by T Gephart
He had to be kidding.
Had to be.
Because no man in his right fucking mind would think anyone would want to dance in a vat of frosting and pay for the privilege. It was just too insane.
“Scott, I’m sorry, but that is a hard no from me. Your club sounds like a . . .” disaster, shitshow, dumpster fire, “interesting, but not the kind of project I want to be involved in.”
I was just about to usher him out, and end what had truly been a waste of my time when he made one last attempt.
“I’ll give you equity. Not just a salary but a share in the business and the profits. And we’ll cut the bells and whistles in the main part of the club and have a private room just for me and my friends.”
“Scott, I—”
“Come on, Presley. I need this.” It was as if I was seeing him for the first time, the fake exterior completely gone as his walls dropped. “You know how hard it is to live in the shadow of my dad? Help me out here. I’ll cut the bullshit, I swear, and we’ll do it completely your way.”
The confident swagger he’d came in with was gone, and in its place, desperation. He wanted this, and not just so he and his friends had a place to party. He was determined to have some kind of success that his father hadn’t been a part of.
“Look, Scott, I get it.” I stood, walking around my desk, genuinely feeling compassion however ill deserved it was. “But this isn’t the way to do it. I’m sorry, but even if I could pick up and move across the country to set up this club for you, there are too many variables. It is a huge gamble, and I’m not just talking money. It could affect your career too, demolish your personal brand. Think about buying a vineyard, something social but where you can maintain most of the commercial control. You get the winemakers to do their bit, and you get a product you can sell to every licensed venue in America. It won’t be your name on a door, but on the shelf of every club and bar across the country. And I don’t need to tell you about the ridiculous marketing opportunities for promotional parties at all those bars and venues? It would be a non-stop party coast-to-coast.”
It wasn’t a new idea. Rock stars, actors, and celebrities of every kind of persuasion had been bottling booze and putting on a fancy label. And for good reason, most of the time, it was incredibly profitable.
So if Scott needed me to throw him a bone . . .
“Jesus, Presley, you’re a fucking genius.” He leaped out of his seat and stopped as he moved to hug me. It had surprised both of us, his hands out, his body inches from mine, the contact suspended in a moment of indecision. “Sorry.” He dropped his hands, the apology written on his face. “I got caught up in the moment. I promise I’m not trying to hit on you.”
I laughed, amused at the contradiction. It was a completely different Scott Collins to the guy I’d met the other night, and I liked the new version better. “If I hug you, are you going to make it inappropriate?” I asked against my better judgment.
“Well, considering I’ve given you enough material to seriously fuck me over, I’m a little scared.” He chuckled as he moved closer and wrapped his arms around me. “Thanks, Presley. I owe you.”
There was a subtle knock at the door, and I assumed either Jared was back, or Bennett was checking on me. And I knew how quickly the hug could be seen as something other than it was. I pulled away, feeling slightly guilty even though I had no reason to, and gestured to the exit. “Well, let me know how it goes and I expect a case of whatever when you go to market.”
“Are you kidding? You’ll get the first bottle off the line.” He grinned, following me to the door. “And seriously, thanks. We both know you probably just saved my ass.”
My hand went to the lock, the door popping open almost instantly. It was Bennett, and as much as I hated to admit it, part of me was glad.
Things between me and Jared were not only new but ambiguous, the terms of our new relationship not really discussed. It wasn’t just sex, with real feelings there but the last thing I wanted was for something as stupid as a misunderstanding screwing it all up.
“Great timing, just wrapping up here.” I opened the door wider, inviting Bennett in. “And it was great seeing you again, Scott. Make sure you keep in touch.”
Scott nodded, putting out his hand as a final goodbye but unable to hide his excitement. “I will now I have your number.” He winked, the old Scott making a reappearance.
I assumed it was for Bennett’s benefit, pretending to be the playboy to keep up appearances. But I let it slide, choosing not to say anything as I waved him goodbye. It was only after Scott had left and the door was closed, that Bennett said what I was sure he’d been dying to say.
“You sleeping with him?” His brow popped.
“I could fire you for that,” I deadpanned, knowing if it was anyone else asking it, they’d be gone without a second thought.
A smile broke across Bennett’s face, ignoring the threat of unemployment. “You could, but you won’t. So answer the question.”
“Of course I’m not sleeping with Scott Collins,” I scoffed, a little offended Bennett thought I’d be so easily charmed. “What did you think we did? Go at it on my desk?” Ironic, because that was exactly what I’d done with Jared. “He’s not even my type.”
He rolled his eyes, shaking his head. “Not the sock puppet, Presley. I’m talking about Towering Inferno.”
It was my turn to roll my eyes. “What does it matter?”
“So that’s an affirmative. You going to make me start being nice to him?” he chuckled. “Because I have to say, Presley, it’s more fun if I jerk him around. Especially now that I know you’re sleeping with him.”
My eyes went to the door half expecting Jared to burst in and I wouldn’t be able to deny it. “I didn’t say I was.”
A loud baritone laugh escaped Bennett’s mouth. “Sweetheart, it’s written all over your face. Your brother know? Please tell me he doesn’t.”
“When did you turn into a gossip?” I punched him in the arm, my small fist barely leaving a mark. “And for the record, nothing is written on my face.”
It was at that moment that Jared walked in, a bag of food hanging from his fingers as he pushed the half-open door. “Hey.” He looked to me and then to Bennett, probably seeing something that wasn’t there.
Great.
I’d avoided one possible misunderstanding and landed in another—karma was a complete bitch.
“Hey! Is that lunch? I’m starved.” I moved closer to Jared, wondering if he was going to flat out ask or just assume the worst.
Bennett moved closer too, his huge body needing only two steps before he was standing beside Jared, his hand landing on his shoulder. “You hurt her and there won’t be enough of you for a funeral. I made the mistake of not getting involved in her personal life once, not making it again.”
Jared’s eyes went to me, the confusion clear. But he didn’t back down either, tipping his chin and meeting Bennett’s gaze. “Guess that’s something we can agree on. And I would never hurt, Presley.”
“Talking about me like I’m not here, isn’t doing either of you any good. Do I need to remind you that I’m more than capable of handling myself?”
I knew I should be annoyed, and part of me was, but not for the reasons I was advertising. I adored Bennett and knew if he ever saw Lewis again, no one else would. And with Jared, well, I had a hunch he’d do the same. But I wasn’t going to be annoyed I had not only one but two men willing to stand up for me. What kind of idiot turns down that kind of support? I just wished I hadn’t needed it.
Both of them turned, Jared locking eyes with me and ignoring the weird vibe in the room. “No need for the reminder. Just letting you know you have back up.”
Bennett grinned like a moron. “Incidentally, if you don’t want people to know you’re sleeping together, you might want to lay off the ass kissing. Dead giveaway. That and that stupid look on your face.”
“Really, B?” I glared, trying to hide my grin. “I tho
ught you agreed to play nice?”
Bennett scoffed, “I didn’t agree to shit.” He looked over at Jared, his smirk barely contained. “And P.S. You might want to tell your boy you’re screwing his sister. Now, what did you get for lunch? It better not have too many carbs, I’m watching my weight.”
Jared didn’t flinch, lifting the bag in his hand. “Well good news then, because I got you a salad. And I’ll tell Tibbs when I’m ready.”
“Okay, let’s dial down the testosterone.” I got between them, my body a makeshift barrier that could be snapped in two, if either of them got out of control. “And for your sake, Leighton, you better not have gotten me a salad.”
Jared laughed, a smile of his own appearing. “Of course not. I got you a chicken and veggie bowl.”
“Why the fuck do I get salad? Didn’t I tell you to get me whatever you got Presley?” Bennett argued, annoyed his lunch was going to be on the light side.
“Yeah, you did. I might be kissing Presley’s ass, but I’m sure as shit not kissing yours. Maybe next time be less of a jerk and I’ll get you something decent.” He smirked, pulling out the plastic clamshell container and held it for Bennett to take.
Cursing under his breath, Bennett took his salad and stormed out of the room leaving the door open so we could hear his displeasure even though he’d left my office.
“And here I thought you were a nice guy.” I wrapped my arms around him, lifting my lips to kiss him.
“Oh, I am a nice guy, Presley. But don’t think for a second I don’t have the capacity to be a total prick.” His smile edging wider as he leaned down and kissed me.
“YOU GOT HANK A FUCKING CHICKEN AND VEGGIE BOWL TOO?!” Bennett’s voice boomed from outside the room.
“See?” He tipped his head to the door. “Total prick. Now, let’s eat before Bennett comes back and tries to wrestle the bag from my hands.”
My hand gripped his shirt, able to kiss him how I wanted to since we no longer had an audience. “I know I shouldn’t like you mean, but it’s kind of a turn on.”
“That’s kind of messed up, Presley. And considering how much I like it, not sure what that says about me.”
He didn’t hesitate, kissing me like he meant it as he walked me back to the desk. The door was still open so we couldn’t get too crazy, but we were using the small amount of privacy the walls of my office afforded us.
I loved the way his lips felt, their teasing both demanding and urgent. Like nothing could be taken for granted, and he didn’t know when he’d kiss me again.
Maybe, that was exactly it.
He was the first to pull away, the crumbling bag against my back reminding me he was still holding onto our lunch.
“Now, should I be worried about your meeting with Scott Collins?” His head tipped to the side, the curiosity simmering in his eyes.
Since he hadn’t mentioned it earlier, I’d assumed he hadn’t seen Scott. Obviously I’d been wrong, Jared either seeing him leave my office or Diablo on his way back.
“You’re worried?” I teased, glad he was asking me outright rather than jumping to conclusions. I liked that, that he didn’t just assume the meeting had been anything other than business.
“Presley, have you looked in a mirror? Of course, I’m worried. The guy walks into a room and ladies cream their pants. I’m confident, but I’m not stupid.”
His grin told me otherwise, and I couldn’t imagine him feeling inadequate. He’d always been larger than life, Justin’s cocky best friend who always had a woman hanging off his every word.
“It was business. Buuuuut,” I figured it was as good a time as any, “you know, I could ask you the same thing.”
He shook his head, dismissing the notion. “Presley, he seems like a nice guy, but I’m straight. Not interested.”
“Oh ha, ha, ha,” I mock laughed. “You’re forgetting I’ve seen you with other women. In my club, Leighton.” I pushed a finger into his chest. “Now, I’m not going to punish you for the stuff you’ve done before, because that would be dumb. But considering we haven’t really talked about what’s going on here . . . is this an exclusive thing?”
It had been me who initially said I could do casual, promising I wouldn’t turn into the clingy girlfriend who demanded things. And, that was what I had intended to be. But I wasn’t so sure I’d be able to share him, the idea of him with another woman driving me crazy.
“In case you hadn’t noticed, Presley, the last few times I was in your club, I went home alone. That wasn’t because I didn’t have choices.”
It was something I’d noticed, probably a little too much, but refused to read too much into it. “So what are your choices now?”
“You, and only you. I’m not interested in anyone else, Presley. And I don’t want you with anyone else either.”
Those words were exactly what I’d wanted to hear, both excited and relieved I hadn’t been the only one feeling what I had between us. “Do you think it can work? Us actually date and be a regular couple?”
Things were complicated, and while we were in the bubble, we didn’t have to really face the regular relationship stuff. It was fun, exciting, and completely isolated from everyone else. And while I was fully prepared to put up with whatever happened when my family found out, the last thing I wanted to do was force Jared to make a choice.
His best friend.
Or me.
“We can do whatever we want, Presley. We already tried keeping away from each other and that didn’t work. I need to be with you, in whatever way that can happen.” His finger grazed my cheek, giving me a small smile. “Trust me, okay.”
I nodded, a lump forming in my throat. I’d promised myself after Lewis I’d never trust a man again, but with Jared, there wasn’t even a hesitation.
“Good, now let’s eat lunch before it’s completely cold, and then we’ll talk about Bennett.”
“Bennett?” I asked, wondering what he wanted to know about the head of my security.
He took a step back, lowering the bag housing our lunch onto the desk before he looked back at me. “He seems very . . .” he waved his hand, “close to you.”
I laughed, unable to help myself. “Bennett is a really good friend, not just here in the club, but outside of it too. He’s seems like a hard-ass but he really is just a sweet teddy bear. But we’re just friends, nothing has or ever will happen between us.”
“Good. I wish I could tell you the idea didn’t make me jealous, but it does. So his inability to remember my name isn’t because he’s pissed you’re with me?” He tilted his head, asking in earnest.
“Bennett is a smart ass and will do anything to get a reaction. I threaten to fire him daily. But from what I can see, you’re going to be able to handle him and his shenanigans just fine.”
He nodded, taking me into his arms and kissing me. “I’d do a lot more than that for you. Now, let’s eat and brainstorm. If he’s going to be messing with me, it’s only fair I get some payback of my own.”
Jared
ANY MAN WHO got bored spending a day with a woman clearly isn’t with the right one. I didn’t even notice the time, minutes and hours getting lost as day turned into night, and I felt like I hadn’t even blinked.
We’d gone back to her apartment after Diablo and made love on her couch. It was slow and deliberate, a desperate need for me to look at her the whole time making me want to stretch it out.
I loved kissing her, loved the way her eyes would close and her breathing would slow, the trail of goosebumps under my fingertips when I ran my hand on her skin. It was easy when we were laying together to think she was fragile and soft, but five minutes in her club when she was in Diablo mode, and you’d see she was anything but.
Between those walls she was a machine, walking between the sections and knowing what everyone was doing and what was going on. Her beautiful eyes were restless, constantly scanning the crowd as she checked in with her staff and VIPs. She even made time for me, shooting me some flirty
smiles whenever she strolled past.
And when I took her home, all bets were off. All the pent-up frustration of not being able to kiss and touch her manifested into an all-out assault.
It was around ten the next morning when my phone rang, the vibration on Presley’s nightstand waking me up even though the ringtone had been turned off.
“Yeah?” I yawned into the phone, not bothering to check the caller ID.
“It’s Tibbs. Do you know where Presley is?”
Even though she was sleeping safely beside me, the edge in his voice had me worried.
“Umm, at her apartment I assume,” I pushed up in the bed, Presley groaning a little as I moved. “Why, what’s wrong?”
“One of Shapiro’s guys spotted the asswipe’s TT last night around the club. He said it circled a few times but left. I don’t want to freak her out, but she needs to know, and I’ve been trying to call her all morning but her phone’s off. You still have her spare key, right? Any chance you could meet me at her place in twenty minutes?”
FUCK.
Presley rarely shut her phone off, the fancy piece of aluminum on 24/7. But for whatever reason she’d silenced it when we got home, determined to have a few hours without the barrage of emails, texts and social media alerts that usually came.
But at the moment it wasn’t her newfound balance that had me concerned, it was that her brother wanted to visit her, at the apartment of which I was currently in, naked.
“Errrr.” I looked around, trying to find where I’d left my clothes. “Twenty minutes?”
The words had no sooner left my mouth then Presley turned, reaching for me in her sleep. “Where did you go?” She groaned loudly when she didn’t feel me beside her, my eyes widening as I lowered my hand to her mouth. “What?” The muffled word coughed out against my palm as she woke up with a jump.
“Ah, shit, Leighton. I’m sorry, I know you’re with your girl, but this is kinda important. Hey, why don’t you give me the address and I’ll meet you at her place. Meet me down on the street, give me Presley’s spare key and then you can go back to doing whatever you’re doing.”