I’m a bit perved out.”

“Shouldn’t you be mixing a cocktail or stroking Jake’s ego?”

Harper’s eyes sparkle at the mention of her husband, but she’s glaring at me in the next breath. “Shouldn’t you be elbows deep in paperwork?”

“Already done, mama bear.”

“Mhmm.” She studies me under intense scrutiny until I’m ready to squirm in my chair. “Who snagged your attention this time?”

“Not sure what you mean,” I deflect. Like hell am I going to reveal Cassidy’s identity. The rumor mill will catch wind of my infatuation and news will spread faster than a fart in the breeze.

Harper frowns, something teetering on pity tightens her features. “Seriously, Drake. I hope she’s decent. You’ve gotta stop picking bad apples.”

I resume tapping my pen to drown out the reminder. “Does Sydney like ponies?”

She blinks. “Where did that come from?”

Purposeful deflection. Not that I’m admitting that either. “It’s a simple question.”

Air pushes through her pursed lips. “Does my daughter like ponies? Um, duh. What seven-year-old girl doesn’t?”

The confirmation—no matter how unnecessary—kicks my pulse into a jog. “How would she feel about a riding lesson?”

“She already does those.”

“Really? Where?”

Harper stares at me for another lengthy delay. “Why are you asking?”

“I had a recommendation for you.”

She nods but suspicion still puckers her forehead. “Well, we’re pretty happy with Cassidy’s methods. I’ll let you know if that ever changes.”

My grin returns with renewed excitement. “Cassidy Brooks? At Greener Pastures?”

“Uh, yeah?” The bartender straightens and crosses her arms. “This is getting creepy.”

I pump my fist and forget about concealing my obsession. “When is Sydney’s next lesson?”

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