Page 191 of Hot Cops

“I can do clothing optional.”

Sophie cleared her throat loudly and Stephanie stepped away.

“Criminy. I’d tell you two to get a room, but didn’t you just meet?”

Stephanie picked up a peanut from one of the bowls on the bar and threw it at her friend. “Did you need something or are you just in annoying mode?”

Sophie didn’t take offense. One of the best things about owning a business with her best friends was, after years together, they could say anything without hurting each other’s feelings. In many ways, they were more like sisters than friends.

“I need a couple of glasses of Merlot.”

Stephanie nodded and grabbed two wineglasses. Her gaze kept drifting to Jarod, who was watching her. There was an intensity, a determination on his face that took her breath away. She wasn’t sure how any woman could mistake him as too nice.

She handed the drinks to Sophie then started wiping the counter again.

“So I told you about my breakup, what was your last relationship like?”

Jarod’s question caught her off guard and she stopped cleaning. “Last relationship?” Her mind raced over the last few men she’d gone out with. She hadn’t dated any of them longer than a month or two, and her emotions certainly hadn’t been involved. Did that make them relationships? Her gut said no.

“Wow,” Jarod said after a few moments. “Didn’t realize that was going to be such a tough question.”

She grinned. “Me, either. I think it’s safe to say it’s been a while. Starting up Books and Brew has really cut into my social life.”

“I’ve been wondering about that. You’re the owner of this place?” He looked impressed. She was pleased by the change of subject. While her track record with love was a bust, the business was something in which she took a great deal of pride.

“Part owner. I opened it up with Jayne, Sophie and Jordan—you haven’t met her yet.”

“Cool. I imagine it’s nice being your own boss.”

She leaned her elbows on the counter. “It’s fantastic. Opening this place was a dream come true for me.”

“Seems to be pretty successful.”

She nodded. “We’ve been up and running for two years now and business keeps growing.”

“The concept is cool. Looks like you’ve got a lot of regulars.”

“Oh, we do. Jayne is the queen of book groups. In addition to the Romantic Hearts, she runs one that discusses mysteries and another that’s all about science fiction and fantasy novels, so she brings in a lot of customers that way.”

“Clever Jayne. I like the interior design. It’s really comfortable in here.”

“We tried to set the whole place up like a gigantic living room.” Stephanie scanned the room and imagined seeing it for the first time, like Jarod was. There were bookshelves along two walls, the big picture window along the third, and the bar on the fourth. There were customers sitting in scattered comfy chairs and at tables around the room.

“Anybody ever play that piano?” Jarod asked.

She nodded. “We added that a few months ago. Jordan had a friend who was giving it away, so we nabbed it. We have a guy who comes in on Saturday evenings—sort of a Billy Joel-like piano man. He takes requests and is an awesome singer. That’s usually our busiest night. There are also some patrons who like to come in and give impromptu concerts. It’s fun.”

Jarod asked various other questions, showing a genuine interest in learning more about the place. After several minutes, she stopped talking. “I’m probably boring the hell out of you.”

He shook his head. “Not at all. It’s obvious you have a mind for business, as do your friends. This place is awesome. Wish I’d known about it before now. I would have been here much sooner.”

“Yeah.” She leaned closer. “Tell all your cop friends. Maybe we can expose them to a bit of literature while they get their drunk on.”

“You joke, but I actually have a few friends on the force who would love this place. It’s off the beaten track and peaceful.”

“Yeah, that’s exactly what it is.” She was pleased he appreciated the same things about her bar that she did.

They continued talking as she worked, discussing everything from politics to arguing over which animal made the best pet. Stephanie was a cat person, while Jarod resided firmly in the dog camp. When Jayne said goodbye to the last customer and threw the lock on the front door, Jarod stood and offered to help Stephanie tidy up.

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