Total pages in book: 64
Estimated words: 60497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 60497 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 302(@200wpm)___ 242(@250wpm)___ 202(@300wpm)
Mom’s gaze narrows. “That was a long time ago.”
“I’ve been working closely with Rainey.” I leave it there, hoping one of them will put two and two together and not make me spell out my concerns.
Mom shakes her head. “You’ve grown up. There’s no reason for them to have a problem with my son dating their daughter. Is that what’s happening?” she asks, excitement in her voice, and I realize my mistake immediately.
I should have kept my mouth shut. “No. Not… yet. And I’d appreciate it if you kept any hint of a relationship to yourself.”
“Got it.” Mom mimics zipping her lips and throwing away the key.
“Son, it’s time you start thinking about yourself as the man you are and not the troubled kid you once were.” Once again, Dad puts his hand on my shoulder. This time he squeezes. “Trust me on this one.”
I nod and decide not to mention Jack, and how I’ve already violated bro code. On a generational level, I think that’s a step beyond what they’d understand.
By the time I leave and head back to the club, a part of me feels better about pursuing Rainey for real. But not the part that’s worried about my best friend and partner finding out.
For now, though, Jack is out of town, and I have Rainey to myself.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Lucas
I’m back at the club and the night is in full swing. We’re packed inside, with a line out the door and around the building. It’s everything we dreamed of when we discussed opening Midnight. I look toward the bar, and a hot redhead catches my eye. I don’t have a glimmer of interest in return. Though I smile, I shake my head. She shrugs and turns to the guy seated next to her.
An argument breaks out on the floor to my left, capturing my attention. I brace my hands on my chair, ready to head down the stairs from the balcony, when a bouncer steps in.
Suddenly, two hands cover my eyes. “Good job turning down that pretty woman at the bar,” a familiar, sultry voice whispers in my ear so I can hear over the music.
My dick immediately hardens because Rainey is here, her amber scent filling my nostrils. I grasp her wrists and pull her hands off my eyes, then release her. “Come sit.”
Grinning, she takes the chair beside me and slides in close. Because we’re used to leaning in to hear each other, nobody will think anything of her nearness.
I take in her club attire. A flirty, short, teal-colored dress, cinched at the waist, then flaring out and ending mid-thigh, along with a pair of nude pumps that no doubt have red soles on the bottom. She’s fucking gorgeous and she came to see me.
“What brings you by?” I ask.
“I missed hanging out with you.” Her honesty surprises me. “That, and you never said why you stopped by the office this morning.”
I laugh at her reply. “You could have called or texted me to ask.”
“I could have.” Amusement dances in her eyes. “Except…”
“You missed me,” I say. “Well, it just so happens I came by earlier because I missed you too.”
Her red lips part softly and I’m dying to kiss her. But we’re in public and that could get us in trouble.
She rests her hand on my thigh beneath the table where no one can see and moves her palm higher, way too close to my cock that’s now throbbing with desire. “Do you have to stay here all night?” she asks. “Or can we sneak out to your place or mine?”
I could probably leave and let the managers handle things. They’ve done it often. But I don’t think I can wait for a drive to get her alone. “I have a better idea. Follow me.” I rise from my seat, hoping nobody looks down and notices my erection.
I’d love to take her hand as we make our way through the club, but again… someone might notice. I hate this fucking secrecy shit, I think, as we weave through the crowd, ending up at the entrance to the back hall where the offices are located. Mine is the first one and I pull her inside, slam the door shut, and lock it behind us.
“The good news is we soundproofed the offices so that we don’t hear the loud club when we’re working at our desks. Scream all you want. Nobody will hear you.”
Before I can think about my next steps, she’s in my arms, her mouth is on mine, and all is right in my world. I kiss her, my tongue delving through her parted lips and drinking in all that is Rainey. Somehow, we end up with her back against the door.
I slide my hand up her bare thigh, feeling her silky skin, my fingers tracing the edge of her panties before slipping beneath the elastic. She spreads her legs, giving me easier access. But it’s not enough and as skimpy as they are, I yank them off her, ripping the sides and shoving them into my sport jacket pocket.