“That’s a good work ethic.” The old man at the bar lifted his glass. “Good for you, honey.”
She grabbed a towel and a glass, keeping her back to the door. When she heard it creak, she silently prayed.Anybody but Cross.
“How’s it going, Cross?” Barry asked.
Fuck me!
Addison was honest with Cleo when she said she understood the club’s icy reception. And she did. More so now after she was able to process everything. But Cross had been especially cruel, where the others had been indifferent. It had cut deep and still stung, even if it was the truth.
She drew in a breath, placing the glass on the shelf and reaching for another. She peeked up, slyly watching him walk across the room.Go to the strip club.Unfortunately, he didn’t. Cross sat down at a table in the corner. But it was the next best thing. At least she wouldn’t have to serve him. Or so she thought.
Barry sidled up next to her, resting his hand on the bar near the glasses. “I know you’re new here, and we haven’t had a lot of traffic today, so I don’t know if you realize this.” He scowled and pointed across the room in Cross’s direction. “That’s a fucking customer.”
Oh, hell no.
“You hired me to be the bartender, not a waitress.”
His face flushed. “Well, today you’re serving double duty. Go take his order.”
She gestured to the dryer rack. “I haven’t finished the glasses yet.”
“Now!” he snapped.
Dick!
She tossed the rag on the bar and rounded the counter. Addison slowed her steps as she got closer to his table tucked in the corner. She kept a good distance of three feet.
“What can I get you?”
Cross didn’t even look up. He tapped his chest then pulled out a box of cigarettes and a lighter. The lighter caught her attention. It was black with the Killcreek insignia engraved on the metal. He pulled out a cigarette and lit it. Once he took a drag, she expected him to blow the smoke in her direction. It would be the rude thing to do. Surprisingly, he didn’t. Cross turned his head in the opposite direction and exhaled.
“Beer.”
One word. No pleasantries.Got it.
Barry had it waiting on the bar when she went to retrieve his order. She grabbed the beer, walked back to the table and placed the glass in front of him.
“Sit down.” His rough graveled voice sent a shiver down her spine.
She stilled, watching Cross grab his beer and take a sip. There was no way she was sitting at a table with this man and having a conversation. Addison was all about resolution, but that was a moot point with Cross. He’d made it clear what he thought.I can’t argue against something I know to be true.
She hooked her thumb over her shoulder. “I’m working.”
“You’re on break.”
I’m not doing this.
She ground her teeth. “I already took my break.”
“Well, lucky fucking you, you’re getting another.” Cross glanced over at Barry standing behind the bar. “She’s on break.”
Barry nodded, and her shoulders sagged. She was learning quickly. Barry might be the owner, but the members of the club truly ran everything. She inched closer to the table. She had three options and chose the chair across from him. It would put the most distance between them.
As she settled into her seat, goosebumps spread across her skin. He was staring at her.Oh, the irony.The first time they’d met, she got off on his eyes on her. Of course, they’d been heated for the opposite reason that night.
She clasped her hands over her stomach and raised her brows.
“Cleo thinks we’re missing something with you.”
