Page 35 of Long Shot

“It better be amazing,” Cade says. “So are you taking Jack for a walk on the beach Wednesday morning?”

“Uh . . .” That was a change in subject. “Probably. Wednesday’s my day off.”

“Does he have a favorite toy that would float?”

I stare at him. “I guess so. He has some squeak toys that would likely float.”

“Bring one of them.”

“But . . .” I twist my fingers together. “I don’t want to scare him.”

Cade smiles slowly and I feel that smile all the way down inside my panties. “I’ll be there to help him. We won’t let him be scared.”

“I guess I shouldn’t let my own fears hold my dog back from an adventure.”

“You’re afraid of the water?”

“Not water. But the ocean makes me a little nervous.”

“Huh.” He studies her. “That’s pretty brave of you, then, to let Jack learn to swim.”

A smile tugs my mouth. “This is so crazy.”

“Ten o’clock. At the pier.”

I sigh. “Bossy.”

“Iamthe boss.”

“You’re the bosshere.” I hold his gaze and damn it if sparks don’t snap between us.

“I like to be the boss everywhere.” His arrogance is tempered by the sexy wink he gives me. My girl parts fluttered.

Oh, geez. This is so bad. I’m flirting with my boss. This can’t happen.

“I better get these dishes into the kitchen.” I try not to sprint away from him.

Cade

I walk into the kitchen later and stop short seeing Reese standing at one of the stations. “Yes, that’s right,” she tells Sid. “Open the peppers like a book and scrape out the ribs and seeds.”

I frown.

Reese looks up and sees me. I catch the flicker on her face as she straightens. “Hi, Cade!”

Sid’s head jerks around, also with an air of guilt.

What the hell is going on here?

I would’ve thought Reese might feel guilty for being in the kitchen when she should be waiting on tables. But Sid . . .?

My mind puts a few puzzle pieces together. I watch Reese hurry out of the kitchen, then I amble closer to Sid. “What are you making?”

“Drunken salsa.”

“Sounds good.”

“I hope so.” Sid snickers nervously.

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