Page 51 of You're All I Need

“Sure, unless you’re offering the quickie.” He gives me a wolfish grin that makes his entire face brighten with mischief.

Leaning forward, there’s no missing the way his eyes drop to my cleavage. “They tend to frown upon quickies while on the clock.”

He tsks. “Too bad,” he replies, glancing at his watch. “I have just enough time before I need to get back for my next appointment.

Shaking my head, I grab a glass and fill it with ice and Coke. “Sounds like you’ll have to settle for a burger and fries.”

“My second favorite F word.”

Placing the glass on the coaster, I ask, “Fries?”

“Food. I’m not picky most of the time,” he informs me, taking a quick glance at one of the menus. “I don’t suppose Jasper brought the smash burger back for a special, did he?”

“No, but there’ve been enough people asking for it, I can’t help but wonder if he’ll add it to the regular menu.”

“I’d be in favor of it,” he agrees before adding, “I guess I’ll have Paradise by the Dashboard Light.”

“Mmm, good choice,” I reply, walking over to the computer and keying in his order. “Regular fries okay?”

“Yep.”

When the order is sent through to the kitchen, I head down the bar for more refills. One of the servers from the restaurant side arrives, requests a few drinks, and instantly strikes up a conversation with Caden, who isn’t too far away. I try not to listen to their conversation, but since I’m right in front of them, it’s not like I can ignore them.

“I hear Josh has had some great court time so far this summer,” Meredith says.

“He has,” Caden replies, offering the server a friendly smile.

“Scarlet was bragging about him the other day when she grabbed dinner on her way home,” she says.

I glance up in time to see Caden nod. “He’s got a big three-day tournament the weekend after next in Cincinnati. I’m planning to go. Scar reserved a two-bedroom suite. I heard collegiate scouts from all over the Midwest attend this tournament. It’s a pretty big deal.”

“Wow, that’s cool. And he’s only going to be a junior. Maybe I’ll try to go on Saturday for a bit. I haven’t seen him play yet this summer. I’ll talk to Scarlet and maybe I can crash with you.” She places all the drinks I poured onto her tray and lifts it. “Thanks, Adrienne.”

I can’t help but wonder how many times Caden and Meredith have shared a hotel room, and I’m even more surprised by the intense bubble of envy that erupts in my chest. I know he has a reputation, most likely a history with a chunk of the women in this town, but I wasn’t expecting to feel this heavy amount of jealousy regarding it. Hearing Meredith talk about staying in his hotel room—obviously again—caused a churning of uneasiness in my gut.

“Meredith used to babysit Joshua when he was little,” Caden says, offering an explanation as to how he knows Meredith so well. Of course, that still doesn’t mean they don’t know each other more intimately.

“Well, I’m sure Joshua appreciates the big cheering section,” I say, trying to slip back into familiar,friendlyterritory.

“I talked to Jack yesterday, and he will be on call while I’m gone. I’m trying to decide if I want to go Friday afternoon or just drive to Cincy on Saturday morning.”

“If you go Friday, you should check to see if there’s a Reds game that night. They have the best hot dogs,” I tell him, recalling the few games I went to while I was living there. “Butyou gotta get the bleacher seats. They’re hot in the sun, but the atmosphere outweighs the heat.”

He sits back in his stool and grins. “Bleachers seats are the only way to go.”

I nod in agreement. “Totally.”

“So, I was thinking about later. I get off work a little after five. Come over any time after that. I’ll run through the shower, and I thought I’d throw something on the grill for dinner.”

I arch a single eyebrow. “You cook?”

“I grill. There’s a difference,” he insists with a gravelly chuckle.

“Sounds good to me, but I’m not sure what time I’ll be there exactly. I’m going to BJ’s shop after work,” I tell him as Garreth approaches with a tray of food. “Hold that thought.”

I walk over and help sort the orders, placing three plates in front of three gentlemen at the bar and take the fourth plate back over to Caden. “Lunch is served.”

“Thank you,” he replies, reaching for the bottle of ketchup and squirting a big blob by his fries. “So, tell me about this visit to BJ’s.”

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