More Than I Could (8)

“He was in his thirties, probably,” I say. “Complicated. Not sweet, but not a total dick. Super determined that I didn’t think he was being nice, though—like that would’ve ruined his whole life.”

Gavin’s eyes sparkle.

“Despite his grumpiness, he was freaking hot,” I admit, feeling comfortable enough around my new acquaintance to admit such things. I’m only going to be in town for a month. What do I care what he thinks about me? “Green eyes. Broad shoulders. Forearms that just … ah.”

Gavin bursts out laughing.

“What?” I ask, shrugging. “Do you know who it was?”

I glance at Tucker. He’s watching me over his shoulder and grinning too.

“What?” I ask them both, holding my hands at my shoulders. “What’s going on?”

Tucker shakes his head, then focuses on the game again.

“It’s rude to eavesdrop, Tucker,” I say.

His heavy shoulders bounce as he laughs.

I sigh and turn back to Gavin. “Who was he? You guys know, don’t you?”

“How would we know from that description? So vague. I mean, think about it. My eyes are kinda green. Look at these shoulders.” He flexes. “And I’ll have you know I get compliments on these forearms all the time.”

I stare at him. “What’s your point?”

“My point is that your description could be anybody.”

“Hmm.”

“Don’t hmm me. I bet you’ll figure it out once you’re here for a few days—if you’re sticking around.”

I swirl my straw around my drink.

Gavin is easy to talk to—but most bartenders are. He reminds me of Calista in a weird way. They’re both funny and open and have never met a stranger.

The exact opposite of Diesel Man.

“Yeah, I’ll be around for a while. I’m starting a … it’s a job, I guess, since I’m getting paid to do it. But it’s not a job-job—more like a favor for my mother. Or for her friend, really.” I grimace. “Whatever. I’m here for about a month. Let’s keep it at that.”

“What’s the favor? Seems pretty complicated.”

I take a sip of my drink before answering him.

“My mom’s best friend, Maggie, is going out of town for a month to see her daughter. Mom was supposed to watch Maggie’s granddaughter,” I say, using air quotes. “She’s fourteen and testing lots of limits. They don’t want her home alone while her dad is at work especially considering he might be working out of town for stretches at a time.”

“Oh. Okay. I see.”

“Yeah.” I sigh. “I’m sure it will be fine, even though I’m staying in Maggie’s son’s house, and I’ve never met him before.”

His smile stretches from ear to ear. “That could get interesting quick.”

“I suppose it could, but Maggie said he’s working all the time now, and I probably won’t even see him. Besides, he’s her son. I’m sure he’s as nice as they come.”

Gavin nods his head.

“You’re odd,” I say.

He laughs. “I’m just thinking about how having to be with kids all the time must be the worst job in the world. I buy condoms by the boatload to avoid that situation.”

“I like kids. I thought I’d have a few of them by now.”

“Not me. That’s not in my future.”

“It’s not in mine either because I can’t find a man with daddy potential.”

“I’m not touching that,” he says, making me laugh.

My glass creates a ring of moisture on the bar top. I grab a coaster and slide it under the drink.

“Gav!” a voice yells from the back.

He holds up a finger and disappears behind the swinging doors into the kitchen again. I start to text Calista the dollar pictures when a text pops up.



Calista: I did some digging.





Me: STOP.





Calista: You don’t even know the guy you’re moving in with, Megs. Someone has to look out for you.





Me: <eye-rolling emoji>





Calista: He doesn’t have an online presence AT ALL. Nothing.





Me: That’s a good thing.





Calista: That’s a weird thing.





Me: Will you relax?





Calista: What if he’s a creep? What if he has some kink, and you wake up in the middle of the night, and he’s standing in the corner with his dick in his hand?





Me: Then that’ll be more dick than I’ve seen in a while.





Calista: I AM BEING SERIOUS.





I consider telling her about Diesel Guy but stop short of spilling the goods. Instead, she’ll call me for all the details I don’t have.

I’ll wait until we’re face-to-face.

Gavin comes through the doorway with a bag.



Me: I’ll call you tomorrow. My food is here. <kissing emoji> Thanks for having my best interest at heart.