The rumbling reverberated inside him and desire flooded through his overheated body. But the sudden sound of clapping penetrated his need-fogged brain and reminded him that they had an audience—something Ari knew when she’d started kissing him. The woman had an agenda. She had the ability to play him, while he’d gotten lost in anything she offered.
Damn. He had to get himself back under control and fast. They stepped apart at the same time, with Quinn completely conscious of the stares of those around him—of the employees who answered to Quinn, and of Connor, who’d never let him live this down.
“Don’t work too hard,” Ari said, flicking a speck of lint off his shirt. “I’ll see you when I’m off the clock.” With a sassy wave of her hand, she turned, picked a drink tray off the bar, and walked over to the nearest table. The college professor was nowhere in sight.
“I didn’t know they were an item,” Quinn heard Maria say to Connor.
“You learn something new every day.”
Quinn didn’t have to turn to see the killer grin Connor was probably flashing the waitresses’ way. Instead he watched Ari smile and flirt with a table of businessmen, then turn the same charm on the guys in T-shirts and grungy jeans. Once she set her mind on something, Ari had an ease about her and an ability to handle anything. She impressed him. A lot.
“Seems like you owe me an apology, sweetstuff,” Quinn heard Connor say to Maria. “All I was doing was trying to relax the new employee, not pick her up. Though why you care now when you refused any date I ever suggested is beyond me.”
“You’re an arrogant male who thinks he’s God’s gift to women. That I can live without.”
Connor chuckled. “Go ahead and try.”
Quinn left the bickering duo behind. He had work to do. And Ari with the wandering hands and powerful kiss would be here when he was done.
Quinn leaned back in a plush leather chair in Damon’s inner office and watched the bank of screens monitoring tables in the casino. He forcibly kept his gaze from the monitor covering the bar where Ari worked. He felt her presence anyway. Real or imagined, her scent clung to his clothing and hours later he still tasted her on his lips. But slowly the night crept by and soon he’d be driving her home.
By meeting her both before and after her shift, he minimized her ability to walk around and talk to people, asking questions about her missing sister. He didn’t know how long she’d put up with his presence, but once Quinn got his first look at the books this weekend, the entire operation might actually be over. Thank God. He ran a hand through his hair and shut his eyes, when a door slamming told him he had company.
“Slacking off on the job, Quinn?” Damon asked, his chuckle low and deep.
Quinn shook his head. “I’m just resting up before the long weekend.”
“That’s what I wanted to discuss with you.” Damon slung his jacket over the desk and began a methodic unbuttoning and rolling up of his sleeves. His gold Rolex gleamed under the fluorescent lighting. “I’ve had to rearrange my plans.”
Quinn’s gut warned him he wasn’t going to like the change. “I’m flexible,” he said. He rocked back and forth in the chair as if years of planning weren’t on the line.
“Roxanne can’t get away, so we’ll hit Palm Springs next weekend instead.” Damon took a seat on the corner of the desk, unconcerned. “I’ll just spend this weekend here.” His arm made a sweeping motion in the direction of the monitors, which flickered behind him, showing his domain in all its full-Technicolored glory.
“Whatever works for you, boss. You know that.”
Damon reached for the remote control and pulled the bar up onto the main television screen. “How’s our newest employee?” he asked, bringing Ari into full view.
“She’s settling in.”
“And you’re keeping an eye on her. I think that’s a good idea, considering.” Damon tapped his fingers on the desk, watching Ari as she worked. “She doesn’t suspect you in her sister’s disappearance?”
Quinn raised an eyebrow. “Hell no. I’m a charming guy and she likes me.”
“From the videos I’ve seen, I’d say she likes you a lot.” Damon tipped his head back and laughed aloud.
He’d obviously seen the kiss. Probably both of them, Quinn thought, and his skin crawled at the notion of Ari being watched.
“I don’t want to find her going through my books. Her sister came too damn close. I don’t intend a repeat performance.” Damon’s voice sobered. “Keep her busy,” he ordered.
“Sure thing. It’s not like being with her is a hardship,” Quinn joked.
Damon inclined his head. “Good. Do whatever you have to. Even at the expense of being in the hotel. If I know she’s occupied and in your capable hands, I have no problem covering for you here.”