Page 45 of Broken Daddy

“Here you go.” The bartender set a beer down in front of him. “On the house.”

Hayes raised his eyebrows.

“A small thank you for helping our Devi.”

“You’re not pissed at me?”

Mac shook his head. “I’ve told her so many times not to put out the garbage. That it’s Andy’s job. But she’s always covering for him. She’s a funny mix of tough and kind is our Devi.”

Hayes saw the moment that Devi saw him. And Mac likely did too since he was staring over at her.

The smile dropped off her face and she glared at him.

“If looks could kill I’d be giving you mouth-to-mouth right now.” Mac walked away with a whistle.

Hmm. Such a brat.

He sipped at his beer and watched her continue to work. He could tell when she started growing more tired. She got clumsier, made more mistakes.

Of course, that could also be due to nerves as well.

The number of looks she shot his way told him that she was definitely nervous.

As she should be.

He might not have retaliated straight away but that didn’t mean he was going to let her naughtiness slide.

No, he was just waiting for the right opportunity. And he thought it only fair that she should sweat it out for a bit.

After watching her for a while longer and realizing there was no way that she would come near him, he moved seats.

And placed himself right into her section.

There. That should really make her start to sweat.

Devi was hyperventilating.

What the heck was he doing in her section? He never sat at a table, he always stayed at the bar.

So why was he mixing things up tonight?

You know why he’s mixing things up. He’s trying to psych you out.

She still didn’t know why he hadn’t complained about his coffee. He had to be playing a long game.

And part of that long game was him moving into her section, where she’d be forced to serve him.

Silla was working with her tonight. Tuesday nights were always busy due to the local bingo club and the bridge club meeting early then coming for a drink after. She hadn’t seen Hayes since the salt in the coffee incident last Saturday.

“Silla,” she hissed.

“Yeah?” Silla said loudly.

“Can you take that table in my section? Please.”

“What table?”

Dear Lord. Could she speak quietly for once?