Total pages in book: 60
Estimated words: 56893 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56893 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
“I’ll be in the offices,” Maddox said as Zach made his way towards Hadley.
“Here, let me take those.” He reached out and unloaded her burden. “Glad to see you and the girls did well.”
“Too well.” She wrinkled her nose, an adorably cute expression he’d always loved watching her make. “They’re master shoppers, well… Jade is. Aurora’s less comfortable which made me feel better.” She drew a breath. “Listen, I realize this looks like I bought a ton of things but most were on sale and I’m keeping an itemized list of everything you’ve paid for. I promise I will–”
He placed his finger over her lips, his skin sizzling at the light touch. “Stop worrying about it. I won’t miss it. And I know that only makes you feel worse but it’s the truth. I don’t want you adding to your stress.”
“You’re right. It doesn’t make me feel better. But thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He met her gaze, wanting her to see the sincerity in his.
With her bags in one hand, he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and led her to the bar. “Jade and Aurora dropped you off?”
She nodded. “They have the night alone with their husbands and couldn’t wait to get back.”
“Aah, the grandmothers are babysitting,” he mused aloud. “Mom loves it.” He walked over to one of the servers who was standing near a pillar, standing by until a table of customers decided what they wanted to order. “Can you put this in the office, Deke?”
The other man nodded. “You got it, Zach.”
“Thank you.” Zach handed him the shopping bags. Turning to Hadley, he gestured to the empty bar stools. “Have a seat.”
She pulled out a chair and settled onto the seat.
“Want something to drink?”
She shook her head. “No, thanks. I’m floating from all the club soda I drank at lunch.”
He chuckled. “I’m sure. Will you be okay here? I need to go make a couple of calls. I’ll be back in a few minutes and we can head out.”
“Take your time. I could have had the girls drop me off at your house, but I wanted to talk to you about me working here.” She glanced up at him with wide eyes.
He never could resist her. Though he’d prefer she not worry about money, he admired her pride and work ethic. Besides, if he gave her a job, she’d be with him all day and he wouldn’t worry about her being alone.
He’d already hired Alpha to keep an eye on her father and anyone he was associating with but that didn’t mean anything for Hadley and Dani.
There was no need for her to know.
“Zach?” Hadley waved a hand in front of his face. “I asked you about a job.”
He shook his head to clear his thoughts. “Right. I’ll introduce you to Maddox when I’m finished with my calls and we’ll find a place for you.”
Her shoulders visibly relaxed at his reply. “Thank you.”
“Anything for you,” he said, winking at her and walking away before he could catalog her response.
Chapter Nine
Hadley glanced around the bar. It was open for business but as it was only three p.m., the tables and stools were mostly empty. Hushed murmurs of employees sounded around her. Instead of letting her mind wander, she kept her focus on the here and now, and the basic running and set up before things got busy.
A dark-haired man stepped behind the bar and shot her a charming smile. “Hi. Can I get you a drink?” he asked, picking up a cardboard coaster and sliding it across the bar.
She’d said no to Zach but changed her mind. “Sure. I’ll take a club soda or seltzer.”
“Sure thing.” He scooped ice into a glass followed by filling it with the soda gun. “Here you go. I’m Maddox, the manager,” he said, treating her to a friendly smile. “I saw you come in with the boss.”
She nodded. “Nice to meet you. I’m Hadley.”
Maddox glanced over her shoulder and groaned. “Oh shit,” he muttered.
“What’s wrong?” Hadley asked.
“My brother’s guidance counselor is here and her showing up is never a good thing,” he muttered, just as a woman sat down a few seats down from Hadley and Maddox strode over.
“Hello, Mr. James,” she said.
“Ms. Connelly. Is my brother okay?” he asked in a rush.
“Yes, of course. Joe is fine or I would have called your work number. I did try your cell phone but it went to voice mail and I left a message.”
“I was tied up with a problem.”
She nodded. “I understand. As you know, I normally ask parents or guardians to come see me at school, but I pass by here on the way home and thought we could talk.”
Hadley peeked at the woman from the side. A petite redhead, she leaned an arm on the bar, not seeming intimidated by Maddox, who’d crossed both of his arms across his chest.