“I came to give you these.” She holds out my primly folded jacket. I didn’t expect to get it back. “And your wallet. I found it in the jacket and thought you must have missed it. There was no money inside.”
I collect the offering and place it on the counter. “I’m aware.” I have no use for cash.
We stay that way for a few seconds. Long enough for me to register her lovely features I missed in the elevator because I was trying hard not to ogle her.
She’s a brunette bombshell with arresting eyes and a cute oval face. She’s not rail thin, but also not big either. Just somewherein the middle that makes me want to pull her close and feel her softness.
I blink away those thoughts. Women aren’t my thing. That’s Baxter’s thing, my little brother. I’m all work, no play.
Still, I’m sorely tempted by this brunette.
“Um, thanks for earlier, and have a goodnight.” She starts to turn away.
“Sit. Have a drink.” With me.
She spins, eyes curious. “Did you say something?”
I fucking did. What is wrong with me? I don’t have time for this.
“Let’s get a drink. Except, you’re occupied.” I glance behind her to the blonde whose eyes followed me from the moment I walked into the bar. I expected her to come over and then I would turn her down. That was my MO. I had no idea she was scouting for her friend.
The blonde looks away, whistling. I almost crack a smile. Almost.
The elevator train wreck turns back after looking at her friend too. “I’m not occupied.”
“Good.”
She climbs onto the barstool and fortunately for her, this dress doesn’t split. That won’t be easy to deal with in a place like this for sure. All eyes would be on her. But that door back there should lead to a private staircase to ensure she’s well-hidden from sight.
“How was your meeting?”
My gaze falls on her. “Good.”
No one cares what I do as long as it produces results. It’s weird to be asked and I have nothing to follow that up with.
Silence lingers between us. She glances over her shoulder.
Despite not doing much talking, it’s nice to have her next to me. If only to keep off the other ladies that try to get my attention.
“Want a drink?” I wave over the bartender before she decides she doesn’t like sitting here after all.
“Yes, thank you.” Her cheeks round with a smile, and my lips twitch.
Cute.
She orders a Malibu Sunset. The moment it comes, she’s on it, pulling from the straw. It bubbles a sound—far louder than our non-existent conversation.
I set aside my feelings about, well, everything and order myself another Martini. “Your first time in Magic Island?” Her skin is still too fair, a clear sign she just showed up here.
“Yes. My bosses—well, former bosses granted me a weekend vacation to here.” She gestures around. “It’s amazing.”
I nod. “Why former?”
She laughs, but there’s hurt hidden behind it. “I was fired a week later. They clearly just wanted to do something to soften the blow. So they slot me in for this vacation and then I’m fired.”
“That... must be hard.”
“Nah.” She waves a hand. “I’m having the time of my life here.” She purses her lip. “Well, aside from that moment in the elevator. I’m not counting that.”
