“You look hot, ummm I mean great.” I stumble over my words.
“You look great.”
She gives me a cute smirk and puts a hand on her hip.
“Thank you,” she says and turns around to continue with the tables. I chance one more glance at her amazing body. My jeans grow tighter, and I promptly take myself to the back and stand in front of the freezer with the doors open. As close as I am going to getting a cold shower.
Once my other brain calms down, I walk out to the bar and begin to dry glasses from the dishwasher.
“So Riley, it’s kind of funny, actually, that you got boots.”
“And why is that?”
“Well, one of the things I have on my list is to take you line dancing, and you can’t truly experience that without boots.”
She chuckles. “I am a terrible dancer. Zero rhythm. I trip over my own feet.”
“Ah, come on. You can’t be that bad. We can practice before we dance in front of people.”
“That would be a good idea.” she tosses the rag into the corner of the bar and takes a seat on a stool.
“Is that what we are doing next? Line dancing?”
“Nah. Next is fishing.”
Her eyes glint, and her smile is mischievous. “In the dark?” she asks and holds back a laugh.
I roll my eyes.
WHEN YOU'RE READY
81
“You’re a dork. But if you want to, we can go fishing in the dark.”
“As fun as the song made it sound, I would rather be able to see what’s happening. I’m not too fond of worms.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll bait your hook.” I wink at her “now,” I nod my head up towards the doors. “Now, go unlock those doors so we can get this night started.”
Right on schedule Lenard walks in and Riley meets him at his corner.
“Well, if it isn’t my favorite gentleman. Mr. Lenard, how are you today.” Lenard’s cheeks turn pink at her attention.
“Doing well, doing well. How about yourself?”
“Fantastic. Grayson here took me floating on the river this past week.”
“Oh, he did, did he.” Lenard nods his head and winks at me. I shake my head at him.It’s not what you think, old man.
“Grayson here is a good kid. A little lost at the moment but still good.”
“I don’t doubt that one bit, sir.” She peeks back at me over her shoulder for a couple seconds before returning her attention to Lenard.
“Jack and Coke?”
“Actually. I think I’ll have a beer today.”
“Oh, Lenard.” She pulls back from the bar, her hands still hanging on. “Getting a little crazy. Be careful.”