by K. L. Jessop
“Oh, even better: a job open to trouble and God knows what else,” he grunts. “Where the hell is this job anyway?”
I look at Grayson, pleading with him to help me out here.
“She’ll be working with me,” he adds, clearing his throat. “There has been a position going at the bar. Ryan said Nora had applied and by all accounts was great. So naturally, I agreed that Shortcake should be hired.”
Asher turns toward Grayson, his jaw muscles moving as he growls. “And you never ran it by me first?”
“I shouldn’t have had to. She’s an adult. Besides, Ryan was in charge of hiring.”
“It’s your bar.”
“Where I have staff to help run it. A position was going, he hired, and that person is Nora. Where is the issue?”
“The issue, Gray, is the fact I’ll be available for men to look at, and that’s his real problem here,” I add, supporting him with my brother’s sudden irritation regardless of the fact that I know Grayson is annoyed I’ll be working for him. “Asher, I only just found out myself, so there’s no need to be pissed with him. Besides, I don’t see why there’s a problem when I’ll have my very own, personal babysitter in Grayson, so you’ll have all information on my whereabouts every day. Because let’s face it, it’s not like I’m allowed to breathe.”
“You’re my kid sister,” he glares. “And it’s not just about you working and the fact there will be men who will be watching you.”
“Then please explain because I’m getting a little tired of trying to work out how your brain is wired.”
“All right, that’s enough the both of you.” Mom’s stern voice cuts in, stopping us both. The sudden change in atmosphere has me both angry and confused because I can’t see why there is concern regarding me getting a damn job, other than Asher’s overprotective bullshit. He was the same when I turned twenty-one and could finally go out to a bar and drink. When home on college breaks, he’d follow me around Hot Tuna like my personal bodyguard until I had to ask mom to get him to back off. Now, though, it seems we are back to square one over a little job.
Pushing back my chair, I head toward the patio doors to go back inside. “Congratulations, Nora!” I mumble sarcastically.
“What did you say?”
I turn to face my brother, everyone else looking at me. The more I’m here, the more the rage in me is rising, so it’s only better that I leave. But fuck if they think I’m leaving without expressing myself. “I said, Congratulations, Nora. Because if no one else is going to wish me well done, then I might as well say it to myself.”
“You’re right, sweetheart. I’m sorry. Congratulations,” Mom says. “I know Grayson will take great care of you, so at least we all agree on that.”
“You know I’d never let anything bad happen to her, Fiona. She’s my little lady.”
I dart my eyes at him and hold his stare. His expression is now unreadable, but his statement has the power to inflict a fire inside of me which only collides with the anger I’m carrying.
Why is he so beautiful yet so damn confusing?
My phone vibrates in my pocket, and when I take a look, Makenna’s text has me tapping out a reply faster than I can think, needing to get out and clear my thoughts after what has just gone down here.
Makenna: How about we celebrate? Drinks tonight?
Me: Hell yes!
Chapter Nine
Nora
“Holy shit. When did you get so sexy?” Makenna chants, entering her bedroom with two Margaritas as I give myself a once over in her mirror. The atmosphere at home after dinner didn’t become much better. Dad ended up being quieter than usual, Asher kept going back for more beer, and Grayson left not long after my job announcement. I packed up the things I needed and headed to Makenna’s where I’ve been for most of the evening.
“I’ve been this sexy all my life,” I grin, putting in my big hoop earrings. I’m in a pair of short red shorts, a black crop top, and a pair of strappy heels. I’ve styled my hair so it hangs in long loose curls, and my makeup is a little heavier than how I’d usually apply it, given the fact I’m going out.
“Do I go for the red or the white heels?” she asks holding a color of each in either hand. Makenna is dressed in a snug-fitting halter neck dress, the neckline falling below her breastbone, her hair is up in a stylish yet messy bun, and she’s showing enough flesh that she’s sure to have the guys following her with their tongues hanging out.
“I’m not answering that because you never go with my choice anyway. But what I will say is that I want that dress because it’s hot as shit.”
She laughs. “I bought it online. I’ll send you the company link.”
“Much appreciated. So, are we headed to Chick’s and then Hot Tuna like usual, or do you have other plans?”
“Chick’s and Hot T.”
Grabbing my glass from the top of her cupboard, I take a seat on her bed while she continues to get ready. Knowing that she would change her mind, I watch as she opts for a pair of nude heels, making her look even more killer than she already is.
“So, do you think Grayson will be there tonight?” she asks, looking at me through the reflection of the mirror.
“Of course he will be. It’s his bar.”
“Okay, let me rephrase that,” she turns to look at me. “What will you do when you see Grayson tonight?”
“Nothing. I’m out with you.” I know what she’s doing: she’s trying to get me to talk to him.
“So, you’re not going to have it out with him, ask him what’s going on?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. Maybe. Dad keeps telling me not to give up and that he needs me, but I think the only thing he needs right now is to get the stick out of his ass.”
“Do you think he’s okay with you working there?”
“After this afternoon, I don’t think anyone is happy with me working there. Gray didn’t appear best pleased that’s for sure. I just don’t know anymore.”
His contradictive attitude gives me an indication that there is something far greater on his mind than just his grief, but I don’t know how long I can go on pretending that I’m okay with it.
“I’m just going to be myself when he’s around and see what happens.”
“And being yourself is getting crazy drunk with your bestie and dancing the night away,” she grins, holding up her glass in a toast. “To us girls, and may the men realize what they are missing out on when they are being jackasses.”
I grin, raising my glass to meet hers. “To us girls.”
Hot Tuna never fails when it comes to giving you the vibe you’re after. While Chick’s Oyster Bar is just as upbeat, the chilled clam shack feel is nothing compared to this place. You can feel the atmosphere before you’ve even stepped foot out of the cab, the music vibrating in your chest like never before. With regular entertainment throughout the week, tonight is DJ night, and Makenna is literally bouncing out of her skin with excitement.
“My God, I forgot how busy this place gets on a weekend,” I call from behind her as we make our way inside. Everywhere we turn, we bump into people, apologizing as we go, as the heat from the club covers my body.
“Have you missed this place?” she laughs.
“I’ve not missed the heat.”
“Skinny Margaritas?”
“Please.”
We get drinks and remain at the bar, and although I’ve told my friend that I am out with her and her alone, I can’t help my eyes drifting around the club to look for Grayson.
“Well, if it isn’t Ms. Nelson?”
I turn toward the sound of the male voice and smile. “Hey, Ryan. How are you doing?” I step into his embrace, and the strength of him lifts me up off the floor. I’ve known Ryan ever since he started working here. My interview with him had not been like I’d expected. Instead of him asking me loads of questions about how I’d contribute as part of a team or what I could bring to the club, we’d sat outside on the patio talking about all the things we�
�d like to do this summer.
“I’m good thanks.”
“Ready for Monday?”
“Of course. Can’t wait.”
“Excellent. I’ve provided you with a locker and there’s an apron in there, so you’ll just have to ask Gray for the key.”
“Thanks. Is he working tonight?”
He looks around the bar. “Yeah. He must still be out back, though. Shall I give him a shout?”
“No, it’s fine. I’m here with Makenna anyway.” I point as she steps back to hand me my drink. I don’t miss the descent of his stare when he checks out my friend, and her eyes, too, roam over him like he’s her next meal.
“Well, that’s probably for the best. He’s in another one of his moods. You two ladies enjoy your evening. Give me a shout if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Ryan.” I smile, not surprised by the fact Grayson is a little off. Him staying out of the way is likely a good idea because I can’t be held responsible for what leaves my mouth now my body is intoxicated.
“Damn, he is a fine piece of ass,” Makenna says, checking Ryan out as he heads around the bar. “I wouldn’t kick him out of bed.”
“You don’t kick him out of bed.” I laugh. “I don’t understand why you two don’t just tell everyone that you are together.”
“Because we are not together. And to be honest, I don’t think we’ll ever be. We’re just there to satisfy each other, and right now I’m happy with that because there’s no way in hell I’m looking to settle down anytime soon.”
“Such a wild child.”
“And you wouldn’t have me any other way.” She grins. “So, I still get to check out the eye candy in the club. And now that you’re home, we can have many nights of partying while we spend our days lying on the beach ogling guys.”
“Don’t forget I have a new job now, so I can’t have too many late nights. I don’t want to be falling asleep whilst serving the food.”
“Do you realize how old you sound right now?”
I laugh. “Yep.”
“But I guess you are right. It was only last week my co-worker told me I get a little stabby when I’m over tired.”
“Oh really? I’ve never noticed.” Stabby is a polite way of putting it: evil bitch would be my interpretation.
“Yeah, I even locked one of her assistants in the storeroom one time because he pissed me off.” She giggles, stirring her drink around the glass with her straw. “And that, my friend, is a true story.”
My eyes widen with her confession. “You didn’t?”
“One of the guests reported a disturbance. I didn’t realize that the lock had broken from the inside, and poor Jon was a sweaty mess when we got him out. Apparently, I didn’t help his claustrophobia.”
“The poor guy,” I laugh.
“I still can’t understand why he refused to speak to me for weeks. I mean, it’s not like I did it on purpose.” She shrugs, grinning. “Well, at least I don’t think I did.”
“You are evil, Makenna Dixon.”
“That’s what my mother says,” she jokes. “Now, I believe it’s your turn at the bar.” She sucks the rest of her margarita through her straw and hands me her glass with a wink. It’s her fourth drink since we left her house, and we’ve only been out just over an hour.
“On a scale of one to whatever, how drunk are you planning on getting tonight?”
“Definitely the whatever part. I mean, the latter is always better, right?”
I grin. “It depends on the option, but thanks for letting me know. I’ll be sure to put a bucket at the side of your bed once we’re back at your place.”
“And this is why you’re my best friend. Now go cheer up Mr. Happy. He’s just entered the room.”
I wait to be served at the bar, and scanning my eyes around the area, I find Grayson talking to a guy at the other end, laughing with each other.
I suddenly want to know what has amused him—why he seems so relaxed with others but is a different person when we are together. When he turns toward me, his eyes lock on mine. His ocean blues change instantly, the amusement lost as they hold me captive. A hot tingle races down my spine like a deadly weapon. This is not a figment of my imagination: it’s damn right real, and I can feel the effects of his stare in places no man has ever touched.
Pushing off the edge of the bar, he makes his way over to me.
“What are you doing here, Shortcake?”
I can’t work out if it’s a question or an accusation, but what is clear is the manner behind it. Frustration seems to be running high with everyone today, and I seem to be at the core of it.
“I think the correct question is, ‘what can I get you, Shortcake?’” I smile, trying to lighten the mood, but in return I get nothing. I roll my eyes and let out an exhale. “I’m out with Makenna. She wanted to help me celebrate my new job.”
He takes his eyes away from mine and looks across the club, his jaw locked tight. “What d’you want?”
An explanation.
“Two skinny Margaritas, please.”
I watch him prepare our drinks as the music coming from the DJ area fills the space between us.
“Where are you staying tonight?” he asks robotically without looking at me, and I know he’s asking to reassure himself that I’ll be safe.
“Makenna’s. That’s if she doesn’t go home with a guy. Then I’ll just head home. Why?”
“Your brother is shitfaced at his place. Please drop me a text when you’re in.”
So, what? Now that I’m home he suddenly cares and needs to know of my whereabouts?
I have to fight back the emotion that’s building in my chest. How does one man have the power to make me feel angry as hell and hot with need all at once?
“Gray, have I done something wrong?” I snap not able to take anymore.
“No. Why would you think that?”
“Because you’re making me feel like I have. And I don’t just mean right now.”
He locks eyes with me, and I swear there’s regret in his. Placing the drinks in front of me, he confuses me even more and smiles softly. “You’ve not done anything wrong, Shortcake. I’m just tired and working.”
“Then why—”
“Drinks are on me. Go and enjoy your evening.”
With that, he casts me aside and heads down the bar to serve someone else.
Stunned by his rejection, I head back to Makenna as fury once again burns through me. I’m not an angry person. I don’t like confrontations, and I certainly don’t like the aggression that is building, but right now, Grayson Bennett has me on the verge of going crazy.
“What’s his problem now?” Makenna asks, nodding toward the bar as I hand over her drink.
“No idea but he’s working and tired so that more or less told me to leave him the fuck alone. But don’t worry, he still cares some because I have to notify him of my whereabouts later so he can rest easy,” I state, sarcasm overflowing. “I mean, Jesus. If this carries on, I won’t be pulling that stick out of his ass, I’ll be shoving the damn thing up even more. Who the hell does he think he is? Asking me to drop him a text!” I’m so mad, my body physically shakes.
Meanwhile, Makenna is looking at me with a shit eating grin on her face. “You sound a little stabby.”
I laugh, shaking my head in disbelief. “Yeah, I am just a little bit.”
She places her arm around my shoulder and turns us toward the dance floor. “You know what you need? A new direction.” She points to some guys across the room who are sitting in a booth. “Hot bait to the left. The one in the black is so your type.”
A small group of guys are laughing and joking with each other. They are all good-looking men, the one in the black shirt more my type than the others, but I’ve got more important things on my mind right now and his eyes are burning into me from behind the bar.
“How do you know he’s single? He could be married. Or even gay.”
“Married or gay, he’ll wish he wa
s neither once he learns there’s a virgin checking him out,” she mumbles in my ear so only I can hear.
I burst out laughing, blessed by the fact she calms my mood in seconds. “Next you’ll be saying I need to auction myself off online.”
“Hey, don’t dis that shit. You can make millions doing that. I’d pay toward it just to see your brother’s face when he realizes your booty is all over the web.”
“You are crazy.”
“And I’m not the only one,” she says, looking over my shoulder. “If I had to pick out a hot mess in male form, I’d choose the one standing not far behind you.”
I roll my eyes. “I can feel his stare burning into me.”
“That’s not the only thing he wants to be burning into you.”
“Stop it, Makenna. It’ll never be like that.”
She side-eyes me. “That’s only what you’re telling yourself, but standing on the outside looking in, I can see that a certain Mr. Bennett is fighting a lot more than he lets on. I’m a woman of the world, Nora. I see things others don’t or don’t wish to.”
“A woman of the world at twenty-two, huh? Impressive.”
“Shut up. You know I’m right. You’re just choosing to not believe it in case he hurts you. Which I can see he’s doing. Now, go sort it out with him.”
“No. I’m here with you.” Like my eyes deceive me, I glance over my shoulder only to find Grayson heading out toward the back. “Besides, he’s gone now.”
“Nora. Go. Ryan is here for me to talk to. And even if you don’t get anywhere, at the very least you can try and help push that stick a little more.” She grins, but then her features soon change to a playful glare, telling me with her eyes that I need to do as she says and finally sort this shit out that has been going on too long.
“Fine,” I sigh before I drink the rest of my Margarita in one sweep for a little Dutch courage. “I won’t be long. Wish me luck.”
“You don’t need it. You’ll have him in the palm of your hand in no time.”
Notifying Ryan that I need to speak with Grayson, he allows me out the back to his office.