Page 13 of Small Town Firsts
“Gentlemen, hope you’re hungry.”
Justin sat up. “I’m always starving.”
“That’s for sure.” Kira set down a platter of loaded fries, wings, and jalapeño poppers while the other girl passed around beers.
When no beer came in front of me, I frowned. Then Kira was at my elbow with a pint glass.
She set it down and her spicy night flower scent cut through the salt and spice on the table. My nose was a little more nuanced than most since I used aromatics in my design for bar drinks as well.
“I thought you might want to try one of our ciders.”
“Thanks.”
She looked eager for me to try it before she moved away, so I took a sip. Surprised at the flavors, I took another longer drink.
“I don’t think I’ve had this one. I thought I’d tried all of the ciders you guys made.” I was pretty thorough in my research before I accepted the job.
Hayes grinned. “I did a small batch oak barrel in February. We didn’t have enough to put into bottling, but it’s been doing pretty well here. More beer people than cider here though.”
“They’re missing out.” I let it sit on my tongue before taking another swallow. There was room for some more layers and the aftertaste was a little more acidic than I liked, but it was a solid effort, especially since Hayes specialized in spirits over ciders.
I glanced up at Kira. “And what’s your preference?”
“Bourbon.”
My chest tightened. “How about you bring me your favorite then?”
“You got it.” She gathered up our empties with an efficiency only a lifelong waitress had. Her long fingers sparkled with rings and a dark polish on her short nails.
I spotted the small tattoo of a crescent moon on her inner wrist and wondered if there were any others to find.
She leaned over to gather the label confetti Justin left behind with a shake of her head. Her hip brushed my arm and I stilled instantly.
“Sorry.”
“No problem.”
She stuffed the scraps of paper in her apron pocket and hurried away, back down the stairs.
Now that she was gone I realized how hungry I was. I reached over for a wing and caught Beckett’s gaze. “Problem?”
“Not sure yet.”
“Warning me off for yourself or because she’s your friend?”
Beckett’s eyebrows snapped together. “Kira isn’t the kind of woman you mess with.”
“Pretty sure Kira can answer for herself.”
Beckett curled two fingers around the top of his bottle. “I’ve known her since we went to school together. You might say I’m protective.”
“Again, is it because you’re interested?”
His eyes glittered dangerously, but he was saved from answering when Kira came back up the stairs with two glasses and a basket of fries with an array of dipping sauces. She plopped down next to Beckett, which was handily across from me.
Her ankle slid along my outstretched legs. “Oh, sorry.” She sat up, tucking her legs away from me before she pushed a glass toward me. “Welcome to Brothers Three, Ronan.”
And damn if I didn’t like my name on her lips.
