Page 99 of Royal Desire

“It took months to grow it out. I refused to go to my mother’s salon to have it fixed. That was the first and last time I dyed my hair.”

Ruby leans on the counter and talks to Winnie. “He was always such a good sport to try out for the school musicals. The pickings for male leads were slim.”

“I only did it because you were a shoo-in for the lead, and every production was some fucking love story. No way was I going to watch anyone else kiss you on stage.”

Winnie cackles.

If she only knew, there wasn’t anything funny about it. I was a jealous boyfriend who wasn’t going to allow anyone else to touch Ruby.

It’s Friday at the Combover. Ruby and I got here before the ass crack of dawn. They’ve already been through the breakfast and lunch rush hours. It’s winding down, and Ruby isn’t being pulled in every direction.

Ruby goes on. “You loved every moment of it. I think you liked the attention better than I did. Hey! Maybe you should sing a song with me tonight at The Speakeasy.”

My eyes narrow. “Do you plan on singing with anyone else and kissing them?”

She frowns. “Of course not.”

“Then there’s no reason for me to sing. Case dismissed.”

“Payne the lawyer,” she mutters and picks up a rag to wipe down the counter.

“Can’t get over this. Tickles me pink.” Winnie sighs like she’s taking in a rom-com. “I tell you what, there are two tables left from lunch, and you already cleared ‘em. You two go home. You’ve got a show at the manor tonight. I keep telling Carl we need to get over there and see you sing.”

Thank the Lord. We can go home.

Ruby dries the rest of the drink glasses she just washed at the counter. “Are you sure? I don’t want you to be on your feet too much.”

“We’ve got it. Carl can help me if we get some stragglers,” Winnie assures her. “You have fun tonight. May your tip jar runneth over.”

I slam my laptop shut and speak freely, because at this point, everyone knows Ruby has a shithead after her and their house fire was arson. “Thanks for the endless cup of Joe, Winnie. I’ve never drunk so much coffee in my life. Let’s hope someone gets arrested this weekend so I can work from my office.”

Ruby unties her apron and grabs her purse from under the counter. “I think Payne should come back and help with the lunch rush. He cleared a few tables this week when I was in a pinch.”

I stack my shit up and tuck it under my arm. “Evidence that I’m no asshole.”

I hold out my hand for her. She comes straight to me as she looks back and waves at Winnie. “Have a good weekend. See you Monday!”

The bell rings when we exit through the front door. I twist to crack my back as we walk to my car. “You know I love you when I’m willing to sit on that damn barstool all day and turn around to sit on another one tonight at The Speakeasy. Your work schedule is not good for my back.”

She smiles. “Nothing has happened all week. We can’t live like there’s a ghost around every corner. I think we’re at the point where I don’t need a babysitter everywhere I go.”

I beep the locks, open the passenger door for her, and motion to myself. “I’m offended. I’m hardly a babysitter. I’m your bodyguard. Don’t diminish me, baby.”

She bites back a smile and slips into the passenger seat. “Sorry. My bodyguard. My badass, hot bodyguard.”

“Thank you.” I slam the door and walk around to the driver’s side. After I’m in, lock the doors, and start the car, I turn to her. “We smell like bacon and fried eggs with a bucket of syrup on the side.”

Her smile widens. “A hazard of working at the Combover. At least we can take a shower when we get home and grab a power nap.”

I back out of the parking spot that’s been mine all week. I’m about to go into detail about what we’re going to do after our shower but before the nap when my phone rings over the Bluetooth.

Dean Moretti’s name pops up.

“Shit,” I mutter. “This could be about softball, arson, or stopping by The Speakeasy tonight for a drink.”

Ruby buckles her seatbelt. “That’s a big span of conversation starters.”

I hit go on the screen. “What’s up?’’