Chapter Eleven
Caden
“How’d it go today?” I ask Jack after Adrienne left for the day.
“Really well. I wasn’t kidding at lunch when I said she had it under control already,” my friend replies as he leans back in his office chair, hands on the back of his head like he’s kicking back and relaxing.
“Good. That’s what we wanted. Someone to help cover the admin officey stuff.”
“Officey stuff,” he says with a snort.
“You know I’m not any help with it, so I’m happy you’re getting help where you need it.”
“You help in other ways,” he says, giving me a small, knowing smile.
“Yeah, but I’m shit at the office side. My brain just doesn’t brain when it comes to papers and numbers.”
“ADHD is a bitch, my friend,” he says.
Ain’t that the truth. My oldest pal knows all about my struggles with ADHD through school. It wasn’t just the concentration I struggled with, but the sitting still and focusing part was quite difficult too. It wasn’t as bad in high school, but even now, well into adulthood, my mind still races as thoughts get jumbled and mixed up. Basketball had been a huge release for me, and a great way to exert that pent-up energy I always seemed to have an abundance of.
I can feel his eyes on me once more. “What’s up?”
He sighs. “Are you sure going to the wedding is a good idea?”
He sounds like a broken record, but I don’t fault him for it. He’s my oldest, closest friend. No one knows what I went through with Dawn and Tyler like Jack. He was the one who dragged me from my own home before I either destroyed it or killed someone in a fit of rage. He’s also the one who nursed my hangover for the next few days while I dealt with the fallout of my failed relationship and the betrayal entwined around us like thorny vines. “No, but I won’t back out. I promised Gram.”
“I get that, but that woman and her future husband did a number on you.”
My brain flashes back to the moment my entire life unraveled. I had no warning, no ability to prepare. The floor just fell out from below me, leveling my world in a matter of seconds. “They can’t touch me now.”
He continues to watch me, as if he’s trying to gauge whether or not to believe me. Truth is, I’m not sure I’d believe me either. The scars on my heart are deeper than the Grand Canyon and just as durable. I’ll carry them forever, a reminder of the pain that comes with love.
“Listen, I get you’re worried. Do I want to go? Fuck no. I’d rather stay home, maybe invite a beautiful woman over to keep me company.” Why does my mind instantly draw Adrienne in that particular scenario? “I promise it’ll be fine. I’ll go to their wedding, sit in the back, drink their free liquor, and then head home before the Chicken Dance.”
His eyebrows shoot toward the sky. “With Adrienne.”
The corner of my mouth curls up before I can stop it. “With Adrienne.”
He opens his mouth and shuts it, as if reconsidering his words. Finally, after a couple of long, tense seconds, he speaks again, “Be careful, Caden. She’s important to Stevie, which makes her important to me. Not to mention the fact she now works for us. Don’t shit where you eat, man.”
“That’s a nasty analogy.”
“It fits.”
“It’s all good, Jack. Promise. Whatever happens with Adrienne and me, well, we have an…understanding. It’s just casual.”
“If you say so,” he mutters, his face full of skepticism.
I do. I choose what affects me, and Dawn, Tyler, and their whole wedding madness isn’t on the list. Neither is Adrienne. We’re just having fun. And I don’t blame Jack for not really understanding. Between his marriage to Mya and dating Stevie, he didn’t spend any time with women, despite my constant encouragement. Sure, he might have snuck in a date or two here and there, but he was a dad first and foremost, even when he didn’t have his kids. Jack doesn’t know the meaning of casual sex, and that’s okay. It’s my thing, not his.
“So, tell me, oh wise one, when are you going to make an honest woman out of Stevie?”
He shifts in his seat but doesn’t seem as uncomfortable as I expected him to. “Well, I’ve been thinking…”
“Yeah?”
He nods. “It’s too soon and all. I mean, she just moved in with us. But I’ve been thinking, I believe it’ll happen sooner than I was expecting.”
I can’t help but smile, because of all the emotions I anticipated seeing cross my friend’s face, excitement wasn’t at the top of the list. “Who cares if it’s too soon?” I find myself saying. Even if the whole relationship and happily ever after thing isn’t for me, that doesn’t mean I don’t want to see my friend happy. And that’s one thing he’s found with Stevie.
He exhales and meets my gaze. “I’m not saying I’m going to ask her tomorrow or even the next day, but the thought of spending the rest of my life with her doesn’t scare me. In fact, it feels…right.”
“I’m glad.”
“I don’t want to rush this. I mean, I messed it up the first time around with Mya.”
“Yeah, but what you and Stevie have is completely different than you and Mya. Even I see that.”
“I know,” he confirms, bouncing in his chair a little. “My relationship with Stevie feels comfortable. We talk easily and she makes me happy. And the sound of her laughter is the best sound in the world. Plus, the kids love her as much as I do.” He takes a deep breath. “Am I crazy? For thinking about marriage again when the first one didn’t work out?”
“No,” I reply honestly.
“What am I doing?” he asks, giving me a sympathetic look. “I know marriage isn’t your thing.”
“No, but that doesn’t mean you can’t talk to me about it. Just because I never want to tie myself down to one woman for the rest of my life doesn’t mean I don’t support your decision to. I think Stevie’s great, and I can see how much you love her. Do I think it’s too soon to think about marriage? Maybe, but what do I know? I’m not living your life, my friend. You are. That’s a decision you and only you can make. When it feels right, I say jump. Don’t live in the past. Your future is in front of you. That’s where your focus should be.”
He gives me a small smile. “You’re right.”
“I know. I’m always right,” I state, giving him a big, cheesy grin.
Jack barks out a laugh. “No you’re not, but in this instance, I believe you are.” He sobers and holds my gaze. “You could take your own advice, you know.”
A lump forms in my throat, making it hard to swallow. I force it away and put a big smile on my face. “We’re not talking about me.”
“We’re not?” he asks, a knowing look in his eyes.
I shake my head and return my attention to the paperwork I need to complete for today’s jobs. I’m honestly happy for Jack, where Stevie is concerned. And just because the whole happily ever after thing isn’t for me, doesn’t mean I don’t want it for him. I most certainly do. I hope his relationship with Stevie works out exactly as he hopes, because I’ve never seen my friend so happy, so content.
After we both finish our tasks and prepare to head home, he asks, “Big plans tonight?”
My mind flashes to Adrienne. I know she’s working tonight, which means any plans I have won’t take place until later. Of course, my night doesn’t have to involve Adrienne at all. There are plenty of numbers in my phone I could call to keep me company, but none hold the appeal. “Not sure,” I reply.
“Well, stop by if you want. I think we’re making homemade pizza on the outdoor pizza grill.”
“I’ll let ya know if I’m stopping by,” I say, grabbing my cell phone and truck keys off my desk and heading for the door.
“Sounds good.” We exit the building and make sure the door is secured before we make our way to our trucks. “Later.”
“See ya,” I reply, climbing into the cab. I pull out of the parking lot, heading for home. Even with the offer for delicious homemade pizza cooked on Jack’s new woodfire outdoor grill, I know where I’ll be heading tonight.
With a smile on my face, I drive home.
Thoughts of a very naked Adrienne filling my mind.
***
I pull open the door that leads to the bar side of Burgers and Brew and let my eyes adjust to the dimmer lighting. Music plays through the speakers and the scent of food fills the air, making my stomach growl. I head for the bar and slide into one of the empty stools off to the side. There are a few patrons seated at the bar, as well as a handful of pub tables and booths filled around the room, but what I don’t see is the pretty bartender.
I set my phone on the bar top and wait. It only takes a few seconds before I see Adrienne exiting the walk-in cooler, a case of beer bottles in her hands. She spots me instantly, a warm smile sliding across her lips. “Hey.”
“Hi.”
She sets the case down in front of the short cooler and heads my way. “What’re ya drinking?”
“Just a Coke tonight,” I tell her, reaching for the menu.
“Are you eating?” she asks, dropping a scoop of ice into a glass and filling it with my soft drink of choice.
“Yes,” I tell her, feeling a touch guilty for not just going to have dinner with Stevie and Jack. But, despite knowing I should stay away from Adrienne, my vehicle drove here all by itself.
Okay, not all by itself, but whatever.
“They still have the I’d Smash That burger on special,” she informs me, placing my drink on a company logoed coaster in front of me. She places her elbows on the bar and leans forward. My eyes are instantly drawn to the ample cleavage on display. “My eyes are up here, cowboy.”
A smirk slips across my mouth. “And what beautiful eyes you have, sugar.” I look up just in time to see her roll them.
“Need a minute?” she asks.
“You know me, Adrienne. I need more than a minute. I need several minutes. The more, the merrier.”
A light blush creeps across the apples of her cheeks as she leans in. “I’m well aware of your stamina, Caden. It’s one of my favorite attributes.”
“Yeah?”
Standing up to her full height, she adds, “That and your ass. You could bounce a quarter off it.” She winks at me before spinning around. “I’ll be back in a second to take your order.”
I watch as she heads over to a group of guys seated together in the middle of the bar. They’re watching the game on TV, but there’s no missing the way their eyes check her out every now and then. She offers them refills, which is like an invitation for the guys to flirt. I know. I’m a guy.
I sit back and take in the show. The first guy tries to charm her with his witty comments and big smile, while another one is a little more direct in his interest. The other two guys are married. Even without the wedding bands on their fingers, I’d have them pegged as married instantly. While they don’t miss an opportunity to check out the hot bartender, they don’t watch her with lust-filled eyes. Just two guys appreciating what’s in front of them, but not doing anything more than looking.
She refills their draft beers and taps away on the computer screen. “Holler if you need anything,” she says before turning her attention to me.
“Well, have you decided?” she asks.
“I have,” I tell her, replacing my menu in the holder on the bar. “The special with fries.”
She grins. “That’s what I’m having too,” she informs me, tapping the bar. “I’ll put your order in.”
She returns to the computer and starts touching the screen. Instead of watching the game, like everyone else in the bar, I find myself drawn to her. She heads out to check the tables, refilling a few drinks and clearing off empty baskets of food. When she’s made sure everyone has what they need, she goes to the back room and returns with a bucket of ice. I almost jump up to help her, but she has it handled before I have the chance. She dumps the bucket into a large, covered bin and breaks up any chunks with a metal scoop. I notice a few pieces of ice fall onto the floor, but she just kicks them aside, as if she’s done it a thousand times before. Finally, she returns the bucket to the back room and is called to the kitchen moments later.
When she makes her way back to the bar, she’s carrying two plates of food. My stomach growls as she approaches, my mouth watering in appreciation of a damn good burger. “Here ya go,” she says, setting my plate in front of me.
I notice a second plate of food, which she places on the counter beside mine. “Did I order two meals and not realize it?”
She flashes me a big grin. “No, it’s my dinner. I thought I’d join you, unless you don’t want me to. I could go over there if you’d prefer,” she offers, nodding to where the group of four is sitting at the bar.
I catch the bold one lusting after her ass, which causes some sort of wild reaction in my chest. “Nope, you’re welcome here.” My eyes connect with the other guy’s, and I flash him a cocky smirk. He does a chin lift before returning his gaze to the television screen.
Good.
She’s mine.
But she’s not mine. Not even close. We’re just friends. Friends with benefits, I guess you could say, but now isn’t the time to dissect why my gut starts to twist a little at the thought of Adrienne being friends with benefits with that other guy too.
She grabs the bottle of ketchup and squeezes a large blob into her basket beside her fries. “I’ve been lusting after this burger all night, waiting,” she tells me before taking a large, satisfying bite.
“I’m suddenly very jealous of that burger.”
She giggles, covering her mouth while she chews and swallows. “It doesn’t matter how magical your cock is, cowboy. All I can think about is devouring this smash burger right now.”
My cock jumps in my pants.
“He’s very jealous,” I state, lifting my own burger and taking a bite. The flavors burst in my mouth, and I can’t help but groan in satisfaction.
“See?” she asks, taking another bite.
When she meets my gaze, I state, “My cock really is magical, isn’t it?”
She barks out a laugh, almost choking on her food. “Stop.”
Smiling, I settle in to finish my meal. Adrienne stops halfway through to move to the other end of the bar and refill more drinks and before she can return to her food, one of the pub tables wants to settle their tab. I know she’s working, but she needs to eat too. Maybe I’ll offer to man the bar while she takes a few minutes and finishes eating.
Just as she turns and heads toward me, a smile spread across her gorgeous face, her foot darts out to the side. I watch, completely helpless, as her arms flail wildly and her legs shoot out. She goes down hard on her back, her body twisting and landing in a loud thud.
I’m vaulting over the bar instantly. I hear the crash of glass, but my attention is on the woman lying on the floor. “Adrienne? Can you hear me?” I ask as I reach her side.
“I’m okay,” she mutters, trying to stand up.
“Lie still,” I instruct, gently running my hand over the back of her head.
Glancing up, I see three of the four guys leaning over the bar. The fourth one is by my side. “What can I do?” he asks, crouching beside me.
“Go to the kitchen and get Jasper.”
He nods, disappearing to get one of the owners.
“Where do you hurt?” I ask, noting the lack of blood on the back of her head and taking my first breath since I saw her fall.
“You mean beside my ego?”
I crack a smile. “If you wanted to get my attention, you could have just said something.”
She grins back and shakes her head. “My ass is wet.”
“That’s from the ice that melted that you slipped on.”
“Adrienne?” Jasper is there moments later. “What the hell happened?”
“She slipped on a melted piece of ice and landed on her back,” I tell him, continuing to run my hands down her body to check for abrasions or broken bones.
“I’m okay,” she insists once more, pushing up to a sitting position.
“We should take you to the hospital,” Jasper says, a worried look on his face.
“No, I’m good. Just bruised my ass. Good thing I have lots of padding.”
“Are you sure you’re okay to stand up?” he asks, placing one of his hands under her arm, while I do the same on the other side. Together, we help her rise.
“I’m sure. Honestly, I’m good,” she insists with a little chuckle.
My heart is pounding in my chest, and I don’t want to let her go. The thought of her being hurt is killing me, but I know I need to release my hold on her. Slowly, I lower my arm and will my heartbeat to slow. I can feel all eyes on me, including Adrienne’s.
“You’re not the first woman to fall at my feet, sugar,” I say to lighten the mood.
“And I’m sure I won’t be the last,” she replies with a chuckle. “Jasper, do you mind if I take a minute to use the restroom?”
“I still think you should get checked out,” Jasper states.
“I’m okay, really. Just need to use the restroom and put my ass under the hand dryer for a minute.”
“I’ll call Walker and have him come in,” Jasper starts.
“No,” Adrienne insists. “I promise, I’m good. There’s no reason for him to come in. I can finish my shift.”
He seems torn, watching her intently. “All right, but if you start to hurt or feel bad, you have to tell me.”
She nods. “You got it.”
He sighs. “I’ll watch the bar while you run to the restroom. Take your time.”
She takes off toward the hallway, and the moment she slips inside the restroom, Jasper turns his gaze my way. “I don’t like this.”
“I’ll keep my eye on her.”
He stares at me for several seconds before nodding. “If she so much as complains of a headache, I want to know.”
“Of course. I’ll be right here and help her.”
“Once I get the kitchen closed, I’ll send her home and close down this side.” He walks away, returning to the kitchen and leaving me standing behind the bar.
“You guys okay for a minute?” I ask the patrons, who all nod. “I’ll be right back.”
Then, I take off for the restroom.
To make sure Adrienne’s all right.