Dating A Mob Boss (The Dating Series Book 2)

by Love, B. T.

“King, right?”

  “Yep. It’s better for business, too.”

  I nodded and crossed my arms nervously; I didn’t like where the conversation was going. “Well, thanks again.”

  She must have picked up on my body language. “Listen,” she said, leaning against the mattress, “I want you to know that I take good care of my things.”

  “Oh, I know; I can tell.”

  “No, I mean, you know, with work.”

  “That’s, that’s perfectly fine you don’t have to explain anything to me.”

  “But I feel you should know I use mattress covers and—”

  “Believe me; it’s fine,” I said, bringing up my hand to stop her explanation. “I appreciate that you’ve done this for me; it’ll really help me out. It’s been hard sleeping on the wood floor.”

  Her shoulders relaxed and she smiled. “Yeah, I felt bad that you were on the carpet, let alone the wood. I’m glad I could help.” She looked at the mattress and gave it a firm pat. “Well, let’s get them over to your apartment, shall we?”

  “Sounds good!”

  We spent the next fifteen minutes dragging first the mattress then the box spring from my apartment to hers. Since I didn’t have any heat in the bedroom we just set the bed up in front of the heater in the living room so I could be a tad bit warmer.

  We stood back with crossed arms and admired the bare mattresses sitting beneath my living room windows. “I need to make curtains,” I pointed out.

  “You need to make a lot of things,” she joked. “But look how good it looks in here on top of this pretty floor. You and Trent did a great job.”

  “Yeah, we did. Oh, speaking of Trent, I was supposed to get the address from you so we can get the couch.”

  “It’s already been taken care of.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked, turning to face her.

  “Some guy showed up at my door earlier and got the address. Said he would get it to you later today.”

  “Really? Hmm. Trent must have sent him. I wonder who it was.”

  “I don’t know but he was kinda cute. A young short guy with a big attitude.”

  “Well, thank you for telling me about that couch as well. I’ll be getting this place fixed up in no time.”

  “Yeah you will. Let me know if you need help with anything else.”

  “I will, thanks.”

  As she left my apartment there was commotion in the hall. “Hey, I think this is your couch now.”

  I stuck my head into the hallway, only to see a large couch being carried by a man on each end, barreling down the tight space in my direction.

  Sophie darted into her apartment to make way for the two angry-sounding fellows. “Talk to you later, Amber,” she called out to me before shutting her door.

  The man walking backward shouted a loud obscenity as the man on the other end stumbled. I didn’t know who the one facing me was, but I finally realized who the back of the head was: Mikey.

  “Oh lord,” I sighed, rolling my eyes. “Why did Trent have to send Mikey?”

  He finally made it to my door and dropped his end of the couch with a loud bang. “Hello, Amber,” he said, turning to me and smoothing back his greasy hair.

  “Hi Mikey. Uh, thanks for bringing my couch. I didn’t know it was going to be you picking it up.”

  “Yeah,” he said with a bit of irritation, “me either.” He nodded in the other guy’s direction, who was still holding up his end of the couch. “This is Tony.”

  “Oh, hi Tony. I’m Amber. Thank you for your help.”

  “It’s no problem Ms. Johnsom. Happy to do it.”

  Trent must have been talking about me for him to know my last name. It was flattering, actually, knowing I was a topic of conversation between him and the people who worked for him.

  I stood back in my doorway. “Well you can bring it right in here and put it over against the wall right there.”

  Mikey nodded and picked his end back up. “It’ll be a miracle if we can even fit this thing through the door.”

  After a few more minutes of cuss words and heavy breathing they got it in and put it where I wanted it.

  “Thank you,” I said as they gravitated to the door.

  “You’re welcome,” Tony answered pleasantly.

  “Yeah, you’re welcome,” Mikey said. He stuck his hands in his slacks and looked down at his shiny black shoes. “Listen, Amber, I’m sorry I was rude to ya at the restaurant that one time or whatever.”

  I crossed my arms, smiling with amusement. “Did Trent make you apologize to me?”

  “I don’t think he would appreciate me saying if that were the case or not.”

  I dropped my arms and patted him on his shoulder. “I’m intelligent enough to know what the case is, so, don’t worry; your secret’s safe with me.”

  He huffed out a laugh and looked up to make eye contact. “Just don’t tell him ya figured it out or else he’ll make me do somethin’ else to make up for how I’ve been treating ya.”

  “Don’t worry Mikey, the feeling’s mutual; I don’t want you doing anything else for me either.”

  He chuckled quietly and smiled, the expression on his face forming a look of mutual respect that we now apparently had for each other. “See ya later,” he said, turning around and leaving with Tony.

  I shut the door behind them and turned around to take in the sight of the couch. And what a poor sight it was. It had to be at least twenty years old and was covered in brown fabric with orange flowers; it was like the opposite of my wallpaper. It also had an old musty smell to it which I hoped I could get out. Trent was probably right about needing to steam it.

  Trent. I needed to call and thank him for taking care of the couch for me. I wanted to talk to him anyway since I hadn’t heard his voice since last night when he walked me to my door. The kiss we shared in the rose garden gave me the most amazing feeling. Even with my ex, I thought we had romance but it wasn’t until the kiss with Trent that I realized we weren’t as passionate as I thought we were. And when Trent said his final goodnight he kissed me again in the same romantic way, his tongue caressing mine gently, his strong arms wrapped around me, protecting me from any possible harm that might come my way. He was really starting to wear on me.

  I pulled out my phone and called his number, feeling nervous with excitement at being brought to his smooth voice. And he delivered wonderfully.

  “Hello, Amber,” he said deeply, sending those all too familiar chills that he was so good at producing through my body.

  “You got me the couch. Thank you.”

  “You’re welcome. I was glad to do it.”

  “Yeah, well, I owe you twenty bucks.”

  “Nah, you don’t owe me anything. Just let me take you out again.”

  I smiled into the phone. “Mikey wasn’t too happy about delivering it.”

  “That was his punishment for being disrespectful to you that night at the restaurant. He won’t be acting like that anymore.”

  “I’m sure he won’t,” I chuckled.

  The phone was silent on his end for a moment. “I’ve been thinking about you,” he admitted quietly.

  My face warmed. “Yeah, I’ve been thinking about you, too.”

  “I hope it’s good.”

  “Yeah, yeah it’s good.”

  “When can I see you again?” he asked.

  “Hmm, well, why don’t you come into work tomorrow and have lunch with me?”

  “I’d like that. Although I wish I didn’t have to wait that long.”

  “It’s Sunday anyway,” I chuckled. “You have business to attend to, don’t you?”

  “Yeah, you’re right. But believe me, tomorrow can’t come soon enough.”

  “I know,” I smiled. “Well, I’ll see you then.”

  “Okay, Amber. See you then.”

  I hung up and sighed out the giddy feeling in my body. Waiting until tomorrow was admittedly too long for me as well. I wanted to lay my eyes on that man
every second of every day.

  “Oh well,” I said to myself as I looked over at the couch and began to envision what I wanted it to look like. Robin’s egg blue was the first color that came to mind; it would complement the light blue walls I would eventually have, as well as the white dishes I planned on slowly acquiring for the kitchen. Now I was excited about my house coming together piece by piece, and felt the need to spend some of my hard-earned money. I grabbed my purse and headed out the door to catch a cab. I was going to the craft store.

  * * *

  I could get lost in craft stores for hours. They’re so magical; they stir your senses and evoke creativity in even the un-craftiest of people. Down each isle was something that stood out to me that I wanted but couldn’t quite afford, not all at once, anyway. I spent a good hour looking at wood stains in brilliant colors for my two end tables if I decided to go that route. I found the perfect purple, a deeper hue that had the tiniest touch of red to it. I bookmarked it in my brain to get once the tables were the project I was focusing on. But not today. Today was the couch.

  I walked along the shelves of fabric, skimming over the different textures of each one with the tips of my fingers. Gravitating toward the blues, I closed my eyes and let my fingertips do the searching for me, searching for a fabric that would feel comfortable against my skin when I were to lounge around on the couch on a lazy Sunday like today. I stopped on a smoother one and opened my eyes, but the color was all wrong. Closing my eyes again I searched blindly some more, feeling over the different textures. Yeah, I was weird; even I realized that. But I’ve always received compliments on the comfort of the furniture that I flipped. I attributed those compliments to my quirky way of choosing fabric.

  A thick yet smooth cotton brushed beneath my hand and I opened my eyes. Not quite Robin’s egg blue, but close enough. It was perfect.

  My phone rang loudly in the quiet store. I dug through my purse and saw that it was the restaurant’s number. “Hello?” I answered.

  “Hey Amber, it’s Vin. Sorry to bother ya on such short notice, but can ya come in for an hour or two? We got some big shot in here complainin’ that we’re too short-staffed for his party of five hundred people he brought in for dinner. I hate askin’, but, I could really use a hand down here.”

  “Sure Vin,” I agreed happily. “I’ll come right down.”

  “Thanks. I really appreciate it kid.”

  I hung up and pulled the bolt of fabric down from the shelf. After purchasing probably way too many yards, I hailed a cab and went right down to the restaurant. I was glad to work some extra hours for Vin. It meant I was going to be able to see the man I was falling for.

  * * *

  The restaurant was ridiculously packed full of loud people. I could see why Vin asked for help.

  “Amber,” Natalie called out as she approached me. “Thank ya so so much for coming! I’m pullin’ out my hair here!”

  “It’s no problem at all,” I laughed.

  She looked down at the two large plastic bags in my hands. “What’s all that?”

  “Oh, it’s fabric. I got a couch and I’m gonna reupholster it.”

  “Ah, ya finally got a couch, huh? You’re movin’ up in the world!”

  “Yeah,” I shrugged with a smile. “I guess so.” I nodded to the busy dining area. “What do you need me to do?”

  “Everything. That big tough guy back there in the black suit thinks he owns the place. He’s been complainin’ all night. I just need some help with refilling the drinks at his table for now.”

  “Okay,” I nodded. “I’ll get right on it.” I went back to the kitchen and unloaded my bags of fabric on a table in the back corner. Nodding to the cooks on my way out, I headed over to the jerk of a customer that Natalie wanted me to handle. “Hello, I’m Amber. I’ll be helping with your drinks tonight.”

  The heavy-set man scoffed. “You better do your job better than that other broad over there,” he said flatly.

  I folded my hands together in front of me. “Well, what can I get you all? Refills? Something new?” One by one the people at the table told me what they desired, and I committed it instantly to my memory. “I’ll be right back with your drinks,” I said with a smile as I left them.

  Back at the bar I chitchatted with Manny as he got the drinks ready for my table. “You look good tonight,” he said, giving me a flirtatious wink.

  I cocked my head to the side. “Thanks . . .”

  I didn’t like Manny in that way. Since I’d been working there he had been dropping hints that he was interested in me, all of which I politely responded to, but didn’t encourage.

  He sat the last drink on the round tray in front of me. “Maybe I can take you out sometime, you know, like on a date.”

  “Oh, um, Manny, that’s so sweet. But—”

  “But what? Don’t you feel the heat between us?”

  My jaw literally dropped open. “What? What heat?”

  “You know, the fierce sexual tension we have.” He leaned against the counter and flexed his tanned biceps. “I see you lookin’ at me, checkin’ me out.”

  “Manny,” I couldn’t help but laugh, “you’re a really nice guy, but this sexual tension you think we have is—”

  “Is undeniable.”

  I stared at him with a smile on my face because I thought he was joking around, giving me a hard time. But when his serious expression didn’t falter my smile did.

  I cleared my throat. “Listen, Manny, I’m flattered; I really am. But you’re my friend.”

  His lips clamped into a hard line. “You don’t know what you’re missing.” He pushed away from the counter and went to the other end of the bar to sulk, apparently.

  I grabbed the tray of drinks and delivered them back to the table. “It’s about time,” the big man growled.

  I held my tongue. Talking back to Trent was enough; I didn’t need this jerk falling for me too. “Your waitress will be back to take your order in a minute,” I said with as much calmness as I could muster.

  “Whatever,” he said as he shooed me away with his ring-laden hand.

  I spun around and went to the back, avoiding eye contact with Manny as I passed the bar. Maybe coming in wasn’t such a good idea. I had only been there less than an hour and everything sucked big time. I needed a drink once I was off the clock.

  “Natalie,” I called to my frazzled friend. “They have their drinks.”

  She looked relieved. “Thanks. Man, that guy’s a jerk, am I right?”

  “Big time.”

  Her eyes moved to the front door. “Ooh, look who’s here,” she teased.

  I turned around and saw Trent enter the restaurant dressed in a suit, the pack of usual men behind him. The hostess welcomed them and motioned toward the back room. Trent smiled his gorgeous smile and led the way like the important man that he was, focused and professional. He didn’t scan the restaurant for me this time—he didn’t know I was working.

  I turned back to Natalie. “He kissed me yesterday.”

  “What!” she said, hitting me on the arm. “Are ya freakin’ serious?”

  “Yeah, I am.”

  “How was it? Are you a couple now?”

  “It was amazing. And as far as being a couple, I don’t really know. I mean, it’s not official yet.”

  “But he wants ya, though. It’s so obvious. You’re kind of the talk of the restaurant because of it.”

  “I am?”

  “Obviously. You’ve got the attention of Trent Falco, so everyone wants to know who ya are.”

  I looked over at the bar and saw Manny staring at me. He quickly turned away. “Hey, does Manny know about me and Trent?”

  “Yeah, he knows Trent has the hots for ya. Why?”

  “Well, he kind of hit on me earlier.”

  “Really? Wow ya sure do have your pick, huh?”

  “I wouldn’t say that. He probably is only interested in me because Trent is.”

  She brought her hands to re
st on her hips. “I doubt that. He’s had his eye on ya since ya started. He’s probably just speakin’ up now because he’s worried you’ll start seeing Trent exclusively. Maybe he’s just trying to get his chance to be with ya or somethin’.”

  “Yeah,” I shrugged. “I don’t know.”

  “Well I’ll do ya a favor and let ya take Trent’s room. I’m sure you’ll both enjoy that.” She smiled and then flipped around to grab the hot plates that were coming off the line for her table. “At least ya know what drink he likes now,” she joked.

  Ugh, that’s right; they liked the expensive scotch. That meant another trip back to the bar. Gosh, why did men have to make things so complicated? I mean, Manny was nice but he was a total arrogant and cocky guido and wasn’t my type at all. Now he made it weird between us which sucked because we had to work together. And Trent was no better, being all sexy and irresistible but being so dangerous and bad for me at the same time. Jerk.

  I went over to the bar and grabbed a tray. “Trent’s here. I need their usual scotch.”

  Manny kept his head down and went right to work, filling the glasses with the expensive amber liquid. He sat one at a time on my tray and once he was done he went back down to the end of the bar in silence.

  I took the tray and went back to the private room. When I pushed through the door I was met with the usual cigar smoke that I so very much detested yet loved at the same time because it meant Trent was close.

  He was on the other side of the table this time, and when he looked up from his hand of cards and spotted me his eyes twinkled. “Amber,” he delighted. “What are you doing here?”

  I smiled and came over to the table, our eyes locked together with every step I took that brought me closer to him. “I got called in. We’re very busy.”

  He sat his cards face down on the table. “I saw that when I came in. Well,” he said, picking up his cigar and leaning back, “I’m very happy you get to serve me tonight.” His lips drew back with a self-satisfied smile before he took a puff.

  My lips copied his as I came right up next to him and took a glass of scotch from my tray. “I’m happy I get to serve you as well,” I replied smoothly as I sat it down on the table in front of him.