Page 24 of Good at Being Bad (Rock Canyon, Idaho 8)

Just before he closed for lunch, he slipped his glasses over his nose and stared at his reflection in the bathroom mirror.

“Hey, there.” He cleared his throat and tried to look brooding. “Sup.” Pursing his lips with a slight curl, he lowered his voice. “Thank you very much. I’m Mike. What’s your name, babay?”

The chime for the front door sounded and Mike walked out, figuring it was Drew ready to go to lunch.

Instead, he stopped dead in his tracks as a leggy redhead stood in the middle of his shop. She was wearing a hip-hugging pencil skirt and an off-the-shoulder blouse in a light purple. She had on floral heels and her big blue eyes caught his.

“Hello. I’m Wendy Kincaid.”

Mike stepped forward and took the hand she held out to him. “I’m Mike.”

“It’s nice to meet you. I have a pretty large computer job and I hear you’re the best.”

“You heard right. What is it you need?”

“I am opening an internet café, and need custom-built computers compatible for gaming and streaming.”

Mike’s brow furrowed. He didn’t want to turn away business, but she could buy what she needed for less than he could build it.

“I know you’re probably thinking why do I want custom-built, but I like helping out local businesses. I just moved here and I like the idea of a local computer expert who can fix any issue I may have because he had a hand in all of the equipment.”

“How many computers are we talking?”

“Ten to fifteen. I am on my way to measure the space now.”

Mike’s jaw dropped. “That’s going to be an expensive job.”

She stepped into him, fluttering dark lashes at him. “I get the feeling you’re worth every penny.”

He couldn’t believe this was happening. “I’ll get you an order form. You just fill it out when you’re ready, and I’ll get started.”

“I’ll drop it back by this afternoon.” She picked up one of his cards from the desk and headed for the door. His gaze dropped down to her swaying hips and he swallowed.

She paused in the doorway. “By the way, is this your motorcycle?”

“Yeah, it is.”

“Maybe you could take me for a ride sometime.”

Mike had no idea where it came from, but he slouched back, his hands in his pockets. “Maybe.”

Her full lips tilted up in a smile and she disappeared down the street. Mike moonwalked before collecting himself. He didn’t have the job or the date yet.

But things were looking up, thanks to Ellie and Gracie’s advice.

He picked up his cell, ignoring the text message he figured was from Drew. He dialed Ellie’s cell. Since she had been texting him all night, he’d gone ahead and put her in his contacts.

“Are you calling to tell me how much you miss me, baby?” Ellie asked without bothering to greet him.

“What? This is Mike.”

“I know, silly. Didn’t you get my text?”

“No I…” He looked down at his screen and tapped the message app icon.

Just a head- up, but we’re secretly hooking up. Just go with it if anyone asks.

“What the fuck!” He put the phone back to his ear, and hissed, “Why would you say that?”

---