Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 94653 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94653 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
My gaze roams over the empty stools until it lands on Fallyn. Sully stands behind the smooth stretch of wood with his elbows resting against the surface. He’s yammering on about something, his voice booming in the quiet that surrounds them. Once my attention locks on the dark-haired girl, looking away becomes impossible. Her expression has softened, and her lips are tipped upward at the corners. She’s like the sun, and I just want to soak in her warmth even though none of it is directed my way.
Sully glances at me before straightening to his full height and beaming in my direction. “Yo, Wolf! Good to see you. Is there something I can help you with?”
My gaze slices to Fallyn. Any trace of a smile has disappeared from her expression. The glare is back full force.
I nod toward her. “I drove Fallyn here for her interview.”
Sully’s gaze flickers back to the girl who has never been far from my thoughts. “You mentioned Madden and Britt, but I didn’t realize you knew Wolf as well.”
Before she can tell him otherwise, I beat her to the punch. “We grew up together.”
The older man crosses his arms over his chest as his smile widens. “Is that so?”
“Yup.”
When he glances at Fallyn, she flattens her lips and jerks her head into a tight nod.
“So, I’d imagine you wouldn’t have a problem vouching for her?” he presses.
“Yeah. She’ll do a good job bartending.” I have no idea if she can mix a drink or not. After almost five years of silence, I realize that I don’t know Fallyn the way I once did.
“Oh, I’m hiring her as a waitress. Zoey quit last week. She walked out during the middle of her shift and never came back.” He shakes his head as the smile fades. “The girl couldn’t have picked a worse night to flake. So, I need someone dependable. It can get pretty crazy after the games and on the weekends.”
Fallyn nods as she straightens her slender shoulders. “It won’t be a problem.”
Waitressing?
My brows draw together. I can just imagine her moving through the thick crowd, taking orders from drunk assholes.
No…I don’t like the sound of that at all. I’d much rather have her working behind the bar where no one can get their hands on her. It’s bad enough that they’ll have to converse with her.
Can’t say I really want that, either.
Although, one glance at Fallyn tells me that it’s not my decision. Which is exactly why my ass will be here every night she has a shift. Otherwise, all I’ll do is sit at home and wonder what the hell is going on.
Who’s decided to take their life into their own hands by hitting on her.
Or worse…
He reaches up and strokes his jaw as his gaze bounces between the two of us. “I’ve got about a dozen applications I was going to sort through, but I’ll give you the job since my boy here is willing to vouch for you. It’ll save me the hassle of setting up interviews. Half the time, these people can’t be bothered to show up for that.” He shakes his head and mutters under his breath, “Kids these days. It’s like they think they’re doing you a big favor by waltzing through the door two minutes before the start of their shift.”
I’m barely aware of the mini tirade Sully has launched into. My attention is locked on Fallyn and the emotion that flickers across her features. It’s obvious that she doesn’t want to accept the offer of employment if I’m the reason behind it. But she needs the money and doesn’t want to turn it down. Air gets wedged in my lungs as I wait for her decision. This just feels like another way to tie her to me. Even if it’s tissue paper thin. I don’t give a rat’s ass at this point.
I’m a desperate man.
When Sully raises his brows, waiting for an answer, I clear my throat. “So, what’s it going to be?”
Her gaze cuts to mine as she smashes her lips together before her attention returns to the owner of the bar. Only then does her expression soften.
Marginally.
“I’ll take it. Thank you. I really appreciate you giving me this chance, and I promise—I won’t be late. Ever.”
“Good. I guess there’s only one thing left to say—welcome to the Slap Shotz family!” With a grin, he jerks his thumb over his shoulder. “Give me a sec and I’ll grab a couple of T-shirts. It’s the unofficial uniform around here.” He cocks his head and takes her in. “You look like a medium.”
She nods. “Yup.”
“I’ll be right back. Or BRB, as the kids like to say.” And then he’s gone, ambling across the bar and disappearing into the backroom.
We’re alone except for the dude engrossed in the hockey game.