Page 47 of The Last Goodbye

“I think you’re selling yourself short, Magpie.” I leaned forward, resting my forearms on the table. “I think he wants you for many other reasons.”

Another hiccup, and damn, this woman was cute as hell when she put her guard down.

“And what are those reasons?”

“You’re smart, and you’re beautiful, and you’re incredibly talented at your job.” I probably looked as shocked by my words as she did right now.

No idea where that came from, but it was the truth.

I just hadn’t planned on saying it aloud.

She narrowed her gaze, her brows cinching together in confusion. “That’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me. Not that you’ve ever really said anything nice before now.”

Loud laughter bellowed from my chest. “Trust me. I’m as surprised as you are.”

“Well, I have some thoughts about you as well, if we’re choosing kindness today. I think you’re⁠—”

She paused just as the door flew open, and my manager strolled inside.

I was still sitting there waiting to hear what she thought of me, like my life depended on it.

“Hello there, what’s going on in here?” Winona asked, not hiding the smile on her face as she took in the scene, raising both brows.

We’d clearly shared a meal and a full bottle of champagne.

Briar stood, and I jumped up as well.

“We’re laying down our swords and calling a truce—at least for the time being,” Briar said, her words barely slurring now. The water was doing its job, and Winona probably didn’t even notice.

“Wow. Does this have anything to do with the announcement yesterday?” My manager smirked, and Briar looked between us.

“I told everyone about the new restaurant.” I moved around the table, making sure she was stable, as she’d had enough champagne to be a little wobbly.

“Ahhh yes, it’s going to be amazing.” Briar studied me as my hand found the small of her back.

“Apparently, you’ve thought of everything. Bass said that we’ll get to stay at this location until just two weeks before we move to the new place. And we’re all getting a paid vacation, so thank you for that.” Winona smiled and then disappeared into the kitchen.

Briar started walking, and I stayed right beside her, following her to the front door that Winona had just come through.

She paused when I pushed the door open. “You’re giving everyone a paid vacation for the two weeks you aren’t going to be open for business?”

“Yes. Of course,” I said.

“You’re a big softy, aren’t you?”

“Soft” isn’t a word I’d use to describe myself at the moment, but I sure as shit won’t share that.

“No. Just fair.” I started walking beside her, and she turned and looked up at me.

“What are you doing?”

“I was going to walk you home.” I snorted and added, “I pumped you full of champagne, and I’ve already seen you fall down once.”

She sighed, tilting her head back to look up as the sun kissed her gorgeous face. She straightened, looked at me, and said, “I’m fine. I’ve been taking care of myself for a very long time. Get back to work, McGrumpy.”

Why was I disappointed that she didn’t want me to walk her home?

It didn’t make any sense.