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“What’s that supposed to mean?”
I shrugged. “I don’t know how to explain it, but you just light up every place you’re in. You make things feel better than they actually are.”
She sat back in the chair and looked at me. “That’s one of the sweetest things anyone has ever said to me.”
“It’s true.” I clasped my hands together. “But I hope one day, you’ll tell me why you’re not into relationships.”
She relaxed a little and nodded. “Maybe there will come a time.”
I reached for her hand, and it wasn’t even meant to be romantic, but as she kept her fingers laced with mine, I wondered what she wasn’t telling me.
“I want to be that guy you can trust. The guy you can tell anything to.” I studied Daisy, unsure of what I was looking for. “And if that means keeping me in the friend zone, I’ll do it because something with you is better than nothing.”
She nodded, keeping her hand in mine. “It’s been easy so far. I like this friendship. I just hope tomorrow doesn’t ruin it.”
“Why would it?” I drew my hand back from hers and smiled.
“Because when you were my boss last year, you weren’t exactly a peach.”
The words stung, no matter how true they were. “Have I made up for that yet?”
“With these chicken wings? Yes, but don’t blow it.”
Chapter Nine
Daisy
The moment I arrived at the bar, everyone was so friendly, and I was super shocked they remembered me. A sparkling silver Christmas tree took up the back corner, and silver ornaments hanging from the ceiling tastefully added to the Christmas spirit.
Perry, who was the lead bartender, hugged me and gave me an apron that readKnox Bar and Grill.
“Oh, these are new,” I said, dangling the black apron in front of me. “I like it.”
Perry smiled as a large group of people entered the bar.
I was instantly back in the groove, taking orders, chatting with the locals, and making drinks as fast as I could.
The new bar manager, Michelle, introduced herself in between customers, and she seemed super friendly and competent. I understood why Hunter felt like he could actually leave Madison now and again.
As I shook my tenth peppermint martini, Hunter’s laugh rumbled through me, and I almost dropped the shaker. His eyes connected with mine, and he flashed a huge grin.
Okay, so far, so good.
Maybe he wasn’t bound to repeat his grumpiness from last year.
I watched Hunter make the rounds through the bar, visiting with patrons, cracking jokes, and spending time in the kitchen. It was such a stark difference from last year, but I didn’t want to get my hopes up.
The night flew by. Around midnight, the last customer left, and Michelle looked at Perry and then at me. “You did phenomenally well for your first night. Are you sure we can’t steal you away from Buttercup Lake?”
I chuckled, untying the apron. “I think my great uncle and cousin would miss me fiercely.”
“I understand. It’s really beautiful up there too.”
I nodded, wondering where Hunter had wandered off to.
“I’ll take care of the cleanup,” I told them. “It will give me time to unwind.”
Perry frowned. “Are you sure?”
