it. It’s only going to get worse if you keep sucking on your fingers.”
Her cheeks pinked up, and he knew she was thinking about what she’d done to him last night, just as he was.
She picked up another wing and said, “At least you’re not embarrassed by the way I eat. Do you want one?”
“Nothing you do embarrasses me.” He leaned in, putting a hand on her back, and said, “I don’t want a wing, but I’d love a kiss.”
She glanced around them and said, “I have sauce all over my lips.”
“Nice try.” He pressed his lips to her cheek. “There. Now everyone knows you’re mine. Look at that. You didn’t shrivel up and die.”
“Whatever.” She set the chicken bone down and picked up another, biting into it without meeting his eyes.
He reminded himself that coming to the pub to see him in the middle of the day when she was working in the next town over was a big step for her. Knowing that patience was a virtue when it came to Piper and their relationship, he eased up on her and said, “How’s work today? You said the guys were giving you shit. Want me to shut them down?”
She gave him a deadpan look.
He laughed. “Sorry. It was a gut reaction. I don’t like the idea of anyone giving my girl shit.”
“Your girl? You’re really doing this, aren’t you?”
“Hell yes, we are.”
Her lips twitched again in a poor attempt to look serious. “Your girl can handle herself.” She took another bite and said, “But thank you for wanting to . . . you know . . . be like that. And work is great. Thanks for asking.”
He’d take that baby step, and any others she was willing to make. “Tell me about the project you’re working on.”
“I don’t want to bore you.”
“It’s part of your life, Pipe. I want to know about it.”
She seemed to consider that for a minute while she finished eating. Then she wiped her hands on a napkin and said, “I’ve wanted to get my hands on Windsor Hall for a long time, and I’m excited about the work we’re doing there. The owner has had it rezoned as commercial property. The location is perfect, right off the main drag, by the park. Thankfully he’s not tearing out everything. He wants to keep all of the original woodwork, which is gorgeous. We’re touching up the intricate ceiling medallions, replacing missing balusters to match the original existing ones, taking out plaster walls, that sort of thing. You’ve seen the carriage house from the outside. It’s even more magnificent inside. We’re renovating that next.”
Her passion for her work showed in the uplifting cadence of her voice and the brightness of her eyes as she described the property in more detail, telling him about ornate chandeliers, high ceilings, and stone fireplaces. “The space could be used for almost anything. I can imagine an event company hosting weddings and other fancy events, or a café on the ground floor, with offices or retail shops upstairs, a vet’s office, or a community center. That would be cool. I can’t wait to see who buys it. I hope they don’t tear out the original woodwork.”
“How about another Dutch’s Pub, with a bigger restaurant?” he asked.
“I didn’t know you were interested in expanding.” Her eyes turned sharp, all business. “Are you getting tired of the same-old day-to-day routine?”
“I’m definitely not tiring of my routine, but I am an investor and always keep my eyes open. I was just thinking aloud. I’m not sure another bar or a big restaurant is the way to go.”
“Because it’s not a good investment?”
“That depends on a lot of factors, but that’s not why. I want to have a family someday, and a new bar or restaurant would really eat up my time. I’m finally to the point with this one where I can work when I want to. It’s been nice taking nights off to be with you and the girls.”
“The girls go back to Delaney Friday,” she reminded him. “Will you go back to working nights?”
“Not if I can help it.” He held her gaze and said, “I have this great new girlfriend, and I don’t want to cut into any of our time together.”
“As much as I like hearing that, don’t change your life for me, Harley.” This time she didn’t try to hide her smile. “In case you haven’t noticed, I’m not the easiest chick on the planet.” She pushed from her