Page 44 of From the Start

“No fair! You can’t give me the look. No one can resist the look.”

“How big is the jackpot?”

“It’s big,” she bursts out. “Every time someone’s date passes, the money is rolled over into a new bet.”

My nostrils flare. “How long have people on this island been betting on me behind my back?”

“It’s not behind your back. Everyone just wants you to be happy. You work really hard at the bar and then take care of your father at home.”

“I’m about done with everyone complaining I work too hard.”

“People care about you, Harper. Is that so hard to believe?”

“I—” The phone in my office rings before I have a chance to respond. Good. Since I have no idea how to respond.

“I’ll start the inventory. You deal with the phone.”

My mouth drops open as Sloane enters the storage room. Normally, I have to beg her to work overtime.

The phone rings again and I rush to my office to answer it.

“Rumrunner,this is Harper.”

“Hey, Harper. It’s Rhett.”

I groan. Did I forget to pay the bill toBuccaneer’s Whiskey & Distillery?Maybe if I shuffle some money around, I can find the cash needed.

“Did you get my email?”

At his question, I switch on my computer. “Summarize it for me.”

“I drafted a payment plan for you at your request.”

“But you saidBuccaneer’sdoesn’t do payment plans.” When you throw your pride out of the window and ask for help, you don’t forget the refusal.

“I’ve since discussed it with the board and we’ve changed our policy.”

“Your board?”

There’s a slight hesitation before he says, “Yes.”

“Kai, the interferer, strikes again,” I mutter.

“It was actually a good idea. Some of the whiskeys Jaxon is developing are higher end. More establishments will need payment plans to stock them.”

I notice he didn’t deny Kai was behind the change.

“I’m about done with your little brother interfering in my life.”

“Can I give you some advice?”

I snort. “Something tells me you’re going to dish it out whether I want it or not.”

“Everyone needs help sometimes. Dakota fought me tooth and nail. She was determined to do everything on her own.”

“I knew there was a reason I liked her.”

“She was killing herself. There was no joy or happiness in her life. It was all work, work, work.”