Chapter Fourteen
Adrienne
“How are you feeling?”
I look up and smile at Garreth, who was busy interviewing new hire candidates when I arrived at work this morning. “Fine.”
He checks me over, as if he’ll somehow see an injury or knows I’m anything but fine. “Really?”
“Yes, really. It was a silly fall. Ice dropped and I kicked it off the mat. I didn’t notice it had melted beside it until I was going ass over elbows and landing on my backside.”
He tsks. “If you’re having any pain or discomfort, we want you checked out, all right? Numbers needs an incident report from you. Jasper already filled one out, but we need your take on what happened to go with it.”
“No problem,” I tell him, sliding my bag under the counter.
“Go ahead and clock in and then have a seat. I’ll watch the bar while you fill it out,” he offers, even though we don’t open for another thirty minutes. Let’s hope the incident report doesn’t take more than thirty minutes to submit.
He hands me a tablet with the form brought up on the screen, so I take the device around the bar and have a seat on one of the stools. The form takes about fifteen minutes to complete, detailing what happened before and after the fall. Fortunately, I didn’t have to fill out the section on medical care, because that would have definitely taken another fifteen minutes, if not more.
I place the electronic device on the counter and stand up. “All finished?”
I spin around and find Isaac approaching. “Yep, done.”
He nods and reaches for the tablet, tapping away on the screen and submitting the form for his files. “Thank you. Sorry you had an accident, and I’m glad you weren’t hurt.”
“It was my own fault,” I say, waving off his concern.
The door opens behind me, and on instinct, I turn to see who’s entered. I recognize BJ right away, with her year-old son, Ryker, on her hip. “Daddy!”
BJ sets the toddler on the floor, who takes off at a wobbly pace toward Isaac.
“There’s my little man,” he says, scooping him up and bringing him to his chest. Once he places a kiss on the boy’s forehead, he positions him on his hip and turns to his wife. “Hello, my love.”
“Hi.” The beautiful woman with blue-and-black hair leans forward and places a passionate kiss on her husband’s mouth.
I wave at Isaac’s wife and move to return behind the bar. I run through the pre-open checklist, setting out the ketchup bottles and making sure salt and pepper shakers and napkins are filled on the pub tables and booths.
“You have the most beautiful skin.”
The comment catches me off guard, and hesitantly, I turn to face BJ.
“That was weird, wasn’t it?” she asks with a laugh. “Your skin tone is gorgeous. The most alluring porcelain shade. Do you have any ink?” she asks, leaning against the bar.
“Actually, I do,” I confirm. “I have a butterfly on my lower back and a daisy wrapped around my ankle.”
She nods, her eyes brimming with excitement. “You’ll have to show me sometime.”
“Will do,” I reply. “Actually, Stevie and I’ve been talking about going together sometime.”
“Yes! I love group seshes. They’re so fun, especially if they get the same or similar tats. A few weeks ago, I did a mother and daughter session, where the mom wrote ‘You are my sunshine’ and drew a sun, while the daughter wrote ‘My only sunshine’ and also drew a sun, and then I tattooed them onto the other’s forearms. They turned out so cool. Very personal, especially in the other’s handwriting.”
“Aww, I bet that turned out amazing,” I reply.
“It really did. Amanda featured it on our socials, and we got immediate calls for similar appointments.”
An idea hits me. “You do piercings, don’t you?”
“I do,” she replies, those brown eyes of hers sparkling.
“I used to have my belly button pierced, but let it close up a few years ago. I’ve been thinking of getting it done again.”
She scans me from head to toe. “I can absolutely do that for you, but you know,” she starts, nibbling on her bottom lip as she contemplates something. “You have the cutest little nose. You’d look adorable with a little stud right here,” she adds, pointing to the side of her nose, “Or maybe a bar in one of your nipples.”
I bark out a laugh. “Talk about two totally different piercings.”
She grins widely. “One is for the angel, while the other is for the naughty girl inside you. Actually, the more I think about it, if you want to get naughty, there’s a couple of piercing ideas for down under. I don’t know if that’s something you’d consider, but the O’s are worth the pain and hassle, I promise you.”
“Something tells me I don’t want to know what you’re discussing,” Isaac says as he approaches, their son still in his arms. Ryker is sucking on a lollipop, a big string of red drool dangling from his chin.
“I was just suggesting a VCH piercing to Adrienne, like the one I have,” BJ announces, causing her husband to blush a deep shade of pink.
“Uhh, I’m pretty sure there are laws in place prohibiting me from entering this conversation.” He quickly backs away, taking their son across the room so he can enjoy his sucker.
“I love embarrassing him,” BJ states with a giggle, her gaze locked on her husband and youngest son. “Anyway, I can squeeze a piercing in this afternoon after you get off work.”
“Really?”
She shrugs. “Yeah. The schedule isn’t too heavy today, since I originally took some time off because of the kids being sick, but since they’re both better, I’m heading in for a few hours.”
“Okay,” I reply immediately, feeling excited to head to her shop.
“I’ll call Stevie and see what she’s doing. If you don’t mind, I’ll invite her to stop by. Maybe we can discuss you two getting some ink together.”
“Sounds good.”
“Great. Just come by the shop when you get off work. I can redo your naval piercing, or I can do something else. Whatever you want,” she replies, pushing herself off the bar and heading over to where her husband and son play.
I move back to check the bottles and cans, making sure the cooler is filled and ready, even though I know it is. That’s one thing the night shift does before they leave, making sure everything is stocked for the next day.
“See ya later, Adrienne,” BJ hollers, waving goodbye before she heads out with Ryker.
“Bye,” I reply with my own friendly wave.
Isaac approaches, trying to wipe what looks like a ball of sucker drool off his tie. “Here,” I say, tossing a fresh cleaning rag toward him.
“Thanks.” He takes the rag and carefully dabs at the mark on his tie. “Both boys have been down with a stomach bug. Today was the first day they’re both human again.”
“Where’s the little guy? I was gonna give him another sucker,” Jasper announces, a cat that ate the canary grin on his face.
“Sugar him up on the first day he’s able to hold down food,” Isaac grumbles, shaking his head. “Thanks for that.”
“You’d do the exact same thing if the shoe were on the other foot,” Jasper insists with a laugh.
“Damn right I would,” Isaac agrees with his own smile.
“All right, it’s time to open. Everyone get to work,” Garreth states with a loud clap as he enters the bar from the back hallway where his office is located.
Jasper and Isaac roll their eyes and grin, but take off toward their respective areas of expertise, while I make sure the final few steps are taken behind the bar to open.
The day progresses quickly, the bar hopping during the lunch hour. I’m serving a few at the bar and have six more tables scattered throughout the room. Garreth helps, refilling drinks and delivering food orders while my attention is elsewhere. I’m at the bar, pouring two drafts when the heavy door at the front of the bar opens. Even though the sun is filtering through the windows and I’m not able to see the arriving patron’s features well, I know who it is by the way he stands.
Caden.
He pulls off his sunglasses and steps closer to the bar, coming into full view. He flashes me a familiar smile. “Hi.”
“Hey,” I reply, tossing a coaster in front of where he’s sitting. “All by yourself today?”
“Yeah, we just finished up a new home install, and Jack wanted to go meet Stevie. They’re probably having a quickie,” he says, chuckling.
“Probably,” I agree with my own laugh. “Coke?”
“Sure, unless you’re offering the quickie.” He gives me a wolfish grin that makes his entire face brighten with mischief.
Leaning forward, there’s no missing the way his eyes drop to my cleavage. “They tend to frown upon quickies while on the clock.”
He tsks. “Too bad,” he replies, glancing at his watch. “I have just enough time before I need to get back for my next appointment.
Shaking my head, I grab a glass and fill it with ice and Coke. “Sounds like you’ll have to settle for a burger and fries.”
“My second favorite F word.”
Placing the glass on the coaster, I ask, “Fries?”
“Food. I’m not picky most of the time,” he informs me, taking a quick glance at one of the menus. “I don’t suppose Jasper brought the smash burger back for a special, did he?”
“No, but there’ve been enough people asking for it, I can’t help but wonder if he’ll add it to the regular menu.”
“I’d be in favor of it,” he agrees before adding, “I guess I’ll have Paradise by the Dashboard Light.”
“Mmm, good choice,” I reply, walking over to the computer and keying in his order. “Regular fries okay?”
“Yep.”
When the order is sent through to the kitchen, I head down the bar for more refills. One of the servers from the restaurant side arrives, requests a few drinks, and instantly strikes up a conversation with Caden, who isn’t too far away. I try not to listen to their conversation, but since I’m right in front of them, it’s not like I can ignore them.
“I hear Josh has had some great court time so far this summer,” Meredith says.
“He has,” Caden replies, offering the server a friendly smile.
“Scarlet was bragging about him the other day when she grabbed dinner on her way home,” she says.
I glance up in time to see Caden nod. “He’s got a big three-day tournament the weekend after next in Cincinnati. I’m planning to go. Scar reserved a two-bedroom suite. I heard collegiate scouts from all over the Midwest attend this tournament. It’s a pretty big deal.”
“Wow, that’s cool. And he’s only going to be a junior. Maybe I’ll try to go on Saturday for a bit. I haven’t seen him play yet this summer. I’ll talk to Scarlet and maybe I can crash with you.” She places all the drinks I poured onto her tray and lifts it. “Thanks, Adrienne.”
I can’t help but wonder how many times Caden and Meredith have shared a hotel room, and I’m even more surprised by the intense bubble of envy that erupts in my chest. I know he has a reputation, most likely a history with a chunk of the women in this town, but I wasn’t expecting to feel this heavy amount of jealousy regarding it. Hearing Meredith talk about staying in his hotel room—obviously again—caused a churning of uneasiness in my gut.
“Meredith used to babysit Joshua when he was little,” Caden says, offering an explanation as to how he knows Meredith so well. Of course, that still doesn’t mean they don’t know each other more intimately.
“Well, I’m sure Joshua appreciates the big cheering section,” I say, trying to slip back into familiar, friendly territory.
“I talked to Jack yesterday, and he will be on call while I’m gone. I’m trying to decide if I want to go Friday afternoon or just drive to Cincy on Saturday morning.”
“If you go Friday, you should check to see if there’s a Reds game that night. They have the best hot dogs,” I tell him, recalling the few games I went to while I was living there. “But you gotta get the bleacher seats. They’re hot in the sun, but the atmosphere outweighs the heat.”
He sits back in his stool and grins. “Bleachers seats are the only way to go.”
I nod in agreement. “Totally.”
“So, I was thinking about later. I get off work a little after five. Come over any time after that. I’ll run through the shower, and I thought I’d throw something on the grill for dinner.”
I arch a single eyebrow. “You cook?”
“I grill. There’s a difference,” he insists with a gravelly chuckle.
“Sounds good to me, but I’m not sure what time I’ll be there exactly. I’m going to BJ’s shop after work,” I tell him as Garreth approaches with a tray of food. “Hold that thought.”
I walk over and help sort the orders, placing three plates in front of three gentlemen at the bar and take the fourth plate back over to Caden. “Lunch is served.”
“Thank you,” he replies, reaching for the bottle of ketchup and squirting a big blob by his fries. “So, tell me about this visit to BJ’s.”
“I’ve been thinking about getting another piercing.”
He leans forward, his eyes dancing with anticipation. “Please continue.”
Shaking my head, I lean on the bar and angle his direction. “My belly button, though BJ had other suggestions.”
Those blue eyes dance. “Are you going to share her suggestions, or do I just get to discover them later?”
“Hmmm,” I hum, wondering how this could play out.
“Maybe just give me a map and call me Magellan.”
I bark out a laugh. “Is this like some weird role-playing thing? Like a kink?”
“Perhaps,” he informs me, picking up his burger and taking a hearty bite. “We can discuss it later.” He meets my gaze with desire. “When I set out to explore your body to find your piercing.”
A low hum courses through my veins and my clit starts to throb. I shift my weight from side to side, trying to alleviate the ache he evoked.
He watches me, swallowing his bite. After he takes a drink of his Coke, he moves, shifting toward me and whispering, “You’re thinking about it, aren’t you.”
It’s not a question.
He knows.
“Perhaps,” I reply, repeating the word he spoke just a few seconds ago.
“I can tell,” he informs me, coating a fry in ketchup. “Your breathing hitched and got shallow, and your nipples are pebbled hard.”
I smirk and stand up straight, not caring if my nipples are still poking through my shirt. “Maybe that’s just the burst of air-conditioning that hit me.”
He grins from ear to ear and pops the fry into his mouth. “Or it’s the fact you’re turned on, thinking about my mouth and hands all over your body. I can feel it.”
I shrug and go to move down the bar. “I suppose that’s something else you’ll have to explore later, cowboy.”
Even though I’m walking away, I hear him mutter, “You can bet your ass, sugar.”
A shiver sweeps through me, and for the first time since BJ mentioned the vaginal piercing earlier, I actually picture Caden finding it. Of course, I’ve heard those piercings take months to heal, so it’s not like he’d be able to properly explore it with his mouth, but I’m sure he’d come up with other ways to get around the fresh vaginal clitoris hood piercing and administer as much pleasure as possible.
The lunch hour goes by quickly, especially when Caden is there, and before I know it, he’s heading out to his next job. The rest of the afternoon goes just as fast, thanks to a group of eight coming in after spending their morning golfing at the local course. They’re already three sheets to the wind and looking to continue their buzz. Groups like this can go either way, but fortunately, they don’t get out of hand. They have fun, but never disrespect me or the bar, and when it’s time for them to go just before four o’clock, they leave a very generous tip.
“How was your day?” Walker asks.
“It was good. Busy, thankfully, and the day passed quickly,” I tell him as I pull up the timeclock system in the computer.
“Those guys cause any problems?” He’s clearly inquiring about the eight golfers who left just a bit ago.
“They were fine. Left a decent tip.”
“Good.”
Kellen and Cameron walk behind the bar. “I got this. Get going so you’re not late for the softball game,” Kellen tells Walker.
“Thanks for coming in tonight,” Walker says to Cameron, who is going to help Kellen on this side of the business and be the server during the busier evening meal.
“No problem. I wasn’t doing anything tonight anyway, not with this guy working,” Cameron says, swinging her thumb toward her fiancé.
“All right, text or call if you need me. The softball game usually doesn’t last too long, and we may come by for dinner after,” Walker informs them. “And I can stay and finish the shift if it gets too busy.”
“It’s nothing we can’t handle, boss. Be with your family tonight. We’ll be fine,” Kellen assures the bar owner.
That’s one thing that drew me to this place. The sense of family that trickles from the leadership at the top all the way to the very bottom.
Walker takes care of sorting the tip jar, giving me everything inside, despite he and Garreth being here and jumping in if I needed help. “Have a good night,” he insists as I grab my backpack and head for the rear entrance.
“I will. You guys too,” I holler, pushing the door open and stepping into the hot, summer sun.
My mind instantly goes to Caden. I’ve never been to his place before. Not only am I excited to see where he lives but what he has planned for dinner. Living by myself for a while, I don’t really cook or grill out very often. I prefer simple, easy meals for one like soups, grilled cheese sandwiches, and pasta dishes. I find myself ridiculously excited to eat dinner.
And something tells me I won’t be the only one “eating.” I’m certain Caden will have all sorts of dirty activities planned for after dinner.
But first, I have a piercing appointment to get to.