Page 41 of The Last Goodbye

Tatum

Don’t try to tell us we shouldn’t be seen with you there. We’ve already heard that you saved the day and found Bass the perfect new location.

Gracie

Yes. You’re the talk of the town. LOL.

Well, I don’t think Bass would agree with you, but thank you. Send me the details, and I’ll meet you there.

I set my phone on the stool beside the tub and started running the bathwater, then tied my hair in a knot on top of my head and slipped in.

Was there anything better than a hot bath after a tiring day?

I’d just closed my eyes and was starting to relax when my phone vibrated again. I reached for the towel on the stool and dried my hands before grabbing the phone.

I was surprised to see Bass’s name on my screen.

McGrumpy

Hey. Can you meet me at the restaurant tomorrow morning? It’s important.

I had no desire to see him, but I still had to work with the man, even if he aggravated the hell out of me.

The new location or the current location?

McGrumpy

I thought you’d say no.

Once again, you know very little about me.

McGrumpy

The current location. We won’t be open in the morning, so just come to the back door and I’ll be in the kitchen.

Okay.

McGrumpy

You can punch me in the face again if you want.

Let’s just focus on the job. What time should I meet you there?

McGrumpy

8 a.m.

I continued soaking in the tub, but my mind was no longer relaxed.

I was anxious to see what curveball this guy was going to throw at me tomorrow.

I walked the short distance to Bennett’s on the Bay and knocked on the back door.

He opened it before I finished knocking. He had a smile on his face, which was not the norm, so I took a minute to take it in.

Obviously I found the man ridiculously good-looking, even when he was all broody and pissed off. But when he smiled, it reached his eyes. They crinkled the slightest bit on the sides, which managed to make him even sexier than usual.

Of course my guard was up, because why was he even smiling at me?