Page 26 of Hard Hat Hottie

“Oh, surprise me.” Shay claps.

“I’ll have a margarita,” I add.

“I’m the DD. Just bring me a diet soda, please.”

“You got it.” Big Ron gives Shay a seductive wink before heading to the bar.

Fanning myself with the bar menu, I give Shay’s arm a playful nudge. “When are you going to just give him a night he’ll never forget already?”

“Who’s to say I haven’t?”

Sadie and I gasp.

“No. I’m just kidding. I couldn’t do that with Big Ron unless I was moving.”

“Huh?” Sadie asks.

“I love this place. If the sex is bad or it doesn’t go anywhere, it would ruin coming back here for me. Candy Cane Key doesn’t have a lot of options.”

She’s right.

“Okay, here you go.” Big Ron slides the margarita and diet cola to one side of the table before depositing Shay’s drink in front of her. It’s served in a martini glass with chocolate drizzle decorated about the rim and the glass itself. A bright red cherry is visible at the bottom of the drink, just above the stem.

“Oh, what’s that?” Shay is practically drooling.

“It’s a Chocolate Cake Martini.”

“How did I not know such a thing existed?” Her eyes are bright and her sweet face delightfully animated.

“Stick with me, doll. I’ll show you all the good stuff.” He waggles his brows before kissing the back of her hand and returning to man the bar.

“Girl, you might need to pack your bags.” Sadie giggles.

Big Ron is handsome and of average height and weight. His nickname is related to his son, little Ronnie, not his size. It’s clear Ron works out, but he’s not overly muscular. He’s got glorious deep blue eyes that rival the ocean and almost jet-black hair. He’s been divorced for years, but everyone in town knows he’s better for it. His ex made moves on every guy that strolled into Candy Cane Key. The twatwaffle. He deserves better.

The night flies by quickly as we sip our drinks between the constant laughter. Ron manages to get Shay out on the dance floor, and Sadie and I join them when Dr. Dre starts to sing about the next episode.

“You ready for another round?”

“Oh, Ronnie. I can’t. I have to be up at the crack of dawn for drill in the morning. I’ve already stayed longer than I should have.”

“How ’bout you, pretty lady?” he asks Shay. Sadie switched to water an hour ago.

“No, I’ve had enough for one night.” She blinks coyly at him, and I can’t help but blush. These two are so fun to watch. I hope I’m here when one of them finally snaps and tackles the other.

My gaze follows Ronnie to the bar, where he goes to settle our tab for the night, when I notice Harrison sitting at the bar with an incredibly attractive man. He has his back to us, his face in profile, while his companion is facing our direction. Unlike Harrison, whose rippled chest I’ve seen on display at work, his companion’s clearly got a penchant for ink, as his tattoos visibly cover both arms. And there are more sneaking out the collar of his shirt.

“Who’s that?” Sadie asks.

“I don’t know. But I think he’s sitting with Harry, my hard hat hottie.” I laugh.

“No way,” Sadie and Shay blurt in stereo, both leaning out of the booth in order to get a better look.

Harrison’s friend must catch the commotion and brings our not so sly antics to light. I watch as Harrison rotates in our direction, almost in slow motion, a questioning expression immediately replaced by the sexy smile I know all too well.

My heart begins to hammer in my chest as he doesn’t hesitate for a second, standing from his barstool and heading toward our table.

“Holy shit. Holy shit,” Shay says on repeat.

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