He laughs and pushes away his empty bowl. “Let’s try this again.”
“Okay, do you want some help today?”
“Sure, that would definitely be better than doing it alone.”
“See, that wasn’t hard.”
* * *
“Whoa.” We’re in the storeroom, staring at a mountain of boxes. “This is some delivery.”
“Every week at this time.” He takes a box down from the top, his muscles straining with the effort, and my mouth goes dry.
Dear Lord above, I’ve never seen anything like him before. The broad shoulders and defined arms are a sight to behold.
It’s borderline ridiculous.
“I’ll take the boxes out behind the bar and show you where to unload them, if you like.”
“Sounds perfect.” I follow him out of the storeroom to the bar, and he sets the boxes down in front of where he wants them.
“Beer bottles go in the cooler. I pull out the existing ones and put the new ones to the back, then the older ones in front.”
“Makes sense.”
“The extra liquor goes in the cabinet under here.”
“Got it. Looks pretty self-explanatory.”
“Now, I have one very important question, lass.”
“Okay, what is it?”
“What kind of music do you prefer? We can’t do this in silence, can we?”
“No, that wouldn’t work at all. Hmm… I guess just regular pop music.”
He pulls out his phone and taps the screen. A few seconds later, music comes through the speakers in the corners of the room.
“Fancy.”
“I like music,” he replies. “This is satellite radio. If the station starts to irritate you, just let me know.”
As I unpack boxes, Keegan walks back and forth between the bar and the storeroom, carrying the bottles.
“Why don’t you use a dolly?”
“I don’t belong to a gym,” he says as he sets another heavy box down. “I don’t have the time. So, this is my exercise. I won’t bring them all out today, some will stay back there, and I’ll haul more throughout the week as I need them.”
“Well, it works.”
“Why do you say that?”
I sit back on my haunches and blow a piece of hair out of my eyes. “I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but your muscles are impressive.”
“It’s my muscles you like, is it?”
“They don’t hurt.”
A slow song comes over the speakers, and Keegan holds his hand out for mine. “Let’s take a break.”
“We just started.”
“I’m the boss here, and I’m telling us to take a break.” He pulls me to my feet and leads me out to the small dance floor in front of the stage. He loops one arm around my back and holds the other against his chest as we sway back and forth to the music.
I can’t help myself.
I lean in and rest my cheek on his firm chest, giving in to the sway of our bodies and the gentle beat of the music as John Legend sings about you and I.
Keegan’s heart beats strong beneath my ear.
His lips are buried in my hair as he kisses my head.
And with his arms and scent wrapped around me, I’m completely caught up in the moment, in this potent man.
Could I be falling for him? Or am I just thrilled at the idea of being treated so nicely? Am I grateful that he took me in without a resume or a background check and came to my rescue?
Or is it both?
“I have a feeling you’re thinking way too hard about something,” he murmurs. He tips my chin up with his finger and lowers his lips toward mine.
This kiss is different from any of the others. It’s lazy and slow, just like the song.
His hand travels down my back to my butt. He clenches it there, and I lean into him harder.
Suddenly, the door opens, and the moment is lost.
“Whoops,” Shawn says with a grin. “Sorry, you two. I have to get a few things ready in the kitchen. Ma called, and she’s not feeling well this morning.”
I brush my hands over my face as Keegan pulls back.
“What’s wrong with Ma?” he asks.
“She didn’t elaborate, just asked me to cover the kitchen today. It’s not a problem for me.”
I clear my throat and walk back behind the bar to continue unloading boxes. “Good morning, Shawn.”
“And good morning to you, Izzy.” He winks and walks into the kitchen.
I blow out a long breath.
The man sure can kiss.
* * *
“We can’t drink much, we have to work tonight,” Maggie reminds Maeve as her sister pours us each a glass of wine.
“I’m working tonight, too,” Maeve replies. “Keegan roped me into a shift. I don’t really mind.”
“You haven’t been working at the pub much,” Maggie says as she takes her wine.
“No. Thanks to Izzy here.” Maeve smiles at me. “Thanks for that, by the way. I’m able to take more evening appointments to show houses. You know, my actual job.”
“I’ve always been so fascinated by real estate,” I say as I reach for a slice of pizza. We decided to meet at Maeve’s house for lunch so we could have quiet and would be able to chat without anyone else listening. “I love looking at houses.”