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My father always orders a Moscow Mule, so I do have some idea of what ingredients I need, but I’ve never mixed a professional drink before. Making half-assed margaritas for my girlfriends hardly qualifies as mixology experience. Why did I lie again? Right, I need this job. And the bartender is a hot piece of ass.
I get up and join Caleb behind the bar. This isn’t just any drink I’m about to make. The Moscow Mule will be my ticket to a job at Hidden Springs Bar & Grill. My hands tremble as I scan the bottles lining the shelves, my mind racing to remember the measurements.
I reach for a copper mug and a bottle of vodka. That part’s easy. Now I need ginger beer. I frantically search for the right bottle. Relief washes over me when I spot it tucked away behind a bottle of whiskey. I grab the ginger beer and pour a generous splash into the mug, freewheeling the measurements.
“What kind of bar did you work at?” Caleb asks, stopping me in my tracks.
“What do you mean?” I ask, panic edging at my voice.
He laughs. “Just curious. No worries. By the way, don’t be afraid to be generous with the ginger beer.”
“Okay.”
I add an extra splash to the mug and look around for the last ingredient. A solitary lime is resting on a cutting board. I thank whatever god wants to listen for helping a girl out. With determination, I chop it in half and squeeze the juice into the mug before sliding it over to Caleb.
He takes a reluctant sip, and for a split second, I’m positive he’s going to spit out the drink. He lifts his blue eyes and focuses them on me.
“Well, Meredith, this is not the best Moscow Mule I’ve ever tasted, but it’s not the worst ever.”
I give him a nod. “I’ll work on bettering my skills. I promise. I’m a fast learner.”
“I assume you have the necessary documentation for employment? A US passport, or a state-issued driver’s license and a copy of your birth certificate?”
Fortunately, the feds have provided all that for my new identity. “Of course.”
“In that case… consider yourself hired. Why don’t you come a bit earlier tomorrow so I can teach you the ropes before the bar opens?”
“Really? I’m hired? Thank you,” I blurt out.
I’m so happy that I barrel towards him and give him a hug.
“Wow, okay,” he says with a laugh.
I quickly drop my arms by my sides. “I’m so sorry. That will never happen again.”
“It’s fine,” he says, and by the look in his eyes, I can tell that he means it.
Chapter Two
Caleb
The new-in-town curvy brunette piqued my interest as soon as she stepped foot in Hidden Springs Bar & Grill. I try not to make it too obvious that I’m enjoying her juicy curves and sweet face, and especially the boldness with which she barged in here asking for a job. The last thing I need is for her to think I’m one of those guys who’s only interested in a girl’s looks. Not that I’m interested in her in a romantic way, but the way she hugged me just now surely set my skin ablaze.
“Caleb?” she asks, jerking me from my thoughts.
“I’m sorry?”
A smile plays on her lips. “I asked you what time I’m supposed to be here tomorrow.”
“How does noon sound?”
“Perfect,” she says with a smile.
The job offer clearly made her happy, even though the drink she mixed was horrible. I doubt she has any real bartending experience. She didn’t even use a jigger to measure the ingredients. But the thing is… I desperately need the help and she said she’s a fast learner, so I’m sure it’ll all work out. Worst case, I’ll have to let her go after a week.
“I don’t want to sound rude, but I’m going to have to kick you out.” I grab my leather jacket and put it on. “I have some errands to run before the bar opens and I can’t leave you here all alone.”
“Of course, I understand. I’m actually headed to the police station myself right now,” she says.
