Lola still wasn’t totally sure she’d survive in the Marketing department at Staci Kay, but she felt just optimistic enough to take the leap of faith and buy the affordable version of her dream car.
* * *
Alex pulled into the parking lot adjacent to Pete’s, and Lola took the space right next to his Volvo.
She climbed out and said, “Silver suits you, but I am so loving this shade of blue.” She admired her new ride and then turned back to him with a bright smile, dimple and all.
“You look damn fine in that Beamer.” The adrenaline pumping through his veins was proof.
“I feel good about it,” she said as she locked the car with the fob. “Kind of nervous, because I might be biting off more than I can chew at Staci Kay. At the same time, it’s great to feel challenged and pressed to come up with the BBD every single day.”
“Your Bigger Better Deal being this ad campaign?”
“I thought I had it nailed from the pitch,” she said, as they walked to the entrance. “But I’d only scratched the surface. Which makes me curious about why Todd hired me. I think it has something to do with cornering him outside the men’s room. He seems to like chutzpah.”
“Babe, that’s something you have never lacked.”
She beamed, stealing Alex’s breath with her exuberance and sparkling eyes.
“I want to be their little superstar,” she confided. “I’ve barely slept since they promoted me. I can’t seem to shut down my mind—I’ve had trouble arranging all my thoughts.”
Alex pulled the door open for her, and they stepped inside Pete’s hip joint, heading for the long, stainless-steel bar lined with black bar stools. Soft, strategic lighting set off the sapphire accents. Tonight, a band with a sound similar to Imagine Dragons performed on stage.
Pete rounded the bar and swept Lola into a bear hug, lifting her off her feet. She let out a squeal of delight.
When he released her, he shook his head and said, “Damn, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?”
“Missed me, did ya?”
He laughed. “Life’s not quite as exciting without Lola Vonn around.”
She fanned herself with a hand and, in a sultry Southern drawl, said, “Oh, the flattery.”
Pete led them to a high-top up front by the band, with a RESERVED sign on it.
“You were expecting us,” Lola said.
“I told Alex if you didn’t come around soon, I’d never forgive you.”
Alex snickered. “That’s not exactly what you said.”
“Sit. Drink. Eat. Enjoy.”
Lola caught Pete’s arm. “You’re joining us, right?”
His gaze slid to Alex, who said, “It’s not a date, man. Bring us all a round of martinis. Make hers dirty.”
“I do like it that way,” she said, with a playful wink that made Alex’s cock spring to life. And had him thinking of all the ways he’d made her come the previous evening.
“I’m on it,” Pete said. “And I’ll put in an order for my latest app addition to the menu, truffle fries with garlic aioli. These alone will make you orgasm.”
He returned to the bar.
“Smart-ass,” Alex muttered as his friend sauntered off. To Lola, he said, “Pete knows I fucked you.”
She blanched. “You couldn’t come up with a preamble for that?”
“Just thought you should know. We talked at the gym.”