Page 41 of Rip Ryder's Second Chance

He jerked up his chin. “Huh?”

“Just a guess. Women have the talent of doing that to men.” She smiled then lifted the tray and took off for the table.

Rip wiped down the bar with restless energy. He glanced at the clock and was damn glad that Crew and Brew would be closing soon. Uptight and bitter, maybe he should have let LB take over behind the bar and switched him places at the grill. Yet, as much as it killed him to admit, LB was a much better griller than Rip.

Finally, the last burger was served, the last customer left the bar, and he was alone with his thoughts.

“That face isn’t good in earning tips,” Max said after she cleaned her tray and placed it on top of the stack.

“I didn’t want to give you any competition,” Rip said as he emptied the ice from the bucket into the utility sink.

“I’m pretty good at my job.” She slipped on her jacket. “Hey, some friends and I are heading out to a party. You’re welcome to tag along.”

“Thanks for the invite, but I’m afraid my mood might kill the fun.”

“Anything else I can do before I leave?” Max asked.

“You can go. I’ll finish here. Turn off the lights and flip the sign on your way out, would you?”

“Yep, see you tomorrow. Don’t work too late.”

A few minutes later, the door swung open again. “I won’t change my mind,” he said, keeping his back to the door.

“That’d be a shame.”

Jerking his chin up, he looked through the mirror on the wall and his heart skipped ten beats. In walked Noelle. She didn’t just walk, but she sashayed her way across the room to the bar and tilted a lush hip. She wore a snug fitting, crisscrossed at the neck, black shirt that gave a sneak peek of her belly button. He turned and skimmed his gaze down the cut off jean shorts that settled low on her hips. “Can I help you?”

“I sure hope so.”

“Didn’t you see we’re closed?” He wanted more than anything to round the bar and drag her into his arms, but he was starting to feel like the fool mouse in a game with a cat. She had the ability to claw him to shreds and unfortunately, he guessed he’d like it.

“Don’t be such a downer, Rip.” She slid up on one of the barstools. “I have a babysitter and I need something strong.”

He slipped right into her silken web and wasn’t mad. He knelt and grabbed a bottle from underneath the bar—Whiskey’s special hidden stash. “If I remember correctly, you’ve always liked tequila shots. This is smooth.” He poured her a small amount.

“Please tell me you’re not going to make me drink alone,” she said in a sexy voice.

“I’d never think of it.” He grabbed a second glass, poured himself a splash and sipped, watching her over the rim as she downed the tequila in one gulp. “It’s more of a sip and enjoy kind of tequila.”

“But it’s not a sipping sort of day. Can I get another?” She pushed her empty glass toward him.

Pouring her more, he did the same for himself. “Cheers.”

She held up her glass. “What are we cheering?”

“Why don’t you tell me?”

“How about to memories? The good ones.” They clinked rims and this time she took his suggestion and sipped.

He capped the bottle. Too much of the rare tequila would have them both drunk. “You’re a little late to start drinking now.”

“I’m right on time.

“Hard day?”

“Depends on who you ask, but according to your sour expression and my mood, it must have been a humdinger of a day.”

Her smile did ease the tension in his body…some. But it was exchanged for an awareness that struck him like a bolt of lightning spiraling down his spine. “A little more booze and you’ll be ready to reveal all your secrets.” His cell buzzed and he turned to see who was calling. “Sorry. Just making sure that isn’t Whiskey—”

---