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I’m trying real hard not to sweep everything off this countertop, bend her over it, and spank her for thinking I’d give her anything not safe. “Just because it’s for dogs, don’t think it isn’t one-hundred percent healthy for humans too.” I slide over the bottle, twisting off the cap for her. “Try this one, it’s called Pup Pow.”
She tries it and her brows raise. “Wow, that’s not too bad. And it’s good for them?”
“Yeah. A lot of dogs need joint vitamins, and when they’re puppies it’s always good to get them on a vitamin regimen.” I hand her another bottle with a picture of a dog licking a bowl of beer on it. “This one I did a rough sketch on the bottle label.”
She studies the bottle of Doggone Good, and does that thing again, where she stares at me like I’ve impressed her. “Have I mentioned I love this idea.”
I crack a sly grin. “Maybe you should show me how much you love it.”
“Maybe one day I will.” She stands and walks her tight ass away to check out the machinery.
I watch her like a hawk.
“So, you made all the new beer here?”
I lean against the stainless-steel counter, crossing my arms. “Yeah, I did.”
“And now you’ll go to Atlanta to make samples to show them off?”
“Yeah, at my manufacturing facility.”
“I don’t know why I find that so sexy, but I do.”
I grin. “Yeah? What else do you find sexy?”
She sucks in a breath of air. I’m kind of anticipating her answer, ready to make sure I do everything on her list. Pending she has a list, that is.
She hmm’s and hah’s for a moment before saying, in the most seductive voice imaginable, “I find it sexy when you kiss me.” She takes a step in my direction. “And I find it sexy when you touch me.” Another step closer. “And when you say my name.”
“Oh yeah?”
“Yeah,” she breathes out.
“Let’s get out of here.”
She nods. “Absolutely.”
Before we can even make it to the back door, Daddy Dearest comes strutting in like he owns the place. And I know he does. He fucking does. Don’t remind me.
He stops, surprised to see us. I’m not going to be the first to talk here. In fact, I try to maneuver Kiki around him to no avail.
“Leaving so soon?” my father asks.
“We just have somewhere to be.” Like my bed with our clothes off.
“What have you got going on here?”
In my own haste to get Kiki naked, I forgot to put away the artwork for the beer we’ve been testing. “Nothing.”
My father picks up a design and studies the picture. “What is this? Is this a beer for dogs?”
Kiki glances at me. Sure, I’m here to help my father not lose his life’s work, but that doesn’t mean I’m gonna share all my ideas with him before I even know if they’re gonna work.
Hell, I have barely told Urban my plan, all he knows is I’m working on something new.
My father scoffs. “You think the way to bring this company back to life is by giving beer to dogs?” The look on his face shows exactly how unimpressed he is.
“It’s actually a bit more than that,” Kiki says. “It’s pretty genius.” I know she’s trying to ease some of the tension floating in the air, but it’s a waste of her time.
“What’s this?” He picks up the graphic with pink bottles. “Is this what I think it is?” He raises a brow.
“It’s a beer geared toward females.”
Obviously, he’s not a fan of these ideas, and I won’t let him belittle me, especially in front of Kiki.
“You don’t want my help?” I let go of Kiki’s hand, leaning against the stainless-steel counter. “I’ll go back home to Atlanta and call it a day.”
My father stares at the graphics a second time before asking, “Do you really think people would be into this sort of thing?” This time his tone is more thoughtful of the product. Like he might actually be thinking about it.
“I do.” I take the pictures from his hands. “And you should too. I’m here to help, nothing more.”
I grab Kiki’s hand and this time I do make it to the door before my father calls out my name.
I stop, glancing over my shoulder.
“I’m glad you’re here,” he says. “Truly, I am.” All the cockiness leaves his face, revealing just an old man with a lot of regret filling his eyes.
I nod and walk out the door with Kiki.
Not even looking back.
SEVENTEEN
Kiki
Never forget to answer your phone...
“Where were you last night?” Poppi asks as I stroll into the Dog Spaw early the next morning.
“Ellis took me to his brewery to try a few things.” I shrug, like it’s no big deal.
Because if I make this into a big deal, it’ll escalate into boyfriend territory and then Ellis will think I’m trying to hook him into a marriage. I mean, he has to already be thinking about it, right? I plan weddings. I was engaged.
