Page 14 of Rockstar Baby

My heart melted at the beefy older man standing in full snow gear. Fat snowflakes were melting on his Giants winter cap pulled over his salt and pepper hair. Mitch never called me ladybug unless he was worried. “I have a few more hours.”

“You’re not even supposed to be here. Damn Gina living outside of town. I never should have hired her.”

“You love Gina.” I turned to Rory and he waved me off. I crossed to Mitch. “Is it really bad out there?”

“It ain’t good. The plows can’t even keep up. No one will be going anywhere tomorrow. Freaking sales will be in the toilet.” His deep voice was even grumpier. “Go on and get home.” He slid his gaze to Rory. “Who’s the outsider?”

“Mitch,” I whispered. “What have we talked about?”

“What? Is stranger better?”

I rolled my eyes. “I started the bread. It’s proofing in the kitchen. Should be good for the French toast special in the morning.”

“If anyone shows up. Go on. Thanks for holding down the fort until I could get here.”

“No problem. I told you I was just down the street.”

“I figured I’d find Kinleigh in here with you.” His bushy brows lowered even more. “Not some strange man.”

“He’s staying at the Hummingbird. Just got snowed in is all.” At least I was assuming the Hummingbird based on his description of the owner. Sounded like Sage Hamilton all right.

Mitch grunted. “At least there was one sale tonight.” He stomped into the kitchen. “Crash at Kinleigh’s. It’s a shit drive.”

I saluted at the closed door and sighed as I turned back to Rory. “Looks like I’m off the clock.”

He was reclined against the bench, his long legs crossed in the middle of the aisle. “And?”

“Where’s your keys, Lucky Charms?”

Surprise lit his features, then his delicious eyes did this hooded thing that made me think all the impure thoughts. “No more inquiries, Ginger Fairy?”

I threw back my head with a laugh. “No. I think I’m just going on faith tonight.”

I just hoped I wasn’t being beyond stupid.

Four

He stoodand came toward me. “You sure about this? A few minutes ago, I was trying to convince you I wasn’t a serial killer.”

I backed up a step. “Playing panther and prey isn’t the way to go.”

But there was no fear in my heart. Maybe a little below my non-existent belt, but it was more like I wasn’t sure what to expect. In a good way. Because a man like Rory didn’t come around very often.

Even if I didn’t know he was probably famous in some way, he didn’t quite vibe with the town. He was too restless and his brain seemed to be going a million miles an hour.

Not like the people who lived here.

The townsfolk weren’t exactly sluggish, but they definitely were not constantly looking forward. Here, it was about the moment. At least it was for me.

And this was a moment I was going to soak in like a tub full of my favorite bath bomb.

He crowded into me and I put my hand up to…touch him? Ward him off? Pretend I just didn’t touch cashmere for the first time in my damn life? Ugh. I smoothed my hand along his rock-hard belly to his chest.

I finally looked up and his eyes were carefully taking me in as I touched him. His hands were at his sides, easy as you please.

“Not here, my little fairy. I don’t think your boss wants an eyeful of all the things going through my mind.”

I swallowed. “Is that right? Who says he would know?”