“Have a seat.” He indicated the bar with a nod. “Surprised that I cook?”
“Well, yeah.” She slid onto a stool. “A little.”
“I can,” he warned with a wave of the knife, “but I don’t pretend to do it well. The basics are all I know.”
They moved to the back patio and ate the salad he’d prepared while the steaks grilled. Rare for him and medium rare for her. Their discussion covered a broad range of things. Most of which were safe, generalized topics. But none had to do with his night clubs.
Sean’s cell phone chirped, and he excused himself.
Nicole stretched her legs across one of the empty chairs. From her vantage point, she watched him pace the kitchen. He rounded the center island then stopped to rummage through a drawer. Though the glass door was closed, she could hear the rise and fall of his voice. His tone was not a cheerful one. After a few moments, he slammed the drawer shut and disappeared from view.
She returned her attention to the beach and watched a family of four frolicking at the water’s edge. She and Brody had kissed on the same stretch of sand just a few nights ago. She remembered the feel of his lean, muscular body against hers. A fierce flush flooded her cheeks as she glanced up at the road leading down to it. Had Aaron not called and ruined the moment, she might have allowed Brody to do much, much more. She groaned and pushed herself to her feet. Thoughts like that could get her in trouble.
Nicole took a calm, deep breath then went in search of Sean. She found him in the huge pantry adjacent to the kitchen. He was in front of a wine cabinet, lost in thought. She cleared her throat and brought him back to reality.
“Sorry about that, Angel. What kind of wine do you like?”
Angel? What the hell was that? She didn’t know whether to say anything or just ignore it. She didn’t want to offend him, but she thought she’d made it clear that she wasn’t interested in anything personal.
It was much safer to deal with the wine issue. She didn’t drink much wine and didn’t know the difference between decent and better, French or Californian. Besides, it was too early in the day to drink. “I’m not much of a wine drinker. Do we have time to look over the roster I’ve put together?”
Instead of answering, he selected a bottle of white. He led her to the living room. Just like the other rooms, it was too sterile. The house in general had the feel of a luxurious hotel room. It didn’t feel homey or lived in at all. The framed paintings were lovely. The expensive furniture was tasteful and lavish, but nothing was personal —not her style.
Sean deposited the bottle and two glasses onto the coffee table. He crossed the room and popped a disc into the stereo. John Legend’s sensual, smooth voice drifted from hidden speakers.
Nicole sank onto the pristine white couch. Sipping wine and listening to sexy music was not appropriate to discuss business. She reached for her purse, anxious to get things back on track and removed a sheet of paper. “I’ve got a few ideas on who we can transfer over to the new club. I’ve also gone through the new applicants, and I think I have enough people to fill the new positions and cover any empty spots at Bitter Black.”
Sean handed her a glass of wine and watched her sip it. “I asked you here for a different reason.”
Nicole’s smile faltered. Her stomach dropped, and she braced herself for some horrible thing she just knew had to come. She sat the glass aside and scooted to the edge of the couch. “Oh?”
He mimicked her actions and clasped her hands in his. An apologetic expression darkened his smooth features. “I don’t know how to tell you this.”
Nicole launched herself off the couch. “You're firing me, aren't you? Did you find someone with more experience? I guarantee you that I am just as good as they are.”
Laughter rumbled up his throat and tears formed in his eyes.
“If you give me a chance, I—” Her chest constricted, and her eyes stung with the threat of angry tears. “Why are you laughing?”
Sean wiped at his eyes and regained some composure. His hands fell upon her shoulders. In a neatly choreographed move, he turned her to face him. “How in the world did you come to that conclusion?”
“I’m not fired?”
“No, nothing like that.”
"God, I feel like such an idiot. I’m going home to drown myself now.” Humiliation coiled in her stomach.
“Maybe we could just restart this conversation? I know we’ve just gotten to know each other, but I think I could care a great deal about you.” He sighed, and his shoulders dropped.
Nicole’s brows scrunched. He thought he could care about her? What was that supposed to mean? If it was his idea of a come on, the guy might want to rethink his game. “Bad idea. Like I said before, there is kind of someone else.”
“Then I still have a chance. I want us to explore more than a working relationship.”
“I’m just coming out of a bad relationship, Sean.”
“Now you’re just looking for excuses. That was over a year ago.” His hands kneaded her shoulders.
“I’m not ready to date. Aaron messed me up, and it’s hard for me to think about being close to someone again.” She stepped away from him. “I’m sorry if I’ve hurt your feelings.”
His gaze hardened. The icy look melted into another smile that didn’t surface in his eyes. “Not at all. I’ll just have to work harder to win you over.”
“I hope we could maybe be friends and still work together?” It did not escape her that she had said close to the same thing to Brody the night before.
Her words seemed to be what he needed to hear. After a quick peck on the cheek, he said, “Of course.”
The cell phone in his pocket shrilled again, and Nicole took the opportunity to show herself out.
****
All four of Bitter Black’s V.I.P. areas were full, and there was barely enough room on the dance floor to maneuver. Brody worked the crowd from his usual perch. Tonight he mostly played remixes of popular songs and some floor fillers. He looked good in well-fitted pair of jeans and a plain black t-shirt.
She recalled how he held her. His lips had danced across her skin and left a trail of desire in their wake. And his fingers, oh god, they were magic. He had smelled wonderful—masculine, warm, and a little salty from the ocean. The memory of his lips on hers made her crave another kiss.
Even though she didn’t want to admit it, she’d been thinking about the things Brody said that night. Maybe he was right. Perhaps she should embrace her life. With Hank gone, she didn’t have much choice.
His honey-brown eyes stared back at her. Giddy embarrassment crept into her cheeks. She ducked into the crowd and headed in the opposite direction. Somehow she got turned around and ended up at the DJ booth instead.
Brody’s tanned hand was outstretched, waiting for her to take hold. Lights danced across his shoulders and the hair that hung around his face. The three hoops in each ear sparkled and shined. God, he was so appealing. Her heart might not be ready to date again, but her body had different ideas.
“Hi.” He put on a hard, grinding song. She had to lean close to hear him. Her hands pressed against his chest as she leaned toward him.
Brody looked a bit melancholy as he scanned the crowd.
“What’s up?” She tucked her hair behind her ears.
“What are you doing later?” Brody leaned close. His lips brushed against the curve of her ear and sent a pulse of heat through her. His beautiful eyes were downcast, either peering down her shirt or at the floor.
He didn’t wait for an answer. Brody clasped her hand and pulled her closer. She rested her left hand against his chest and turned her ear toward his mouth.
The strobe lights flashed across him. “Dance with me."
Not for the first time tonight, her pulse pounded between her ears. All she could see, hear and feel was Brody. To stand this close to him was sensory overload. “I don’t dance!”
“My booth, my rules.” He began to move to the beat. The first so
ng gave way to a remix of Usher. His feet and hips moved, enticing her to do the same. He spun her slowly so that she wound up with her back against his chest.
She leaned her head against his shoulder and smiled up at him. His hands were on her hips and his mouth against her ear. His voice was velvety smooth like melted chocolate. “It’s okay to step out of your comfort zone every once in a while.”
There wasn’t much room on the platform to dance, but with his help, her body found the rhythm. Her arms were in the air, and her hips swayed against his hands. Their bodies bounced and moved as one to the beat. She closed her eyes and reveled in the sensations that coursed through her body. His hands swept down her arms and across her ribs to rest on her hips again.
From the corner of her eye, she spotted a familiar head of light colored hair. She snapped her gaze around and spotted Sean talking to Molly. Tony looked right at her. A frown warped his face. Mortified that her boss would reprimand her or even worse, Brody, she stepped away from him.
“That was fun, but I’d better get back to work.” She hoped he didn’t notice her reaction. There was an odd squint to his eyes as he looked out at the dance floor.
“Who’s next?” The throng of girls dancing below the platform squealed and waved their arms. As he pulled one up, a white-hot punch of jealousy ripped through her.
By the time she had climbed down from Brody’s platform, Sean and Tony had left the bar. The drink area was packed, but few were being served. Angry patrons voiced their agitation that only one bartender had shown for work.
Nicole hurried over. A flustered Molly stood on the other side and filled drink orders fast as she could. Nicole would have to make a few frantic calls until she either located the tardy bartender or found someone who could help out. She supposed she could do it if the customers just ordered a beer.
She joined Molly behind the bar then donned a petite red apron patterned with black lips. The line split and the people sitting at the end of the bar motioned her over.
She managed to fill a few orders with Molly’s verbal instructions. Mostly, she made a mess.
“Give me a blue-eyed blonde,” a man with a pierced septum and bald head demanded.
Was this a real drink or the man’s weird way of flirting with her? Molly was no help as she bent in search of some clandestine bottle.
She dropped a glass. Her face burned, and her discomfort grew as he continued to glare.
The man slammed his hand down on the bar. His eyes looked dangerous and animal. He leaned forward and revealed yellowed teeth.
Brody hopped over the end of the bar. His hand wrapped around her elbow. He pulled her away from the counter with gentle hands. “I’ve got this.”
Molly and Brody thinned the crowd down to a manageable number. Brody wiped down his work area and stowed the extra apron she’d worn beneath the counter.
“I didn’t know you were a jack of all trades.” Nicole watched his fingers brush the hair off his forehead. Her insides quivered at the memory of his touch.
“There are a lot of things you don’t know about me.” His gaze fell to her lips for a moment.
Molly looked on with raised brows. A hint of a smile suggested she was privy to something they weren’t.
Nicole took one of his hands and pulled him closer so she wouldn’t have to yell. “Thanks. I owe you one.”
“Meet me after work?” His words were urgent. Maybe what he had to tell her couldn’t wait. “I need to talk to you.”
Nicole couldn’t read anything in his eyes. Maybe he wasn’t the free and easy party-boy she’d first believed him to be. Her rational side warned her not to get too close.
He acted like her hesitation didn’t bother him. “I just had a few questions. You know, about what we talked about before.”
Disappointment rushed through her, and she was glad she hadn’t said anything stupid. “Sure, of course. Just wait for me in the lounge, and we can grab a coffee or something.” She tucked a stray hair behind her ear and hoped that her cheeks weren’t scarlet. Judging by the amount of heat that flooded her face, they were.
She reminded herself that any interest in him had to remain friendly and on a professional level. No matter how beautiful his eyes were or how talented his hands were, she could not throw her career aspirations out the door. Besides, he’d come to her with a problem and wanted to discuss it. That was all. There was nothing to get worked up over. He wasn’t even the type of guy who typically held her attraction. Besides, she had just told Sean she wasn’t ready for a relationship. What kind of message would that send her boss if she dated the DJ?
Brody touched her hand, started to say something, but decided against it. He slunk to his booth instead.
Molly watched him hop onto the platform. “What’s going on with the two of you?”
“Nothing.” She cut her gaze around to Brody once more. “Why?”
“Bull crap. You look like you want to undress him, and he hasn’t stopped looking over here since he left. You got the hots for him, Nicky.”
Nicole frowned and shook her head. So what if her fantasies had led her down that path. She didn’t need Molly to point it out. Her mind reeled back to the night at the beach. Dancing with him tonight had been damn near sexual.
Molly filled another order. Afterward, she turned to Nicole with a stern frown. “The guy is cute and you need to get back into circulation.”
“I’m not ready.” Her standard answer tasted stale as soon as she uttered it.
“Do you have a precise date and time picked out?” Molly rolled her eyes. “Brody’s available and interested. Give him a chance.”
“I don’t think I’m the type of girl Brody hangs out with.”
Molly threw a wadded napkin at her. “How would you know?”
“He’s not my type.”
“Brody is everyone’s type, Nicky. Are you blind? The boy is gorgeous.” She stood with hands on hips. “Besides, it sounded like he was your type when you gushed about seeing him on the beach. What about a few minutes ago when you were dancing with him? You were dancing, Nicky!”
She couldn’t help but smile. “Stop it.”
“Can you say hooked?” Molly patted her on the shoulder. “You got it bad for him, and you know it.”
“He’s got a lot going on right now. A girlfriend is the last thing he needs.” Nicole cast a forlorn glance in Brody’s direction. His back was to them, and he bounced to the beat. A couple girls just below the platform ate it up.
“What’s that mean?” Molly demanded with a laugh. “You should just screw his brains out and see how you feel the next morning.”
“Valid point,” Nicole agreed.
“You like him and he likes you. I don’t see what the problem is.”
Instead of answering, Nicole rested her hand on the doorknob that would take her upstairs and to Sean’s office. She chose her next words with care. “I’ll see if Tony is upstairs. He knows how to mix drinks and can help until I can get someone else.”
Molly pulled a face.
“Brody can’t do both jobs all night. Tony will behave, I promise. Besides, we close in a couple hours.”
She didn’t give her friend a chance to comment and instead bustled up the stairs. Her knock on Sean’s office went unanswered. After a few seconds, she pushed the door open. “Sean? Tony?”
Chapter Nine
The lamp was on, and several manila folders lay on the desk. Nicole sat in the visitors chair and rummaged through her purse. She didn’t want to use the employee lounge because the television blared, and a couple of the wait staff was hanging out in there.
Sean’s voice drifted down the hallway. Nicole left a quick message on the bartender’s voicemail.
Sean pushed through the doorway, Tony close behind.
His gaze swept across his desk. The suspicious expression was replaced by a slow smile. “I thought I saw you slip in here.”
“I hope you don’t mind, but the lounge was too noisy.”
<
br /> “Of course not. Were you looking for me?”
Nicole stood and brushed a hand down her skirt. “I need Tony to give Molly a hand at the bar. We’re swamped, and I just fired the guy who didn’t show up.”
Tony didn’t get a chance to answer.
“Of course he’ll help. And now that’s taken care of, I want you to accompany me to the Black Moon site. I want to give you the grand tour now that it’s almost finished.”
She nodded and picked up her purse. “Sure, just let me give Molly my keys. I’d hate for her to have to wait around for us to return.”
“I’ll be here.” Sean brushed the folders into a neat pile. He deposited them into his briefcase. "I have a couple calls to make."
Nicole made her way down the stairs and glared at the back of Tony’s head. Once he reached the bottom, he turned and snarled up at her. The gold front tooth glinted. Nicole remained poised on the next to the last step, one eyebrow raised.
Tony stabbed a blunt tipped finger at her. “I saw you and that kid. It looked like you were about to orgasm up there. It was pretty hot.”
“Mind your own business.”
He flashed a grin. “Sean is my business. You fuck him over, and I’ll fuck you up. Understand?”
"Just how does my dancing with the DJ affect Sean?" Nicole drew her shoulders up and took a breath that was meant to calm. It didn’t help. “You know what? Never mind. Get out of my way.”
“I’ll help that lesbo because Sean wants me to. Don’t get the idea that just because the boss wants to bang you, I’ll do whatever you say.”
“Get out of my way.”
“A fat disgusting pig is what she is.”
“Shut up!”
He ignored her. “Do you go both ways or just make an exception for the redheaded bitch?”
His shitty remarks and the smirk on his face touched every nerve within her. She lunged off the stairs and knocked him against the wall with her momentum. Hands on his meaty chest, she gave him a shove hard enough to make him wince and snarled. “Don’t mess with her. If you even give her a dirty look, I’ll rip your balls off.”
Bitter Black Kiss Page 9
