Free Billionaire Bartender: A Second Chance Romance (The Buckeye Series) by Jo Henley Page A

thank you, Liz,” Oscar said with a peck on the cheek. “He never makes the guacamole special for me.”
    They walked along the sidewalk on their way back, passing in front of the storefront next to the Buckeye. On the door was painted J and S Hair Salon. It was closed at this hour.
    “Have you ever been in here?” She tousled Oscar’s long locks. Surprisingly they didn’t move out of place much. “Do you spray?”
    “I use gel. I’m not a redneck and yes I know the owners John and Susan. Not big drinkers. Most of their clients are early risers.”
    His answer was good enough for Liz. Her curiosity about the hair salon was satisfied. They arrived at the heavy wooden door, Bill had led her through on her first night at the Buckeye. This time Oscar opened the door. This time she didn’t worry about what was on the other side.

Chapter Fifteen

    Holding the food bags in one hand, Oscar took a minute and straightened the free magazine racks before opening the inner door to the Buckeye.
    “Tacos!” Mitch and the trio yelled as Liz stepped in.
    “Do they do that every time?” she asked.
    “What?” Oscar acted unaware of the outburst over new arrivals at the bar. “Oh yeah, you get used to it. Did they say Oscar or Liz?”
    “Tacos.”
    “See, I don’t even hear it anymore.” Oscar set the bags on an empty table. Dale retrieved a portion and took them over to the disperse among the guys.
    Liz picked out the styrofoam container of chimichangas and presented it to Mitch. “Were you busy?”
    “Just poured a fresh one for myself.” He raised his glass of beer. “The boys were quiet.”
    Oscar stepped behind the counter and rinsed out the empty pint glass Mitch had left on the bar. Then he dumped out Liz’s watered down drink from earlier. “Want another?”
    “Water, please.”
    He filled two glasses and motioned with a tilt of the head for Liz to follow him. She grabbed a bag of food and made her way walking behind Oscar to sit at a table against the far wall to eat.
    “So why do you bartend?” she asked, scooping a bit of guacamole up with a chip and munching off a bite.
    “The company. I guess. I found the Buckeye while my marriage was crumbling. They saved me.” Oscar unwrapped a taco, but finished his thought before taking his first bite. “Everyone needs that someplace special that makes them feel at home. The Buckeye’s mine. What about you? Where’s your home away from home?”
    Liz took a drink and thought over all that he’d said. Bill always spoke highly of this place and it seemed there was more to this bar than weird drinks and odd patrons. Everything wrapped together was an interesting situation. This togetherness and openness was something she desperately wanted to be a part of too.
    “Do you not have a place?” Oscar urged her answer to his last question.
    “Not anymore.” Liz snapped out of her thoughts over the bar. “In high school I went to Epperson Photo and spent time in the dark room. The amber lighting. The ammonia smell of the chemicals. Those bring back more memories then any of the photos I produced.”
    “You’re a photographer?”
    “I said it was in high school. Don’t know how long it’s been since I picked up a real camera.”
    “You should be in front of the lens.” Oscar tucked a few stray hairs behind her ear. He morphed his irresistible smile into pursed lips and leaned forward.
    “That’s a line if I ever heard one.” She placed a halting palm on his chest. “And being best friends with Bill, I’ve heard plenty of bad pick up lines.”
    “Sorry. I couldn’t resist.” Not one to waste a pucker, he stole a kiss from her in the dark shadow of the bar.
    Giving in to the temptation of concealment she fell into his embrace. Aroused by the possibility of getting caught, she continued with the semi-hidden from view seduction. Their hands wandered. He palmed her breasts, pulling her in closer to him. She leaned her chest fully into his.
    She took in his