Page 19 of Hammer and Hops

“What?”

“Can I kiss you? Like, you know, the big goodnight kiss. It is the end of a date, right?”

“I’d like that.”

I tried to pull him closer, but it wasn’t very comfortable in my truck. “This is awkward.”

“How about you walk me to my door, but my car door instead?” He pointed at his vehicle, sitting alone in the parking lot.

“Okay. Wait there.”

He covered his mouth, but I still heard his giggle. He was enjoying this, and I was pretty happy about that. I’d be any kind of dork to make him laugh and smile.

I walked around, opened his door, and offered my hand. He took it, and I helped him out of the car.

“Thank you, kind sir.”

“My pleasure.” I bent over and kissed his knuckles. It just felt right, and since he didn’t pull away, I figured he thought the same. Then I walked him to his car.

He leaned back against the door and wound his arms around my neck, and I leaned forward, gripping his hips. Our lips came together in a gentle slide, but the chemistry between us was on fire and demanded more. It quickly turned into a passionate slide of tongues, and my hands slid up the inside of his shirt.

All too soon, he pulled back. “This was nice, Cameron.” I heard the words he didn’t say in his tone.

“We need to stop before it goes any further? Right?”

He nodded and sucked his lips between his teeth.

“Okay. Just tell me you’re going home now and not back to work.”

He took a long, deep breath and let it out slowly. “I do have more to do, but I’m going to do it at home. Then go to bed early. Does that work for you?” He glared at me, probably catching on to my latest mission.

“Yes. You need more time off.”

“I know. I never relax. I hear you, Mr. Telliyard.”

“Good.” I leaned in and gave him a quick peck. “Then listen to me. I know what I’m talking about.”

He nodded, then unlocked his car and got in. I waved as he drove away, feeling like I’d just had a great victory.

Chapter thirteen

Small Towns OMG - Everett

Monday morning sucked. I had to go to the brewery to verify the past weekend’s deliveries and catch up on the things I’d skipped while out with Cameron. I wouldn’t trade that time for anything, though.

I stopped at the bakery, Don’t Go Baking My Heart—such a cute name—for coffee, then took it with me along with a piece of some fancy pastry that had apples and pears in it. Breakfast of champions for sure. Not. But it was delicious.

Pushing the door open, I saw Conroy Selzby, my new part-timer, sweeping the floor. He was a good kid. “Hey, Conroy.”

“Hey, Boss. Oh, hey…I wanted to ask you something.”

“Sure. What’s up?”

“Are you dating Cameron Telliyard? Gah! He’s so…dreamy. You’re lucky.”

Huh. “First, don’t gossip about me. That’s not what I pay you for, and second, none of your business.”

“Oh shit. Sorry. But he’s—”