Daiquiris and Dreams by Ashton Cade

Taylor:
Pretty much everyone in my life has teased me about my crush on the boss at this point. I figured Noah knew and was just saving me some embarrassment by playing dumb. Hard to believe an astute guy like him could be so clueless, but I’ve heard crazier things, I guess.
Since the accident, he’s just in shock. He’s always been a man of few words, which I’ve chalked up to him being ex-military, but this is on another level. This is a man shutting down, and I’m trying my best to keep him from slipping under the surface. It’s not like I have any comforting words to offer⁠—there’s not much of a bright side here. No silver lining to losing your brother and sister-in-law in a horrific bus accident. His little niece Bailey’s alive, but babies are so fragile, so unpredictable.
Who’s going to take care of her? And who’s going to take care of Noah? I guess I’ll step up. But … who’s going to take care of me?

Noah:
After a long day tending bar, it’s really nice to come home to a friendly face. Nicer than I really want to admit. And it’s not just any friendly face, it’s Taylor. The guy that’s way too young for me. Way too sweet for me too.
Ever since the accident, he’s been more amazing than I could ever dream. Even though I don’t know what I would do without him, I have to think of his welfare. I just know it’s better for him if I keep my distance, don’t get involved. I’m a cranky old son of a bitch with too much baggage for someone with an uncomplicated life like his. I’ve never had anyone other than my brother, and to be honest, I wasn’t always great at being there for him. First chance I got I joined the Army to get away from the bullshit of our life, leaving him to figure out his own way.
I don’t deserve to even be having thoughts about a guy like Taylor, a guy with such a big heart. The kind of guy that sees a curmudgeon like me and thinks there’s something worth saving.