Page 55 of My Favorite Mistake

Connor handed Luke some cash as he watched Liza deliver the shot. “Keep the change,” he said, eyes glued to her as Brennan screwed up his face at the drink while she threw back her head and laughed, clutching her stomach.

“Stone cold fox,” Luke said, and Connor turned his head around. Luke gave a sloppy salute. “Nice going, bruh.”

Connor waved his hand. “Ain’t like that, Corporal.”

Luke raised his eyebrows and cocked his head. “Well if it ain’t like that, I think I might throw my hat in the ring.”

Connor leveled his gaze at him. “How ‘bout you keep your hat on your head?”

Luke winced and offered another salute as he made his way to the other end of the bar. “Yessir.”

“Hey,” Connor called after him, and Luke turned. “Think about work. Not women.”

Luke lifted his palms guiltily and then chuckled before turning away again.

Liza returned to the bar, still sporting a smile. She picked up her drink and gestured at him with it. “He says it’s yummy and thanks for the garnish.”

“He saidyummy?”

“Yup.”

Conner broke into laughter. “Fuckin’ Riley.”

She snickered behind her hand until her face abruptly morphed into a serious expression. Her gaze focused on something behind him. So sudden was the shift in her appearance that Connor immediately turned his head and found himself face-to-face with his old man.

Fuck.

In pure reflex, Connor straightened his spine, threw his shoulders back, and raised his chin.

“Connor,” the Captain said.

“Captain.”

The Captain glanced at the Jameson, and Connor hastily retracted his hand from it, dropping his arms to his sides. “Enjoying yourself this evening?”

The question was loaded, and Connor’s fingertips tingled. “Yes sir.”

The Captain nodded at Liza. “Are you going to introduce me to your friend?”

Connor took a step back so he was no longer standing between the Captain and Liza. “Captain, this is Liza Hardin, the new brand manager and marketing lead at Frenchmen Street Records.” It was so fucking ludicrous and probably completely insulting to Liza because he’d already made this introduction years ago. But the Captain obviously forgot about her, and Connor couldn’t correct him. “Liza, this is my father, Captain David Deneau.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Connor saw Liza swallow and force a smile as she extended her hand.

“Nice to meet you, Captain Deneau,” she said, expertly and politely playing along.

“A pleasure.” The Captain shook her hand and then released it. “How long have you worked for Mr. Hall?”

“Just shy of two months.”

“How do you like it?”

“It’s been a great experience so far,” Liza said cordially. Connor couldn’t help noticing her posture had straightened as well. She gestured at the stage. “The young man performing is one of our new artists. He grew up in unfortunate circumstances, but has managed to stay on the straight and narrow and carve out a reputation as a phenomenal local musician. We expect him to see a significant amount of success even before the year is out.”

The Captain nodded. “Very good to hear that.” He turned to Connor and met his gaze. “Your mama’s mentioned she wants you to come by sometime soon. Your sisters will be in town next weekend, and she wanted us to have a nice family dinner,” the Captain said. “Think you can do that for her?”

“Yes, sir.”

The Captain slapped Connor’s back. “Try to show up sober if you can manage it.”

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