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“Perhaps I’ll take you up on that one day,” Vi said.

“I hope so. When will you find out about the promotion?”

“I’m not sure. The current VP is retiring soon. I hope it will be soon after that.”

“Good luck, Violet. I really hope you get it.”

Cory handed Vi her shoes and she put them in her bag. “Do you have shoes to wear home?”

Cory reached into her bag and pulled out a pair of sandals with heels. She put them on and paraded in front of Vi. “What do you think?” Cory laughed and before Vi could say anything she took the shoes off and put them back in her bag. “I think I can make it home barefoot.”

Vi could feel her heart beating faster as she’d imagined Cory walking into a presentation in those heels. She swallowed and then asked, “Where was your presentation?”

* * *

“If I tell you where my presentation was, will you try to swoop in and take them away?” Cory replied with one eyebrow raised.

“Maybe,” Vi said with a smirk.

Cory smiled. “I gave a presentation to the local country club. I decided to dress a bit more professionally than when I’m working at The Liquor Box.”

“Are they looking for a new supplier?”

Surely Vi wasn’t going to go in behind Cory and try to undercut her again, but why wouldn’t she? It was a great account.

“Uh, let’s just say I’m trying to show them how much better the service would be if they chose to buy from me,” Cory said carefully.

“Did you work there too?” Vi asked.

“No. My family did not have a membership there and I was probably better suited for the bars I did work in.”

Vi chuckled. “I don’t know about that. You are quite the charmer, Cory Sloan. I can imagine all those rich women who would’ve fawned over the hot young bartender. You could’ve made all their lesbian fantasies come true.”

“Oh my God!” Cory exclaimed then burst out laughing. “I may have missed quite the opportunity.”

Vi joined her laughter and Cory couldn’t stop looking at her. She was such a beautiful woman when she smiled and now Cory saw Vi’s face bright with delight. Cory swore right then to find more ways to make Vi let her guard down so Cory could see her smile again.

“Hey, you two! Are you planning on staying here all night?” Frankie asked as she began to gather the volleyballs.

“Let us help,” Cory said and jumped up to get the balls scattered on her end of the court.

Vi followed her and the three of them quickly had the balls in their rack.

“It should be a good game next week when your two teams meet,” Frankie said as they all walked out of the gym.

“I was trying to persuade Violet to tell me their strategy for next week, but she wouldn’t give up any secrets,” Cory teased.

Vi chuckled. “It’s pretty simple, Cory. Next week I won’t let you borrow my shoes.”

Frankie laughed. “I wondered why you were barefoot. Next week is going to be fun.”

“Yes it is,” Vi said over her shoulder as she walked out of the building.

“Wait up,” Cory said, hurrying to catch Vi. “Let’s walk out together.”

“Are you trying to protect me?” Vi asked as she held the door open for Cory to exit Your Way.

“Heck no, you’ll protect me.” Cory grinned.