Page 15 of Fierce-Baker

He put his travel mug under the spout, hit black and strong and let it start. She was mixing creamer into hers, but at least she didn’t get one of the latte things the machine popped out also.

“It’s hard not to know the people who run the departments. I know Mason and Ben. They are the head brewers along with a few others. You run the distillery. People ask me questions. I work the desk for the tours.”

He could say he knew, or just keep playing it coy. “I’ve seen you.”

“And now you know my name. Anyway, Hope told me who everyone was.”

She put her travel mug to her unpainted lips, took a sip, closed her eyes and let out a sigh that stirred more parts in his body than he was ready to admit.

“Do you normally ask who people are?” He slapped the top on his cup and took a sip, his eyes watching her bright blue ones.

He was looking down on her. She was barely five foot nothing. A good foot shorter than him.

And those curves he’d noticed before, yep, they were still there in her fitted red Fierce Brewing T-shirt and black shorts that hit her mid-thigh.

“Not everyone,” she said. “But I wanted to know some basics. I spent time with Jessica too.” She looked around, then put a hand to the side of her face and lowered her voice. “I don’t know all that much about beer. I got this job for the summer because Margo O’Malley is my best friend. I’m sure you know Margo is Hope’s sister-in-law.”

“I do,” he said, smiling at the playful way she was being. He’d seen her chatting with customers, always a smile on her face, always a friendly word, always moving around and working rather than slacking off.

“I assumed as much. Anyway, that’s my story and why I’m in here getting coffee before my shift.” Her mouth opened, her hand moving up quickly in embarrassment to cover her yawn.

“Long night?” He wanted to see if she’d offer she had a child.

“Just didn’t sleep well. Not sure why. Coffee always takes the edge off.”

Guess she wasn’t going to volunteer as much as he’d hoped. “You said this is just a summer job?”

“Oh. Yeah. I’m a teacher. Might as well do something with my time. It’s only a few days a week. During the week. It’s a lot more fun than I thought it’d be. Or maybe it’s the fact I’m talking toadults all day long rather than ten-year-olds who don’t want to do their homework.”

“I was one of those kids.”

“Not me. I loved school. Still do. And speaking of work, not really homework, but work, I need to get out there for my shift.”

“Nice talking to you.” She moved over to the water jug, filled up another cup she had with her and then walked out of the break room, a smile on her face as she lifted the travel cup with her coffee in it and wiggled her fingers at him.

He found himself doing the same and then scrunched his face up in wonder over that move.

When the hell had he ever wiggled his fingers in a wave?

What the fuck was wrong with him?

“Is she getting to you?”

He swiveled around quickly to see Ben Kelly standing there. Mason’s best friend and right-hand man.

“Who?”

“Jolene.”

“She’s not here, is she?”

Ben laughed. “No. And the way you’re shifting around as if the bogeyman is going to come out and snatch you says she’s been gabbing your ear off.”

“Doesn’t she do that to everyone?”

“Only those she has on her list. You’ve been there a while, but you’ve been evading her.”

“I learned from everyone else.” He walked toward the door that Ben was holding open as they talked. Didn’t seem Ben wanted anything to eat or drink and was only spying on him. Must have seen him talking to Tasha also.