Page 10 of Royal Desire

I apologized to the office manager for my current perfume and attire and dove into the paperwork.

Devon Donnelly is a generous employer. Back in the city, the bar owners had too many choices of entertainment, and we relied on tips. Some nights were great, others weren’t.

I have no clue how the tips will pan out, but with what Devon is willing to shell out for entertainment, I won’t have to stress it. And I’ll be able to pay out the remainder of my lease on my apartment without an eviction on my credit history. Once that’s taken care of, I can reassess. I’m not sure when I can leave Winslet.

Time will tell. Boredom will probably set in or something new and shiny will come along. My homecoming will be a distant memory for everyone.

That’s the way it plays out in my dreams. It’s my only strategy. I have no choice but to go with it.

For the time being, I’m here and need to make a living. I refuse to mooch off my grandma. Lord knows my mother did it her whole life.

I sign the form for direct deposit into the new bank account I opened yesterday and turn to the office manager. “I think that’s it. Thank you for meeting me this morning, and I’m sorry again for smelling like a deep fryer.”

She smirks as she collects the paperwork. “Not gonna lie, now I’m hungry for Carl’s special of the day, and I don’t even know what it is.”

Before we have a chance to say goodbye, Devon stops me in the hall. “Ruby, you’re still here. I have an idea. Could you stay for a few minutes for me to run it by you?”

I look down at myself and cringe, but I can’t say no to the man who tripled my pay in small-town America compared to the big city. He might not know that, but there’s a sense of obligation that makes me stay no matter how I look or smell. “I need to get back to the Combover for the lunch crowd, but I’m sure Carl can handle things for a few more minutes.”

“Terrific. Follow me.”

I pull my purse up my shoulder and follow him to the conference room we used after our set last night. But when Devon clears the doorway, I stop in my tracks.

Light brown eyes the color of a rich caramel that melts the moment it hits your tongue spear my heart like a dagger.

I was obsessed with those eyes.

I’ve tucked the memory of them away in the deepest corners of my heart. I only visit when I’m at my lowest or feel the need to punish myself for making it to the ripe old age of thirty-two and being a failure at life.

They’re everything I remember and then some. The some part ... well, that is what’s different.

Scorn and loathing mixed with a good helping of hate pin me to my spot.

I haven’t seen him in the flesh for over a decade. Gone are the boyish good looks that haunt my dreams. I’ve seen pictures of him. How could I not? After all, there is that pesky thing called the internet that’s always there to break your heart just a little bit more than you’ve managed to do on your own.

Even though he’s sitting, he seems taller and wider and more ruggedly handsome than ever. Memories and the internet don’t do him justice. His sport jacket and crisp dress shirt are the male version of couture. His shirt is unbuttoned at the neck and gives casual vibes even though he’s anything but that at the moment.

“Ruby, this is Payne Deacon. He runs an investment management firm in town, but it’s nationally known. We’re setting up an appreciation weekend for his top clientele. After your set last night, I wonder if we could incorporate a private performance.” Devon is clueless and speaks like he hasn’t just busted open the poisonous can of worms that will surely be my demise. “You haven’t met Felicity Fahnestock yet. She’s in charge of special events.”

Felicity bites her lip. “Oh dear. Oh my.”

I force myself to pull a shallow breath into my stale lungs. “It’s good to see you, Felicity.”

Felicity’s widened eyes dart back and forth between Payne and me from behind her glasses. “You, too, dear. You’re more beautiful than ever.”

And with that, my mind goes back to my appearance and the aroma rolling off me in waves. I cross my arms in hopes they will cover the coffee stains and take a step back, but I don’t forget my manners. “Thank you.”

Devon rolls out a leather conference chair and motions to me. “I forget everyone knows everyone around here. Have a seat.”

I remain frozen in my spot. “That’s okay. I⁠—”

“That won’t be necessary.” Payne sits stock-still other than the pad of his thumb slowly circling the one of his index finger. It’s like he’s itching to leap across the room and wrap his hands around my throat to do me in once and for all.

Well, it’s good to know where I stand. The sole reason I’ve stayed away from Winslet this long proves the water is not under the bridge. Nope. That water is churning and breaking against granite boulders so violently, it might as well pull me under and steal my last breath.

Devon proves he’s not from here nor does he care to understand the lore of Payne Deacon and me. “Ruby is new to the manor. You might know Blake, her brother. They were a hit when they performed for the first time last night. You’re going all out for your clients. I think live entertainment is the cherry you’re looking for.”

Great. I’m the cherry.