Opposites Ignite by Sadira Stone (crime books to read .txt) 📗

Magda wagged her finger. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. You got a two-week trial. You start tomorrow. Bring a sack of oranges, and don’t be late.”

****

Grinning like a loon, Rosie bounced into Bangers, then stopped short when she found the entire crew gathered at the bar sharing a pre-shift platter of tater tots. Gus sat on his usual stool—no surprise there. But how odd to see Diego and Shelby outside their kitchen when they were usually warming up the grills and prepping ingredients. Eddie beckoned. Why did he look so flushed? Was Lana teasing him again?

Dawn glanced up. “There she is. You’re late, kiddo.”

“Late?” Rosie checked the Seahawks clock above the entrance. “I’m ten minutes early.”

“Didn’t you get my text asking you to come in twenty minutes early?”

She tapped her phone screen. Sure enough, there was the alert she hadn’t noticed. “Sorry.”

“Well, you’re here now. Grab a seat.”

She slid onto the empty stool beside Eddie, who rubbed her knee and flashed a nervous-looking grin. Were they in trouble? They’d both kept their hands to themselves at work—well, mostly.

Dawn clapped River’s back. “River’s done a fine job as my assistant manager, but I promised him time off for his fishing trips.”

Jojo snorted. “You’re going fishing? In January?”

River grinned. “Commercial fishing on my granddad’s boat. My cousin is captain now, and he needs a spare hand on a squid run down the Oregon coast. Mama Dawn says I can go.” He reached across the bar and clasped Charlie’s hand. “My other boss gave permission too. Must want a break from my snoring.”

Charlie flushed and clucked her tongue. “It’s just a few weeks. You’ve always wanted to do this, so go do it.”

Such a sweet, funny couple. Before Charlie arrived in December, River’s flirty smiles were all for show. Anyone with half a heart could see that his was dried up as a prune. Now, he beamed happy energy, especially when Charlie slipped behind the bar to squeeze his butt—which she did often.

Dawn stuffed a tot into her mouth before continuing. “That fall off the ladder before Christmas made me realize I was pushing myself too hard. I like having a right-hand person who knows the routines and can step in if I need a break.”

Gus cleared his throat and puffed out his chest.

Dawn slid him a fond smile. “Not you, old man. You’re my ideas guy, but I’m not gonna ask you to deal with broken plumbing or missing orders.” She surveyed her employees. “While River’s away, I need someone who knows the business from top to bottom.”

Rosie’s eyebrows inched upward. So that’s why Eddie was flushed. He squeezed her leg and pinched his lips together, his knee bouncing a mile a minute.

Dawn rapped her knuckles on the counter. “And that’s why I’m turning the position over to Eddie while River is gone.”

The servers and bartenders exchanged confused glances—except for River, who thumped Eddie on the back.

Kiara raised her hand. “What about bartending?”

“Eddie does that already. I’ll step in when I’m needed. In a pinch, Gus can take over on beer taps.” She nodded toward the servers. “So can any of you girls. Questions?”

Shrugs and nods all around as the team dispersed. Rosie threw her arm around Eddie’s shoulder and kissed his cheek. “That’s great, love. You get to try out your management skills.”

He flashed a sheepish grin. “I still can’t believe she asked me.”

“Of course she picked you. And hey,” She hopped down from her stool. “I have news too.” Bouncing on her toes, she leaned in closer and whispered, “I got an apprenticeship!”

He blinked open-mouthed for a moment, as if her news did not quite compute, then a wide grin bloomed across his face. “That’s great, babe.” He gave her a quick, dry, suitable-for-work peck. “Um, your new job won’t interfere with your hours here, will it?”

Her heart skidded to a stop. That’s it? Where’s my hug? My squee? Okay, I guess guys don’t squee, but give me something!

She crossed her arms. “Your enthusiasm is overwhelming. I start tomorrow, in case you care.” Jaw set, she grabbed her things and stalked to the locker room. How could he be so blasé about the best news she’d had in forever? He knew damn well how much this meant to her.

Eddie trotted behind her. “Rosie, wait. I’m sorry.” He followed her in. “That’s fantastic news. I’m really happy for you—just surprised.”

She huffed through her nose. “Told you I had an interview today.”

“You did?” He raked a hand through his hair, mussing the soft brown curls. “Oh, right. At lunch. It’s just, with everything that happened, I guess I forgot.” He rumpled his brow and made sad-puppy eyes.

She blew out a breath and fought back a wave of snark. Biting his head off was just the kind of workplace drama Dawn warned them against, the kind that could get them both fired. No matter how pissed, she’d never do that to him.

“I’d just like you to be as happy about my news as I am about yours. This is a big deal for me.”

He shuffled closer and slid his hands into her hip pockets. “I am happy for you, Ro. And proud of you.”

“That’s better.” A little. She leaned into his embrace. Maybe his reaction was just a careless slip of the tongue. God knows she made those all the time.

He cleared his throat. “About your work hours, though, will that be a problem?”

She planted both hands on his chest and shoved. “For fuck’s sake, Eddie. Way to spoil the moment.”

“What?” His brow rumpled. “Dawn’s putting me in charge of scheduling while River’s away. I’ve gotta make sure the Superbowl party is covered, and the Anti-Valentine’s thing.” He stretched his hands out wide. “This is my first chance to prove I can run a bar. I can’t screw it up.”

As she knotted her apron, she spit out her words like broken teeth. “Don’t worry, boss. I’ll show up for my shifts.” She slammed her locker