Conceal

“I do. But I’m also the boss. Come meet me,” I say again because I really want her to come. I’m used to being with her. Here I am at a club, desperate to have fun, but what I figured out is with her, I don’t.

Not exactly sure what that means, but it’s true.

You know what it means, ass. Grow a pair of balls and fucking admit you want her as more than a friend.

“Where are you?” she asks.

“Chaos lounge.”

“I’m not going to a club. I just got off work.”

“Another poker game?” I ask, my eyes closing as I envision the short skintight black dress that hugs all her curves that leaves nothing to the imagination.

“No. I’ll talk to you later.” The line goes silent, and I stare at my phone. She hung up on me. I laugh. This girl is nothing like any girl I’ve ever met before. I hit the call button again because I’m drunk enough not to care.

“What, Jax?”

“Come. I bet you’re not even home yet.” When she doesn’t speak, I continue. “Are you?”

“No.”

“Are you alone? Or are you with Maggie?”

“Maggie.”

“Driving?”

“Jeez, Jax. Yes.”

“Put me on speakerphone.” I can hear right away when I am because even though it’s loud in the main area of the club, this area is tucked away far in the back, making it easy to hear.

“Hey, Jax,” I hear Maggie say through the line. I’ve only spoken to Maggie that one night, but still, I feel like I know her through Willow.

“I got a table and a bottle with your name on it. Bring Willow.”

“Don’t listen to him. I’m tired,” I hear Willow say to Maggie.

“Where are you at?” Maggie asks. That makes me smile because I know I can win Maggie over, and if I win Maggie over, I win Willow over.

“Chaos. Table and free booze.”

“Cool. We’ll be there.”

“No, we won’t,” Willow pipes up.

“Live a little.” Maggie laughs.

“Fine.”

“I’ll leave your name at the door.” I hang up and head to the bouncer. It only takes me a few minutes more, and then I’m back at the table, filling my glass up yet again. This is probably a bad idea, but it’s been so long since I’ve gone out like this, and I really don’t care, especially after my day. Even when I am doing my job, no one takes me seriously, so I might as well let loose, come in late to work, and have a good time.

Knowing it might take a while, I lean back, drink in hand, and I wait.

I’m done with my drink when I finally see her approach. Okay, not finished, but I’m taking the last swig when I notice her, and I choke on the sip.

Fuck.

This girl is like a wet dream. Fuck that, she’s more than a wet dream. She’s otherworldly. She’s like a Greek goddess sent down to Earth to tempt men. Her long locks flow in waves, and this dress is even tighter than the previous ones.

She’s gorgeous. And fuck me if I don’t want her.

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Willow

I can’t believe Maggie is making me go out right now. After a long day of working, the last thing I want to do is go to a bar and have a drink. Sure, I appreciate the phone call, but I’m tired.

“Stop pouting. It’s going to be fun.”

“I’m not pouting.”

I am. I’m actually doing more than that. I’m having a full-blown internal meltdown over what I will do if they decide to card me.

I have no identification. I can’t go.

Old Willow would have flirted with the bouncer to get in or entered with her head held high as if she owned the place.

New Willow is, apparently, a coward.

“Sure you are, but after the night I’ve had, I really don’t care. You’re coming out with me, and you’re having a drink with me. We’re going to have fun because as long as you’ve been living in my apartment in the city, we have not gone out.” When she puts it like this, I feel like a big asshole. Because she’s right. After all she’s done for me, the least I can do is this. If they card me, I’ll come up with an excuse. Yeah. That’s what I’ll do. It will be fine. Even though I tell myself this, my stomach still churns with the uncertainty.

“You’re right.”

“I know I am. And it will be fun.”

“I’m not sure about that, but I’ll try.”

“Oh, my God. I’m excited. Apparently, this is the best place in the city. It’s members only. Unless you’re a guest, of course.”

Now, I really have no desire to go. In my previous life, invite clubs were a norm. I welcome the solitude I have now. But obviously, I need to put my big girl panties on.

We take no time to get there, and before I know it, we’re parked and walking inside. Lucky for me, they don’t check IDs. Another reason I don’t go out. I can’t risk it. But seeing as we were on a list, we’re escorted right in and straight to Jaxson’s table.