Page 17 of Betting on the Bad Boy
Murph’s frown lifted slightly at the corners. “Of course. Dante’s new part-time job as an illustrious barkeep has him fighting off the babes. You’ve only been there, what, three weeks so far? How many desperate women have you had to turn down?”
Dante shot a dark look Murph’s way. “Very funny, Murph.”
I let my machine slow down before I hopped off. “I think I’d rather just run outside today. See you guys around.”
Before either one of them had a chance to respond, I picked up my water bottle and pulled my hoodie on over my head. It was like watching a cock fight about to take place. Murph was strutting his stuff, just begging for Dante to take him down a notch or two. Dante had shrugged on a dark and dangerous attitude.
It was time for me to go. I wasn’t a betting gal, but if I had to put money down on one of them, I’d definitely back Dante.
Betting on Dante... that gave me an idea for a scene I’d been struggling with in my latest manuscript. I pushed through the doors of the gym and took a full breath of clean, fresh air into my lungs.
I’d damn well not let that guy get under my skin, but in my desperation to add word count, I’d eagerly take advantage of any new scenes he might inspire. As long as he stayed on the pages of my novel, where I could make sure he didn’t get too close.
My feet struck the pavement as I turned toward home, eager to get my fingers back on the keyboard of my laptop… excited to explore a version of Dante I could control.
CHAPTER 10
Dante
I setthe heavy box down on the floor in front of the refrigerator before sliding the bottles of beer toward the back of the shelf. It was slow for a Thursday night—a nice break from the typical non-stop routine. I was enjoying the rare peace and quiet. A cool rush of air reached me from the doorway, and I looked up as Murph and another guy walked in.
“Hey Murph. What’s up?” I called out.
“Dude, where have you been, bro? Haven’t seen you around.” Murph approached the bar and stuck out his hand to catch mine in a handshake.
I gestured around me. “This place has been keeping me busy. I’ve been working every night for the past two weeks.”
“That’s too bad. Think you can get someone to cover for you on Halloween? We’re planning a big bash, and it would be great if you could come.”
“I don’t know. I’ll have to see. Might be pretty crazy around here that night.”
“Yeah well, if you can make it, stop by.”
“Sounds good. Did you guys want something to drink?”
“Yeah, pour us two of the stouts, will you?” Murph and his friend each took a stool at the bar and sat down to wait.
I grabbed two pints and pulled the handle of the tap, letting the beer fill the glasses to the top. I set one down in front of Murph and the other in front of his friend.
“Thanks, man. You two know each other?” Murph asked.
I shook my head and stuck my hand out to shake the other guy’s. “Hey, I’m Dante.”
“Oliver,” he said, grasping my hand.
Murph took a long sip of his drink. “Oliver here is looking for a part-time job. Thought you might need some extra help around the bar.”
“I can check. Wyatt mentioned something about hiring another part-timer. You have any experience?”
“A bit. I worked at a pub back in Christchurch for a couple of years.”
“He’s a Kiwi.” Murph stuck his thumb out and gestured toward Oliver. “Fresh off the proverbial boat. Dude says the craziest fucking shit.”
Oliver punched Murph lightly in the chest. “Yeah, nah, fuckwit.”
“See what I mean?” Murph shook his head.
I grinned. “I like him already. Let me look into it. Why don’t you stop by next week?”
