Page 63 of 2204 Hunter Lane
She laughed. “I’m not lying. I could drink an entire bottle of wine and be out for a morning jog the next day.”
“Early riser?” I posed, pouring myself a cup of coffee.
“You could say that. I don’t sleep much to begin with. Bad insomnia.”
Huh. The more you know.
“What are you doin’ for New Year’s Eve?”
Fuckin’ shit, this breakfast is good. Payton never made stuff like this before, EVER. Might need to invite Bambi over more often to soak up the benefits.
“I think Winter and I are going out with Cramer.”
Cramer? Oh, Cookie.“The fuckwit from Cid’s?”
Her face reddened as she took a sip from her cup, hiding behind the coffee mug. “Thatfuckwitis essential to your family’s business.”
I decided not to combat that since it was probably true. The few time I decided to read reviews on P&D, they always talked about how Cookie was a “stellar employee” and “made their shopping experience extra fun.”Like shopping at a hardware store is the highlight of people’s damn days.
“Why don’t you bring ‘em to Cid’s? They got a special on drinks; don’t know what but I could find out.”
Her eyebrows raised like she was shocked that I invited her somewhere. No word of a lie, I was shocked myself. But I liked her company, not that it was daisies and fucking roses but I don’t know, she was sort of…pleasant, to talk to. Like a breath of fresh air. Something new.Yeah, that’s it.
“I don’t think Cramer likes you very much, Hunter.” Bambi let out, chuckling softly.
“I was drunk that night,” I responded, leaning back into the bench.
“You were rowdy.”
“I’ll apologize.”No the fuck I won’t.
I managed to capture her chocolate eyes for a moment before she snatched them away, twirling the tip of her hair.
“I’ll talk to them.”
I gathered the used plates and stepped out of the bench, walking away in victory.
“I better see you, Bambi. Or so help me God.”
She stood up, pulling on her coat and snagging her car keys. “We’ll see what ends up happening.”
I’ll take that.“Let me walk you out.”
As we reached her Malibu, I studied her outfit; the wool coat, her white sweater and jeans, a red beanie but no…
She had already settled in her car when I tapped the window, urging her to roll down the glass.
“Where’s your scarf?” I asked, searching the space.
She pointed to the back seat. “It’s in the box you gave me.”
I frowned, rubbing the light stubble on my jaw. “And where’s it meant to be, darlin’?”
Her eyes rolled and I couldn’t hold back a laugh.
“Around my neck?” She guessed, curving her lips into a smile.
I beamed. “Good girl,” then tapped the hood of the white Malibu, sending her off onto the snowy road.
