Page 2 of Stuck with my Boss Daddies

Because staying wasn’t really in the plans, even if Medford was the only place that had ever really felt like home.

Lucky’s hadn’t changed.

The neon beer signs still flickered on the walls, the pool tables were still occupied by the same guys who probably hadn’t left since I was last in town, and the jukebox still played a mix of old country songs and classic rock.

The familiarity of it settled something in me, even as I reminded myself this was just a temporary stop.

I slipped onto a barstool, waving down the bartender. “Whiskey sour, please.”

The bartender, a guy I didn’t recognize, nodded and set to work.

I exhaled slowly, letting the noise of the bar wrap around me.

It was easier here.

Easier to pretend I wasn’tstuck.

A glass slid in front of me, and I took a sip, the warmth spreading through my chest.

“That your usual?”

The voice came from my right. Deep, smooth, and just teasing enough to make me glance over.

Oh.

Hello, handsome.

The man leaning against the bar had the kind of effortless confidence that came with knowing exactly how good he looked. Broad shoulders, dark hair, a few days’ worth of scruff dusting a sharp jaw.

His blue eyes caught the dim light, watching me with a playful-looking smirk.

I smiled back, swirling the ice in my drink. “Maybe. Or maybe I like to keep things interesting.”

His lips curled at the edges.

“Good answer.” He nodded toward my glass. “Though I have to say, I expected something a little stronger.”

I raised an eyebrow. “And what exactly do I look like I should be drinking?”

He leaned in, one elbow resting against the bar, the subtle shift bringing the scent of warm spice and wood smoke closer.

“Straight whiskey. Maybe a double. You’ve got that look.”

I tilted my head, amused. “What look is that?”

His study of me was slow, thoughtful, his fingers tapping against his own glass. “Like you’ve been through some things. And like you’re trying real hard not to let them get to you.”

The words hit a little too close to home, but I didn’t let it show.

Instead, I laughed lightly, taking another sip. “And I thought I was just here for a drink.”

His grin was slow and lazy. “Drinks are better with good company.”

I angled my body toward him, letting my knee brush lightly against his. “You offering your company?”

He extended his hand my way. “Samuel Thompson. Best company in town.”

I rolled my eyes and smirked. “Sadie Collins. We’ll see about that.”

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