AllFreeNovel
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I walk down the bar and slide the other drawer into the second register. Grabbing the cut fruit, I work my way back, placing the containers in designated spots. When I get back, Tate is looking at my— “Dude, what the hell?”
“Why aren’t you an organ donor?”
I reach over and attempt to snag my license out of his hands. “Give me that! Hey, macho man—”
He hands me my license, along with my entire fucking purse! Ugh. Point proven. “You have weirdly long arms.”
“Put your purse in the back. Somewhere you can lock it up.”
“Sure, I’ll get right on that.” I snatch my stuff from him and toss it back where it was just to defy him.
“Mindy!” Harry yells out, and I cock my head toward the back room.
“Coming.” I glare at Tate. “Stay put, my little guard dog.” The last thing I need is for Harry to start asking questions. He’s not a fan of boyfriends hanging around on shift. It hurts business as well as our tips. Not that he’s my boyfriend. More like an attractive nuisance. Did I mention he’s easy on the eyes? My nipples pebble at his deep-set, green eyes. Dammit, he’s fine. Like fine, fine. If he wasn’t such an ass, I would—
“You’re mumbling.”
I jump out of my skin at the warmth of his breath against my ear. I whip around, slamming into his chest. “Seriously?” We really need to stop meeting like this. “I told you to stay put.”
“And I want to make sure your surroundings are safe.”
“It’s only Harry. He’s old and has a beer gut. What’s the worse he can do?”
“Never underestimate what a predator is capable of.”
Okay… that wasn’t necessary. Neither is the thought of fat, gross Harry attacking me in the night with this tongue on my cheek… “Stop.” I close my eyes and shake my head. “Stop creating this fear in me.”
“You need to be aware.”
“I am aware! I’m very fucking aware.”
“Who the hell are you yelling at?” I pivot toward Harry, startled. He peers over at me like I’ve lost it.
“No one. Well, someone. Tate. My boyfriend.” God, that sounds all sorts of wrong coming out of my mouth. Harry’s nose scrunches.
“You have a boyfriend? Since when?”
Since three hours and seventeen minutes ago. “A long time.”
Harry stares at me for another beat, then bursts out laughing. “Whatever, doll face.”
Normally, I would laugh with him, but I don’t think it’s funny. “What’s so funny? I can have a boyfriend.”
“You? Wild Mindy? I’ll believe it when I see it.”
Oh yeah? Moving to the side, I grab Tate’s tee and tug him closer. Well… not really tug because he’s like a boulder. Thankfully, he helps me out and steps forward. “Believe it. Harry, meet Tate. Tate, meet my boss who thinks I can’t have a boyfriend.”
“S’up?” is all Tate says.
Harry stares at him, his mouth open in shock. Gee, thanks,Harry.
“Take that. Tate thinks I’m amazing, and he loves my wild. He says it’s sexy and a huge turn-on, right, babe?” I turn to Tate, and because I refuse to be the noncommittal person, I stand on my tippy toes, wrap my arm around his neck, and slap my lips to his. His body stiffens for a beat, then he snakes his arm around my waist. My feet leave the ground as he pulls me to him. Just as quickly, I release him and wiggle out of his hold, turning back to Harry. “Now, was there something you needed?” What the hell did I just do?You kissed your babysitter. And it was not gross.It was anything but gross.
“No. It’s country night. No overpouring the tequila.”
“Got it.” I turn on my heel and lean into Tate, whispering, “That was super gross, by the way.” With that, I hustle back behind the bar—away from him and his extraordinary mouth—almost stumbling at the sound of his low chuckle.
Fuck.
