“I got the wrong batteries,” Brianna explained. “For the games. I need AA batteries and I brought AAA batteries.”
“I saw a little shop near the lobby,” Cassie said, checking her watch. “I'll go grab some. AA batteries, right?”
“Yes. Thanks,” Brianna replied. “I'll keep setting up the games. Don't worry. I'll tell your bartender you're coming back.”
“You better,” Cassie told her with a smile. She glanced over at Wyatt, hoping to get his attention, but he was busy making drinks for the new guests. She thought about saying something, but the store was about to close. She had to hurry.
Cassie jogged across the lush gardens of the resort to the main lobby. The sun was already dipping behind the ocean and tiki torches burned against the starry sky above. Everything was warm and humid, but the gentle sea breeze made it comfortable.
Cassie made it to the small store just in time. She found a stack of overpriced AA batteries and headed back to the register. Along the way, she saw a condom selection.
She grabbed a box. Just because she was being fun-loving, risky Cassie didn't mean she had to be that risky. She could still be her prepared self and have fun. She made sure to grab the extra thin for her pleasure variety.
Luckily, the attendant didn't even blink an eye at her purchases. At least she wasn't wearing Janessa's penis crown while buying batteries and condoms. That might have at least made the clerk look up.
The party was in full swing by the time Cassie returned. She tucked the condoms deep in her purse, not wanting Janessa or Brianna to see them. She didn't mind their gentle teasing, but she also didn't want to give them ammunition either.
Music filled the room, and dance lights flickered around the dance floor. Cassie looked for Wyatt and found him behind the bar.
Unfortunately, Lorna had discovered him as well.
She wore a sexy little black dress that showed off more cleavage than Cassie could ever hope to achieve. The skirt was nearly nonexistent, and everything was skin-tight. Her blonde hair was piled up in a sexy, careless style on her head that Cassie suspected took a serious amount of time.
For the first time all night, Cassie felt plain. Her sparkly necklace felt gaudy. The shorts were too short and her low-cut tank top not low-cut enough. She didn't stand out against Lorna.
She was boring. Like usual. She wasn't worth attention. Corporate Rule Five: Remain inconspicuous. Guests are here for the hotel, not the staff.
Cassie hung toward the back of the room, hiding in the dark. This party and outfit weren't her. She didn't take risks. She wasn't the kind of girl to walk around with a box of condoms in her purse. She didn't sleep with men until at least the sixth or seventh date, and not until she was absolutely sure they weren't married and that they had a healthy 401K plan.
She didn't want to make the same mistakes she'd made with her ex-husband. She didn't need to be forgotten and unwanted again. She was the kind of person that worked in the background, getting things done. She didn't draw attention to herself. That's who Cassie was. She wasn't the kind of girl to take a chance like this. Stealing the bartender away from Lorna wasn't her style. She thought about leaving. Janessa would understand.
But then Wyatt looked at her. He looked up and across the room and found her. Relief filled his features that she was still there. He smiled at her. He ignored Lorna and her overflowing cleavage. In fact, Lorna looked downright annoyed that he wasn't giving her the time of day.
He was giving Cassie the time of day. He was giving her the whole damn clock.
Maybe the risk was worth it. There were things in life she regretted because she didn't take the chance. She'd always played it safe. That's why she was so good at her job. She liked being safe and her company rewarded that. No innovation, no mistakes, but no growth. She was stagnant.
She needed to be a little risky.
She needed to take a chance. And Wyatt looked like the best chance she had.
Chapter Ten
Cassie
Aunt Suzette sang in a key generally reserved for cats in heat.
The bar sang along, belting out the warbles and key changes along with Whitney Houston. Cassie would never hear “I Will Always Love You” the same way ever again. The song would forever be about tonight.
Cassie was having a blast.
The music was loud, the drinks strong, and the people fun. Everyone was singing and dancing under the glittering disco lights of the karaoke bar. Color and laughter filled the room.
“Time for blow-jobs!” Wyatt yelled from the bar. The women all turned and grinned.
Wyatt had eight shot glasses filled with liquor and topped with a healthy dose of whipped cream. He'd been calling out dirty shots all night. So far they'd had sex on the beach, banana “dick”uiri, buttery nipples, and a pink climax.
Every one of them had been delicious, but Cassie was careful only to take half the shot. She was still embarrassed by the last time she'd had too much to drink.