It's Complicated: A Reservations Story

Beckett laughed, a throaty sound, and finally came forward to the edge of the open door. He stared down at Julian, who couldn’t seem to make himself shut the door. He’d only been partly teasing. He’d bet Beckett could keep him safe.

“I’m going to shut this door,” Beckett drawled, “before you finish that thought with something that dashes the image of me you just built. Text me your address. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Beckett lowered his head far enough to see inside the car. “Woofer, take care of our guy for me.”

The dog’s tail thumped wildly against the seat whenever he heard his name. Woofer was a damn traitor, much like Julian’s fucking heart.

Julian situated himself inside the car and let Beckett shut the door. Beckett waited. His finger twirling, instructing Julian to start the engine when he paused. He did as directed, and Beckett gave him a thumbs up.

He watched Beckett and all his rugged swagger cut across the parking lot to the back door of the club. Julian had the same ridiculous urge of wanting Beckett safely inside the hotel before he left. He wanted nothing to happen to the only light inside his life.

A sigh slipped free as his shoulders slumped and his back hit the seat. How long had it been since he’d kissed a man and not ended up in their bed?

Never, that was how long. Yet, he sat there watching after Beckett, content as hell, looking forward to seeing him tomorrow. Nothing else mattered. He actually felt hopeful for the first time in forever.

Beckett turned at the door and threw out both hands in a what-the-hell-are-you-doing-Julian pose, before motioning for him to leave. Julian put the car in drive and started out of the parking lot as happiness swirled all around him.

Chapter 18

“Yup,” Julian said, distracted, momentarily blinded by the bright sun as he pushed through the Reservations employee exit with his cell phone stuck to his ear.

Thane was on his way to the airport again. This time he planned to leave Coronado for good, moving back home to Maryland full time to prepare for the Silva guys to follow. Julian could hear Logan and Luke, Levi’s younger brothers, talking excitedly in the background, which probably meant Thane had rented a limo for the special ride. He could tell the boys were blown away by all the cool features. The confusing part was why Thane chose to talk to him during the ride instead of focusing on being with his new family.

“The corporate management training team will be in touch with you today. Be on the lookout for their call. I want you to shadow Joshua immediately. You’ll also begin protocol and policy training. It’s your biggest weakness. Pay close attention; there’ll be a test afterward. They’ll also work you through all the service areas of Reservations. It’ll be rushed training but intensive, and I need you to focus. Let the club take care of itself. You’ve accepted a big job, Julian.”

The sun was way too bright. He reached for his sunglasses resting on top of his head, dropping them over his eyes. “I’ve been thinking about who should take my position at the club. I believe Ricco would be the best fit. He’s a self-starter and I like him. He’s become my right-hand man.”

“I was going to ask you what you thought about him. I’ve instructed HR to post the position. It’s our company policy that it must be posted before we fill, but I want you to encourage Ricco to apply. Feel him out tonight, but don’t offer him the job.” Thane’s voice turned stern, all business. “Professionalism is critical now that you’re in the role…”

A light honk drew Julian’s attention toward the parking lot as he fished the key fob out of his pocket to unlock his car doors. He looked up to see Beckett’s big black truck coming to a stop behind his car.

Julian lowered the phone as an age-old fantasy played out inside his head. Man, he loved a guy and his truck and started in that direction as the passenger side window lowered.

“You haven’t left yet. I was afraid I was late,” Beckett called out.

“Nah, I’m late. Thane’s giving me a list of things to do—” Shit. Julian quickly lifted the phone to his ear, praying Thane hadn’t realized he had stopped listening. He was so damn long-winded when he talked business.

“Are you there?”

Julian quickly ducked his head, lifting a single finger in the air for Beckett to see he needed a minute, and schooled his voice, trying for something sedate, as if he were contemplating Thane’s directive.

“I’m listening. I’ll talk to Ricco, and I’ll be vague. I’ll follow the management training. On Britney’s honor,” he said, trying to sound convincing when all he really wanted was to offer Ricco the nightclub management position and start transitioning into the new job. All the red tape made everything harder than it had to be.