Page 31 of Broken Rules
“Yeah and his vibe has not improved.”
“Well, I can make you one promise—this weekend will be an improvement over last week.” His breathtaking smile once more filled his face. “Roger’s here, baby.”
She took a deep breath, letting relief wash over her. No one kept a cool head like Roger, not even her. No matter how busy they were, he never got in the weeds. If she could have him on the fulltime staff list, she would, but he was a business major at the University of New Hampshire, doing an accelerated program on a full scholarship. He didn’t need the money he made at The Cove, but he liked to have fun—just not too much. So, he bartended on the weekend to keep himself out of trouble. Savannah couldn’t help but admire his self-control.
“Roger, you are such an unbelievable catch—you don’t need me to sell you to this guy. Those chocolate eyes, mocha skin, and panty-melting smile do the job all on their own—not to mention you’re brilliant and, of course, there’s your promising future as a bazillionaire. If this guy doesn’t fall on the ground and worship at your feet, then he’s an idiot, and you should ditch him on the spot.”
Roger flashed her another smile. “You’re too good to me.”
“Stop that,” she said, pretending to scowl. “My panties are melting already.”
“Hmmm...I’m strangely turned on and horrified all at the same time.”
“You’re not the first guy to say that to me,” she said, laughing as she moved toward the register at the center of the bar. “Can you take over service for a while. The wait staff is doing great pushing the drink special, but if I have to make another freaking mojito, I’m going to lose it.”
“You got it, boss.”
“Yay, Roger!” Brandi beamed, jumping up on the service counter to give her new bartender a kiss on the lips. “Now our drinks will come out on time.” Then she called out to Savannah. “No offense, Savvy.”
“None taken,” Savannah shot back, flashing Brandi a smile.
Esme appeared behind Brandi. “Hi Roger!”
Roger’s eyes widened. “Look at you, girl. I have more hair than you now. Are we paying homage to the musical stylings of Sinead O’Connor?”
Esme winked at Savannah. “Actually, I’m leaving soon to take a six week sojourn in a Buddhist temple in Bhutan.”
Roger threw his head back, laughing. “I’m gonna have to call your bullshit. Bhutan restricts tourism. No one is allowed to visit for six weeks.”
“Savannah!” Esme said accusingly.
Savannah just shook her head. “Don’t worry, only Roger and his off the charts IQ is going to know that...and geographers...and the occasional anthropologist, but what are the chances of an anthropologist coming here for a plate of fish and chips?”
Roger reached over the service bar and squeezed Esme tight. “I know why you shaved your head. I’m proud of you, and you’ve never looked lovelier.”
Tears flooded Esme’s eyes. “Thanks, Roger.”
“Less talking, more drink making,” Joe said, appearing at the bar, looking fiendishly handsome in a tailored jacket over a crisp white button-down. Brandi and Esme hastened away, holding drink-laden trays above their shoulders.
“Greetings, your majesty,” Roger said, bending in a mock bow.
Joe smiled, his painfully gorgeous smile.
“He actually is royalty,” Roger said to the pretty red head sitting on the bar stool in front of him.
“Really?” she said, hope filling her gaze. She turned and smiled at Joe, patting the empty seat next to hers. “Tell me more.”
Joe smiled and offered the woman his arm. “It’s a beautiful night. Join me out on the balcony.”
Without hesitation, the woman slid her arm through Joe’s. “Keep up the good work,” he said, flashing Roger a smile.
“You’re welcome,” Roger called out. Then he turned to Savannah, “How can one man be so slick and such a freaking moron?”
“That sums up Joe perfectly—well, if you also added womanizing asshole somewhere in your question. You didn’t do that woman any favors.”
“You’re wrong. Nothing sucks more than being stood up.”
“How about being tossed aside after three dates.”
