Page 53 of Huckleberry Hill
“What was that about your dad retiring?” I said with a laugh.
“You’re right. He’s spending even more time brewing now that he’s got me to run the bar. I’m thinking of having an amateur cocktail competition. Get some new bodies into the bar, you know? Not everyone wants beer and cider all the time.”
“That could be fun.”
My gaze wandered toward the front door which had opened. A tall, familiar body in a cowboy hat stepped inside.
Declan looked around the room just as I slid off the stool.
“What are you doing here?” I asked as I went to him.
“You told me about this place. I came to check it out.” He shrugged. “What are you doing here?”
“I was supposed to meet Gracie for a drink, but her daughter got the flu. So I’m flying solo.”
“You want some company?”
My stomach swirled with pleasure.
“Sure.”
We headed back to the bar. Wade’s gaze was steady as he watched Declan approach.
“Wade, this is Declan Brewer. He’s the new wrangler at Elk Ridge.”
“Nice to meet you,” Wade clipped. “Get you something to drink?”
Declan looked at me. “What are you drinking?”
“Thimbleberry cider. Wade’s dad brewed it himself.” I handed him my pint and gave it to him to taste.
He took a sip and nodded. “That’s fucking delicious. I’ll take one of those.”
Wade’s expression cracked and he smiled. “I’ll tell my dad you said so.” He went to pour Declan a pint and then handed it to him. “You want to start a tab?”
“Sure.” Declan reached into his jeans pocket and extracted his wallet.
Wade took Declan’s credit card.
“Table?” Declan asked me as he put his wallet back into his pocket.
“Sure.” I grabbed my pint and cell off the bar. “See ya, Wade.”
Declan followed me to the corner of the bar and we took the vacant booth. I slid in and immediately took off my coat.
“What’s that smell?” Declan asked.
I frowned. “What smell?”
“The bar smell. It’s like grease . . . and something else, but I can’t figure it out.”
“Paprika,” I explained.
“How do you know that?”
“The bar serves barbecue. Paprika is in the butt rub.”
“Look at you—knowing all the things.”
