Tony settled into the seat of the Honda ride-share he’d hired to take him back to the Dead Man’s Saloon to pick up his truck.
He knew Blaze wanted to do what he thought was best by driving him home…but he was wrong. After one fateful mistake years ago, he vowed to clean up his own messes—and drinking tonight certainly wasn’t the worst of the bunch.
He had his driver drop him off at a tire sales outlet around the corner from the bar.
“Hey, thanks. I appreciate the lift.” He gave the guy a twenty on top of the tip added when he’d booked the ride.
The kid behind the wheel blinked. “You know you already tipped me, right?”
“You’re a young guy. I figured you’d need the cash. If you don’t want it, give it to someone who needs it.”
“No, man. Thanks. Have a good evening.”
He smiled and watched the driver merge back into traffic.
It took him five minutes to walk around the corner to the bar parking lot.
His truck sat in the same space where he’d left it. He hurried to his pickup, slid inside, and started the engine. Carefully, he backed out and turned toward the exit.
Just then, the Dead Man’s door opened, and Bender came outside, shielding his eyes from the setting summer sun. He locked eyes with his lieutenant.
He had no choice but to stop. He rolled down the passenger window. “Hi Ben. How’s it going?”
“Hey, L.T. What are you doin’ here?”
“I’m heading on home.”
“Funny. I didn’t see you inside.”
“Nah. I left work before you. I…um…received an offer I couldn’t refuse.”
Bender’s brows arched as a lustful grin filled his face. “Awesome.” He smirked. “I hope you rode her hard.”
“Is there any other way?” He glanced at the clock on the dashboard. “Well, I’d better get going.”
“L.T., if she’s a bunny, maybe you’ll introduce me?”
“Never can tell. See ya!”