by Aubrey Parr
Within minutes, Lauren was at home behind the bar. She couldn’t believe how in sync she and Zane were. They both knew the universal bar lingo to help each other. Calling for glasses to be filled with ice and bottles to be pulled from shelves. Zane was surprised how she seemed to know exactly where everything was. When they passed each other in the narrow space, he enjoyed the feeling of their bodies touching slightly. There was something incredibly erotic about them working together. She piled drinks on a tray and chatted with her friends, but didn’t leave out the other guests. In her element, she was the sexiest thing he had ever seen. Her friends’ expressions didn’t go unnoticed by him. They had smirks on their faces and pride in their eyes. Lauren made the three of them another round in the midst of making the other guests’ drinks.
“This is perfect,” Kate said as she sipped her martini. “There’s a bar in the room; we’re going to put you to work in there, too.”
“Please do,” Lauren replied, winking.
After dropping off the drinks, she set the tray on the bar and sat back down next to her friends, handing Zane the order sheet. “Here’s the list, so you can put it in the computer. I told them it all needed to be on one tab. That’ll make it easier.”
“I can’t thank you enough, sweetheart.” There was that electric shock between them as he touched her hand to take the paper.
“Where’s your relief? Someone else has to be coming in on a Friday night,” she asked, concerned.
“Called out again. Don’t you worry about me. Enjoy yourself.”
“It’s only going to get busier.” Lauren stated what she realized Zane already knew.
“I got this, baby.” Zane gave her that crooked smile with wicked thoughts behind it.
“Any chance I could help you out while it’s crazy?” she asked.
“What?” Kate cut in.
“Really, only while it’s super busy. Maybe two hours. I’ll help him with the predinner rush.”
The idea had him a bit out of his element. Zane was not used to the damsel in distress concept, at least not for himself. He was used to being the strong one in the relationship. He helped women; they didn’t help him. Still, it meant time with Lauren.
“Ummm…” Zane interrupted them. “You know Rich will never allow this.”
“How often does he come in while it’s busy?” Lauren raised an eyebrow. “He seems like the type that would avoid working hard.”
“Good point.” Zane twisted his sexy mouth in thought, and Lauren wanted to climb over the bar and kiss him deeply. She wanted to taste his lips. Everyone in the bar needed to disappear except for him. He was all she wanted and needed.
“Have fun, sweetie.” Nicole tugged at Kate’s shoulder. “We’ll go relax before dinner.”
Lauren could tell that Nicole understood. She wanted to be with Zane, even if that meant helping tend bar with him on her vacation.
CHAPTER FIVE
“She cracks me up!” Kate said, laughing while Nicole let them into their room.
They curled up on the couch and took in the glorious view.
“We need to come back with the boys,” Nicole said while she stared out the window.
“We’ll bring Julie so Kenzie can come along.” Kate smiled, thinking of her daughter. Having the nanny with them would make it possible for the two couples to enjoy the town, but still have her with them.
“I haven’t told Derek about Lauren being here,” Nicole realized.
“Will he have a problem with it?” Kate asked.
“No, I don’t think so…” She wondered out loud, “I think he might be a bit worried that she could be a nut case. He’d want us safe.”
“Hence the two-bedroom suite.” Kate held up her arms at the room around her.
“Exactly,” Nicole responded. “And he knows how much I like a project.”
…
Zane found Lauren an apron to help protect her new outfit. With a tank top under her top, she stowed her new sweater and chunky necklace under the bar with her purse. Now all set to get to work, Zane doubted there was anything that didn’t look good on her.
“Luckily, you’re kind of short. If Rich walks by, he probably won’t see you behind the crowd standing at bar.” Zane, acting on the impulse, brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, and Lauren instinctively leaned into his hand. Time stood still for an instant while his hand settle on her head. God, did he want to pull her in for a sweet kiss. Just a taste of those lips. A booming laugh from someone in the crowd broke the trance, and they smiled at each other.
“How about you stay back here? I don’t want Rich walking by and seeing you wearing an apron. Even if you do look adorable.”
“Good plan.” Without thinking she stood on her tip toes and gave him a quick peck right on the lips. A small teaser for herself of what she wanted later. “Now get out there.” She smacked his butt playfully and turned to check on her guests.
After preparing a few rounds of shots and a dozen or so mixed drinks, and emptying a few bottles of wine, everyone was content. Zane saw his window of opportunity. “There’s access to the kitchen through the back. Wanna help me grab some food?”
Lauren wasn’t dumb; she knew he wouldn’t let other employees or Rich see her. What was he up to? Did he want her as much as she wanted him? Through the years, she had plenty of stolen moments in dry storage rooms and coolers with hot servers. She’d love to have another one.
She followed him into a dimly lit narrow hallway. There was a small counter with cabinets below and shelves above. There was a large coffee pot and extra supplies, stacks of bar napkins and stir straws, a pile of silverware rolls. Everything prepped and ready to grab, looking like organized clutter. Once they were out of sight, Zane turned around and caught Lauren, stopping her from walking right into him. After only able to think about her lips since he first saw her today, he leaned down and captured them in a kiss. Lauren’s body responded by wrapping her arms around his neck. She reached her body up as high as her toes would lift her.
This was like nothing Lauren had ever felt. Was it because of this fantasy weekend vacation or break up with Tim? Did she even care? She knew they only had seconds to explore their bodies, and she wanted to savor it. His large hands grabbed her small hips and pulled them into his body. She heard him moan slightly as her body leaned into his. Lauren ran her hands up and through his blond locks. She grabbed a handful and pulled hard, forcing him to deepened the kiss further.
Zane knew he needed to control himself. He wanted to lift her on the counter and take her right then and there, but that wasn’t possible. He had a bar full of people and a guest playing bartender. He relished one last taste of her and somehow lifted his head and took a deep breath. With her head leaning into his chest for just a moment, he kissed her hair and made his mouth form words. “I’ll go grab the food. You get back out to the bar.”
Lauren looked up and smiled through dreamy eyes. “You got it.” Everything was in a bit of a haze, and she could barely keep her balance. She had never experienced such a connection. She wanted more. How was she going to go back out and take care of the guests?
…
Nicole walked back into the living room. Kate had poured them each a glass of red wine.
“He wasn’t surprised one bit,” she began telling Kate about her conversation with Derek. “He’s glad we got a two-bedroom. He was surprised I talked you into bringing a stranger along.”
Kate laughed at Derek’s reaction. He knew his wife and her best friend all too well. Nicole was the free-spirited dreamer, and Kate was the logical, rational one. Usually, at least. Kate definitely had her moments; all women do. “Once he meets her, he’ll see why we were both immediately drawn in.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds a way to hire her at the Aqua.” Nicole stopped in her tracks and practically screamed. “OH MY GOD! I’m brilliant!”
“Nic, she has a job. It’s a home she’s lacking,” the Logical One reminded her. “Don’t bl
onde out on me again.”
Their strong relationship allowed for blonde jokes. “Very funny. I know she does, but I’ve heard they make serious bank at the Aqua. The Gold Coast area isn’t as trendy right now. Maybe even something part-time for extra hours.”
“Good point. You may be brilliant.” Kate tipped her glass towards Nicole’s for a cheers.
…
Cameron couldn’t believe that he was able to get a few hours off work that night. His partner called in a favor with another officer, and Cam jumped in a cab to try and surprise his little sister before she and her two new friends left for the night. Since they had planned to meet tomorrow morning, she had given him her room number.
What was his sister like now? The hotel was rather swanky; had she finished school without him finding out? His mother would have told him about that. Maybe she was some young professional with a power job. A bit different from his lifestyle, but still, good for her, he thought. Walking into the lobby, he checked his watch. It was just after 7:00pm; he had to be back before 9:00pm. Amazingly, he had made it through the crazy streets of New York in under thirty minutes. His precinct was in the Upper East Side, not too far from the hotel. He hoped she was still in the hotel or at least nearby. Maybe he should have called, but he wanted to surprise her. One thing he remembered about her as a little girl, she loved surprises.
He saw the bar and thought a shot of something strong might help calm his nerves. Though he did have to go back on duty, so maybe not the smartest idea. Telling himself it would be just one, he headed in that direction. It surprised him how nervous he was to see Lauren. She was practically a baby the last time he saw her. Maybe fifteen? She was a grown woman now. He didn’t know what to say. Yes, a shot was just what he needed. He’d slam it and go up to her room.
Looking around, he was thankful he always kept emergency clothes in his locker at the precinct. With jeans and a dark grey thermal, he was under dressed for this place, but at least it wasn’t his uniform. Bar guests tending to feel uncomfortable when officers walked in, like Prohibition was still in effect.
The bar was clearing out for dinner. A few empty tables with glassware and used napkins told him the guests had just left. Currently there were only a small of handful of people finishing their drinks. Perfect, he could be in and out in a flash. He opted to stand rather than sit when he reached the bar. His nerves were getting the better of him.
“Hi, what can I get you?” the blonde bartender asked as she turned around.
Their eyes met. It answered that, yes, he would recognize her. “Lauren?” he clarified.
“CAM! What are you doing here tonight? Oh my god, you look great,” she screamed as she went running around the bar to get access to him.
She threw herself into his arms. He closed his eyes and hugged her back. His baby sister. A sense of protectiveness came over him. How had he let them grow apart? He left and went on with his life. All the while, she grew into this beautiful young woman.
“You’re huge!” she laughed with tears in her eyes, grabbing his large biceps.
“Do you live here now?” Cam was bewildered.
“Oh, I didn’t even realize. I’m sorry, Cam, you must be so confused,” she laughed. “No, I’m just visiting for the weekend. I’m a bartender at home, and the other bartender called out. A huge party walked in while I was sitting here with my friends. He was swamped. I offered to help. I thought you had to work?” she rambled on.
“I got someone to cover me for a couple of hours. I need to be back by 9pm. With the awful traffic, I’ve got about an hour with you.”
“Let’s enjoy the time we’ve got together.”
Zane had walked out from the back when he saw Lauren jump into the arms of another man. Who the fuck was this guy? Could this be her ex-boyfriend she briefly mentioned after their kiss? He wasn’t into the cheating thing, so he had asked her directly if she was seeing someone. She said she was newly single. But who was this guy? Did he come after her from Chicago?
Zane was going to take the high road and give her the out. It killed him to do it, but it was the right thing. “Hey, thanks for your help. Looks like I can handle it from here.” He forced a smile, but he was pretty sure he wasn’t fooling anyone.
“Zane, honey! Come meet my big brother, Cameron!” Both men noticed the honey term for entirely different reasons. Zane breathed a sigh of relief, and Cam wanted to know who was this pretty boy Zane.
“Your brother lives in New York?” Zane immediately changed his demeanor. “That’s great!” Thankful, he walked around the bar to shake the guy’s hand.
“Nice to meet you.” Cam shook his hand, very leery as Lauren still hung onto his free shoulder. He kept a grip around her waist. He wasn’t quite sure he had the right, but he wanted to know who this guy was that his baby sister was calling honey. This wasn’t the South, for fuck’s sake.
“You have a great sister,” Zane spoke to Cam. “How many women would offer to help a stranger bartend while they’re on vacation? She really saved me in here.” He sounded so genuine. The way he looked at Lauren, it was sweet, not sleazy. Cam couldn’t help but ease up about his initial opinion of him. Still, he wanted to know more.
He looked down at his sister. “It’s been way too long. When did you go and grow up on me?”
Lauren snuggled into him one more time and then motioned for them to sit down. She removed the apron and handed it to Zane. “Thank you again,” he whispered sweetly to her. It wasn’t the proper thank you he was hoping for, but with her brother here, it would have to do.
“Anytime. Really.” She snuck a quick kiss on his cheek. Cameron may be sitting next to her after a decade apart, but he needed to be comfortable with the fact she was a grown woman now.
Glancing back at her brother, she remembered Nicole and Kate. “Zane, hand me my stuff from under the bar, please. I want to call the girls and have them come meet Cam.”
…
Unsure if Lauren would want to come back up and shower to go out or have an easy night in, Kate and Nicole stayed casually dressed. Neither women needed to be wined and dined to have fun. They could have a blast hanging out in the hotel room or a dive bar just as much as somewhere fancy. And after a few hours behind the bar, Lauren may want to take it easy.
Nicole didn’t waste any time when she saw Cameron. As Lauren was petite, her big brother was just the opposite- big. He was almost six feet tall, with dark hair cut very short. Though their statures were opposite, they shared the same eyes and bright smiles. Nicole went right in for a friendly hug without asking permission.
“Great to meet you!” she said while hugging the large man. He was polite and indulged her.
“Lauren says she’s in good hands with you two. Thank you for bringing her here. Now that we’ve seen each other again, she’s not getting rid of me now,” Cam replied to both girls after he said a hello to Kate, too. She was the more reserved one, like himself. Cute, too. But the rock on her finger didn’t go unnoticed. Oh well.
“We love New York; we’ll fly her over anytime she wants. We don’t need much of a reason for a visit either.”
“Lauren is lucky to have met you ladies. We both are. Thank you,” Cam responded.
The five of them chatted until Cameron had to get back to work. Cam kept a close eye on Zane and saw that the guy seemed truly interested in his sister. He listened to what she had to say and wanted to learn more about her life. Sadly, he and the stranger were both learning about recent stories together. Cam didn’t know much about Lauren’s adult life other than the basics. He remembered being disappointed that she dropped out of school, but hadn’t offered to help make her situation better. Most of the things he knew came from his weekly phone conversation with his mother. But he only knew about the major things. It was nice, hearing about her day-to-day life.
Lauren spoke briefly about finding a new place to live, but Cam guessed that she didn’t want to talk much about the break up with Tim in front of Zane. Cam cau
ght her glancing for Zane’s reaction throughout that part of the conversation. He remembered hearing that Lauren moved in with her boyfriend. Their mom had asked her to move back to Indiana with them when money was tight. Hating a small town, too, he understood her decision to stay in Chicago. Experiencing his reaction as a big brother when he saw Zane, he couldn’t figure out why he hadn’t gotten on a plane to go meet Tim. He had had no idea if he was a nice guy or an asshole. He should have cared.
When it was time for Cam to leave, Lauren hugged him tightly. They would see each other the next morning, but she had forgotten how great it was to have her big brother around. She smiled when her brother and Zane shook hands. Cam gave each of her friends a quick hug goodbye, and he was gone.
Lauren sat there for a moment and reflected on her life. She had two new wonderful friends. She had her brother back, and now she had Zane in her life. How could he become a more permanent part? She wasn’t ready to give him up on Sunday.
CHAPTER SIX
After working with Zane, it felt a bit odd to be back on the other side of the bar. Lauren figured it could be that she wanted to be wherever he was. Luckily, Nicole and Kate were happy to stay in the lounge for dinner. The three of them ordered something just as her brother left. It would be arriving any time now. Lauren was famished. She promised them they’d order dessert in the room and have some girl time.
Earlier, when Zane was offering up his future first born child to anyone that would come in to work, he had sent Jennifer a message as well. It was a long shot, given she was the reason he was solo behind the bar on a Friday night. He figured it didn’t hurt to ask her to cover his shift tomorrow. She did owe him. While the girls ate, Jennifer replied to his text. Begging for his forgiveness, she explained her daughter was sick, and her crazy ex wouldn’t keep her. But she had lined up some help tomorrow. Jennifer could be there by 8:30pm so that he could leave.