Page 73 of You're All I Need

He looks at me for an extra second, his head tilting slightly to the side in thought. That’s when I realize how my question sounded. I came off like the jealous lover now, and it’s shocking to even me.

Clearing his throat, he says, “Uhh, I don’t know for sure, but if she goes, she usually crashes with Scar. That’s if she stays.”

I shake my head, trying to get out of my own brain. I run through my upcoming schedule and know it’ll be my Saturday to work. “I think I’ll have to work that Saturday,” I comment as Max is passing, delivering a few plates of food.

“What Saturday?” he asks, butting right into our conversation.

“Next. I’m not certain which shift I’ll have to work, but it’s my Saturday on.”

Max places the plates in front of the patrons before turning his attention to me. “I’m off. I’ll work for you,” he offers, and I’m not sure if I’m relieved or not. If I was planning to end our little arrangement, heading off to Cincinnati for the weekend isn’t how I should do it.

“Really?” I find myself asking.

“Sure,” he replies with a shrug. “I’m sure I’ll need you to return the favor at some point. My girlfriend has a little guy, and we’re always trying to schedule fun weekend outings.”

“I’ll definitely help,” I say. If I’m going to have someone work a shift for me, I always make sure I do the same for them.

“Sounds good. I’ll let Garreth know about the switch.”

“Thanks,” I tell him as he heads out to check on the tables and booths around the bar.

“So, it sounds like you’re covered.”

“Sounds like it,” I reply.

“Great. We can leave as soon as you’re ready on Friday. The championship games are on Sunday, so it might be late by the time we get home, depending on where they fall in the brackets.”

“No worries. I’m sure I’ll have to work Monday, but that shouldn’t be an issue.”

He flashes me a charismatic smile. “I’m sure I can talk to your boss at your other job so you can go in late if needed.”

I roll my eyes. “That’s how it starts. Special favors.”

He leans over the bar, getting close enough that only I can hear. “I have a whole list of special favors, sugar.”

My body responds as it always does when he insinuates something dirty. “I’m sure you do.”

“Maybe I can give you the shortlist later?”

I snort and shake my head. “Oh, Caden. There’s nothingshortabout you.”

His smile is wolfish, his blue eyes sparkling like sapphires. “Maybe I’ll see you later.”

“Maybe,” I reply, heading down the bar to take care of my customers. I feel his eyes on me as I go, and when I look back, he’s grinning. He winks before pushing off the bar and making his way into the main dining room, where Jack is waiting.

My brain is spinning, bouncing back and forth between wanting him and knowing I should let him go, like I’m watching a tennis match at Wimbledon. I guess I’m just going to let it ride. Realizing I’m getting in too deep is half the battle, and now I’ve acknowledged it, I can be on my toes. I can watch for the signs it’s time to end the fun. Maybe I’m just ignoring the factnowis the time, but honestly, it just doesn’t feel right yet.

Soon.

I’ll put a stop to our time together soon, and then we can transition into just being friends. Friends who don’t sleep together. We’ll still see each other at work and when we’re both around Stevie and Jack, and everything will be fine.

Fine.

Keep telling yourself that…

***

“Here.” Caden hands over one of the hot dogs we purchased from the concession stand, while I place both of our draft beers on the concrete at our feet after taking a seat in the bleachers.

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