Free The Billionaire Bum by Samantha Blair Page B

down to the docks. I loved the city this time of day. The streets were quiet and dark, but it felt like the world was just on the brink of waking up. I got to see the sunrise every morning. The world is black and white in the dark, but as the sun rises it fills with color. That’s a phenomenon I’d never get tired of.
    “So where do you work,” I asked, “that puts you out so late at night?”
    “I’m a bartender, at the 31st Street Bar and Grill,” he said, turning so I could see his shirt.
    “Oh,” I mumbled, more confused than ever. That didn’t explain the expensive jeans. It also didn’t explain why I could see the grey t-shirt that he had worn yesterday peeking out from under his work shirt. Didn’t this man ever change clothes? It did explain why he would be awake at this hour, but it also presented a new puzzle. Yesterday he’d been awake at the same time, but not dressed in his work shirt and not reeking of beer like he was now. What a mystery.
    “Oh?” he said. “That’s the only response I get?” There was mischief in his voice.
    “Yes, oh,” I said, smiling in return. “Oh as in – Oh! You’re a bartender for one of my competitors. You’re probably tagging along to steal my trade secrets!” He snorted. “I hardly think we pose much of a threat to you. From what I saw yesterday, your food blows ours out of the water.”
    “My food is pretty awesome,” I teased.
    “Well, now look who’s all high and mighty . ” God he was beautiful when he smiled. “Of course it is true… You are amazing.”
    He meant my food. My food is amazing… not me. Time to change the subject.
    “Have you ever been down to the docks for the morning catch?” I asked.
    “Nope. First time for everything I guess,” he replied.
    “It’s an experience.”
    “Really? How?”

    “You’ll see when we get there.” I glanced over at him briefly before turning my eyes back to the road. “You asked me an awful lot of questions yesterday. Do I get to reciprocate today?”
    “Nope,” he said. “I haven’t finished with you yet.”
    “I had a feeling you would say that.”
    We bantered back and forth like that, with me spilling my whole life out and him offering no information at all, until we arrived at the docks.
    “This is our stop,” I said, pulling the van into my usual spot. “Get ready for the adventure.”

Chapter 11: Fish Guts and Friendship
    Jackson
    “Alissa baby!” The man calling was not quite as big as Jason, but his arms were built the same way. He was tossing a watermelon from the truck behind him to one of his coworkers who was then stacking them in a display bin.
    “Gary!” she replied. “How’s my favorite produce man this morning?”
    “I’m better now that you’re here,” Gary said. “Who’s the eye candy?” His eyes raked over me, but he showed no sign of jealousy or disappointment. I thought his relationship with Alissa was strictly business. I hoped she wasn’t seeing anyone romantically, although now that I thought about it, I had never come right out and asked. That thought filled me with dread.
    “This is Jackson,” she said, snapping me out of my pondering. “Jackson, meet Gary. He’s the man to see in fruits.” She laughed, and her beauty suddenly stuck me. It was a grey and dreary morning, but looking at her smile made me feel like I was standing in the midday sun.
    Gary gave me that overbearing big brother look. Apparently I was not the only one who felt protective of Alissa.
    “Good morning,” I said politely. He just kept tossing watermelons. No wonder his arms looked like steel cables. Forget the gym—I should get a job tossing melons.
    “What’s it gonna’ be today, Alissa?” he asked.
    She placed her order and Gary nodded at her. It was a big order, but he didn’t write anything down. I wondered if he would get it right. She kept walking down the street, so I followed along. We repeated a very similar process with about four other vendors who