She wasn’t herself in a way. Her constant need for questions and talking non-stop used to annoy the shit out of me because I didn’t want her talking to me, and then the one time I do want it, she shuts down on me.
Needless to say, my poor dick has never been so worn out. That night, and every night since, the only thing on my mind when I lay my head down at night is the way she looked lyingacrossmybar top. The way she looked in nothing but those panties and cowgirl boots.
Fuck.
The thoughts consuming me are too much to handle.
I’ve tried to come up with a reason to walk over to her house and do something about it. I’ve stopped myself every single one of those times. Instead, I’ve just been working and spending more time at the ranch. I’ve moved my morning porch coffee inside to avoid seeing her leaving or returning from her morning runs. A few of the days, I even left early for work just so I didn’t have to see her watering her plants outside.
One fucking taste, and now I’m a ruined man.
Blair threw me off my schedule this morning when she went for a run later than usual. It’s disgusting that I’ve memorized her routine. It makes me want to pull my hair out.
While I was doing dishes in my kitchen sink shortly after watching her leave, I spotted something out of the corner of my eye, and it was Blair coming back from her run.
She seemed off.
She didn’t look the way she normally does when she gets back. She’s usually gone for much longer and always has more of a pep in her step. I’ve learned she’s one of those people who gets a high from running and comes back more energized than before she left. I’ll never understand it, because if I were to run down the block, I would need to take a nap at the street sign.
Today, she was slouched over, dragging her feet and a frown on her face. She didn’t even bother to sit on her deck and enjoy the new patio furniture she set up a few days ago. Telling me something wasn’t right, and I make a mental note to possibly check on her when I leave the bar today.
I say possibly because I don’t know what the hell I’m doing here.
The bell over the front door chimes, and I groan. I could have sworn I had Tucker disconnect that ridiculous thing before karaoke night.
“Hey, Griff,” Poppy greets me with a smile.
“Hey, Pop. What brings you in today?” I ask, turning to look at the clock on the wall. “Aren’t you in the middle of the school day?”
“I am, but I stopped by Batter Up to grab some treats for the kids this afternoon because we have a birthday in the class.”
She wasmadeto be a first grade teacher. Every single one of her students is lucky to have her because she doesn’t just teach. She cares about them with everything inside of her. If one of them is sick, she stops by their house, brings them soup, and makes sure they are okay. She has the most caring heart I’ve ever known. I’ve always looked up toher,even with her being five years younger than me.
“That’s nice of you,” I tell her honestly. “I know I say this all the time, but they’re lucky to have you as their teacher.”
“I’ll never tire of you telling me that.” She laughs. “But I appreciate it. You know how much I love my job and these kids. Some days, I feel like all eighteen of them are mine.”
I nod. “So, what brings you in here? I know you didn’t come in for an afternoon cocktail.”
She shakes her head with a laugh. “I had a reason for this quick visit…” she starts, but pauses, looking down at her hands before clasping them together on top of the bar. “I was wondering if you heard anything about the new rumor in town?”
“Rumor?” I ask, feeling my heart rate pick up.
Is she about to ask me about Blair?
Did someone see us at the bar that night and word got out?
She looks back up at me. “I don’t know if it’s Nan trying to stir up the rumor mill, but she claims someone new is coming to town. Someone with a big name. And I saw her walking the property next door to me. I’m not sure I want whoever it is on my street.”
I roll my eyes. “You know her, it’s probably nobody.”
She laughs, but it comes out more nervous. “You’re probablyright. Oh, by the way, did you see Blair at the house when you left?” she questions.
My nerves shift instantly the second I hear her say Blair’s name.
Why is she bringing her up?
“Yeah? Why?” I abruptly spit out.
