Page 9 of Here With Me

Noah plasters on a smile even I can tell is fake as hell. “You tryin' to get off in eight seconds?”

I snort, holding back laughter.

Hunter turns and scowls but then quickly realizes I’m twice as big as him and returns his gaze to Noah.

“Let’s make this easy,” she says to him. “You pay for your drinks, give me aheftytip, and I won’t embarrass ya in front of your friends.”

He stares at her uncomfortably before letting go of the cash.

“Don’t forget the tip jar...” she singsongs, putting the money into the register.

Hunter frowns, digging more out of his wallet and aggressively shoving it into the canister.

As soon as they walk away, I stare at her, impressed. “That’s how you manage to get the big tips, huh?”

“A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do in this economy.”

I chuckle. She’s funny as hell, and damn, those smart-ass comments are hot.

“Thank God I was here to rescue you from your second-best choice. He seemed a little eager to get into your pants,” my words tumble out.

“They all are until it’s game time, and then they’re fumblin’ on the field like a bunch of third-stringers.”

An animalistic groan releases from my throat at the desire to show her exactly what she’s missing.

“Is that why you’re switchin’ to older men? Because we can do it better?” I drain my second beer.

I swear I witness her whole body shudder. Without asking, she hands me another bottle.

“Honestly, I wouldn’t know from personal experience, but I’m all about givin’ the elderly an equal opportunity.”

I clutch my chest as if her words gave me a stroke because they might as well have. “You’re brutal, ya know that? Actin’ like I’m shufflin’ around with a walker.”

“Everythin’ shuts down at eleven. You better get a head start now so we don’t have to push ya out in a wheelchair.”

“I’m startin’ to think you gave me your number so you can get on my AARP plan.”

Wrinkles form between her brows as if she’s contemplating what that is. “I’m pretty sure my dad has that.”

I scowl, and my gaze darkens as she bursts out in laughter.

The sound of it softens my heart. I could listen to it for hours. And do whatever it takes to keep her laughing.

“So I’m curious. What was on the other napkin you pulled out?”

“I can’t tell ya that.” She shrugs with a playful smile.

I lean over the bar with my arms crossed, lowering my voice. “And why’s that?”

She inches closer as if she’s going to tell me. “Because then I’d have to kill ya.”

I arch a brow, amused. “That so?”

She shrugs helplessly. “It’s girl code. Can’t share our secrets.”

“What if I promise to tell you one of my secrets? Will ya tell me, then?”

“Hmm. That’s very temptin’.” She taps her lips that I’m itching to taste.