Page 22 of Bad Boy for Hire
He was too much, and at the same time, exactly the right amount. “As a self-proclaimed fun guy, what do you take seriously?”
“My work,” he answered without hesitation. “I take pride in it. Even the beer brewing.”
“That’s evident. I’m not a beer girl, but I’m a Xavier Dane beer girl.” That made his smile widen. “You said ‘even the beer brewing’ like that wasn’t your life’s work. I thought the bar was your passion.”
He seesawed his head in thought. “More of a sideways distraction from my real passion. When I developed the app, I was in my sweet spot. Then I sold it and got laid off. I was going crazy without something to do. My hobby became my business when I bought Salty Dog. It’s been fun, but slinging beer is hardly my life’s work.”
“As a fellow analytically minded person, I understand how you’d miss building software. Why not continue to develop apps?”
“Eh, Tipsy was a one-off idea.”
“Yes, but there are businesses looking to build apps that don’t have the capability. Like where I work.”
“Zest is wanting to build an app?”
“Jewell, my boss and friend, and owner of Zest, and I have talked about the idea on and off. She asked me to head it up, but I don’t really know what I’m doing. It has been backburnered for months now.”
He sent her a look, and she could swear his eyes lit up.
“Maybe you could help?” she offered.
His answering nod said it all, but he played it cool by saying, “Yeah, maybe.”
“Think about it. We could use you.”
“It would give me something to do with my time. I’ve been trying to work less and less behind the bar, but I’m no good with idle hands.”
“No woman in your life to busy those hands?”
“May Glenfield. You offering?”
She could certainly think of a few ways to occupy his hands. And his mouth. His everything. But wait, no. “No hot men” was a rule she’d instated to protect herself. This date with Xavier was bending it. Sleeping with him would be demolishing it.
Why did that sound so good?
“My friends have been attempting to pair me off for a while,” she hedged. “As you have witnessed, I’m not very skilled at dating.”
“I’ll level with you, honey. I don’t think it’s you.” The gravel in his voice sent a lick of heat up her thighs. “Tonight, that changes.”
He slowed the Range Rover to turn onto a narrow lane. “I’ve heard of this place but never been. Gorgeous spot.”
The wedding and the reception were being held at a historical nature preserve. A tall, white barn with black-framed windows and an open-air design sat at the rear of the property. Full, fluffy pine trees and fat-trunked oaks made up the lush backdrop.
He parked near the barn in a lot off to the side and then helped May out of the SUV. Hand in hand, they navigated the walkway, which was flanked by bold red and orange flowers tied with chiffon ribbons that waved in the gentle late-afternoon breeze.
It was classy and cozy—perfect for Posy.
“From the way you spoke about the family, I expected a mansion, not a barn.”
“Make no mistake, the wedding will be suave. But it’s no surprise that it’s also done up in Posy’s style. She loves nature, and old things. A historical site in Evergreen Cove is the spot for her.”
If the luxury barn could be considered quaint on the outside, that notion was blown away the moment they set foot inside. The entirety of the interior was honey-colored wood, including the exposed beams of the high-pitched roof. White fabric was draped elegantly over the beams, framing the room in flowy fabric. A massive chandelier dominated the center of the room, beneath which were round tables circled by gold cane chairs. To the left was a parquet dance floor near the bar.
The four-piece band played softly in the corner, a violinist and a harpist included. May admired the centerpieces on the tables—white roses, pale pink posies, and a spray of autumn-colored red, gold, and orange blooms. Those same flower bouquets adorned the second story of the barn. Everywhere she looked was lush elegance but was also undeniably approachable.
“This has Posy’s signature all over it,” May said with appreciation.
“It’s badass,” came Xavier’s spot-on male assessment.
