Tempted

“Yep, you know me. I’m always around.” Whistling, he goes about slinging barstools down off the bar. His movements are exaggerated and obnoxious, but I might just give him a raise for saving my ass.

“You know, Drew, I could use some help lugging bottles from the cellar. Do you mind if Monica sticks around and helps me out?”

As much as I just want her gone, I appreciate Carter’s tactics. “Sure, whatever.” I make haste to my office. Releasing the breath I had been holding, I slink into my chair. I have to do something about Monica. She’s becoming an issue.

My mind drifts to thoughts of Bailey. The girl has me wrapped up in her. It’s not only about sex. I like simply talking to Bailey. She’s easy to be around. It’s refreshing.

My phone rings, and I see my mother’s face light up the screen. She’s beautiful, if bitch is your type. I love her, but she’s a high-society snob. “Hello, Mother.”

“Darling, Andrew,” she purrs through the speaker. “What is my favorite son up to? You aren’t at that filthy club, are you?”

“I actually just finished shoveling manure off the floor. Now I’m going to begin my afternoon of plunging vomit from the toilets.” My sarcasm never bodes well with Alta Lawson.

“Not funny,” she huffs.

“To what do I owe this pleasure, Mom?”

“I want to invite you to dinner tomorrow night. We’re having filet, your favorite.”

It’s not, but I won’t correct her. Despite my mother’s bitchiness to the world, she has always doted on me. She cared for me as much as she could without breaking her well-manicured nails. I haven’t spent much time with her since Alexa’s death. Alexa’s mother and mine are extremely close friends, and I can’t help but feel like my mother blames me and the club for what happened to Alexa. I know her family does. If only they knew that Alexa was into cocaine way before we ever hooked up.

“Can’t. I’ll be at the club.”

“You own the club, Drew. You can take the night off.”

I sigh. I know there’s no use fighting it. “Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I’m ready to move forward with my life. Perhaps enduring a night with my mother will be a step in the right direction.

37

Bailey

I’ve been at Silver for an hour, and there’s been no sign of Drew. I’ve kept busy by looking at the proposal sent today by his architect for the new space we found. I might not be the best person to look them over, but even with my limited knowledge of the topic, I can already see some tweaks we’ll have to make to the sketches. All the extra time I’ve spent at the club has paid off.

I can’t wait for Drew to get here so we can discuss what I found. As pathetic as it sounds, I’m practically bouncing with excitement to see him. Not just to tell him about this, but also because I miss him.

The past few months have been the best of my life, and after our trip last weekend, I can’t help but feel as though we’ve turned a corner.

The thought has me scared out of my mind. I didn’t want this, but he makes me wish for things I have no business wishing for. This is the type of thing that can hurl me right down the rabbit hole and back into the world of kaleidoscope vision.

“What the hell has gotten into you, Chipper Charlie?” I raise my brow at Carter.

“Chipper Charlie? What the heck is that?” I tease.

“Don’t dodge my question, missy. Spill it.”

“Keep this on the down-low, and it’s not a big thing, but Drew and I have been . . . seeing each other.”

He frowns, causing my eyes to shoot up in question. “Just be careful, Bailey.”

I blanch. “Wow. No congrats, I’m happy for you, Bae?”

“Are you in a relationship? Does he call you his girlfriend?” It’s my turn to frown at Carter.

“I’m sorry. Just forget I said anything. I care about you, and I want to make sure you’re okay, is all.” I smile at my friend.

“I know, and I love you for it, but Carter, I am so happy. I want to live in my bubble for as long as possible.” He nods.

“It’s not the bubble I’m worried about. It’s what happens after that bubble bursts,” he says warily. “But hey, it might not, so let’s go with that.” I bite my lip at his words.

At that moment, Drew walks by, winking in my direction. My insides melt and all talk of this not being anything goes to the wayside. I’m back on cloud nine.

“Hey. I know you have a fancy job . . .”

“Spit it out, Carter. You know I’m here to help.”

“Since you offered . . .” He laughs because clearly, I walked into a trap. “Can you head to VIP three and clean it up?” Carter requests, and I oblige. Even though I don’t have to anymore, I still help out around the floor and bartend when Carter needs me. Might as well until the deal with the restaurant is finally done.