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33
Gretchen
Five days later and I’m still no closer to talking to Ryan than I was when I first arrived in Lexington. If I weren’t frustrated, I’d love this game I seem to have fallen into. However, I am frustrated. I want his sole attention on me and not on the women who bid for his attention when he’s working the bar. He’s flirty and although I’m well aware of his reputation with the ladies, so far, I haven’t seen anything to believe he’s really like that.
As I wiggle into the red dress and pull it down over my bottom, I gasp when I catch sight of myself in the mirror. I chew on my bottom lip as I try and tug at the material of the dress to cover more flesh. It doesn’t work. When I bought this sexy number, I had no idea I’d be so revealed.
The top part of the dress is made up of four pieces of material—two at the front and two at the back—they are held together with a jeweled choker. My intention tonight by dressing in this seductive way is to get his attention to the point that he reacts.
Slipping my feet into the matching red high-heels, I twirl in front of the mirror, knowing I look hot. I feel uncomfortable, though. This is going to be the first and last time I’m ever in anything remotely like this. I’d much prefer yoga pants and a t-shirt with everything covered. Even a skater dress with a pair of boots is preferred.
Inhaling deeply, I grab my purse and quickly leave the hotel room before I can change my mind. In the elevator, an older man and his wife join me on the floor below. My nerves are so profound at this point that I’m surprised I’m not hyperventilating on the floor. The man only stares, making me so uncomfortable that I scramble out and quickly walk outside to where the doorman gives me a second glance before whistling for a cab.
My heart pounds until I arrive at the club. The moment security spots me, I’m waved through into the beautiful place. In part, I wonder whether or not Ryan has said something to security because each night I’ve been here, I haven’t had to wait outside. That first night I had for a short time until the security guard had taken pity on me waiting alone. Kenza is a popular place and the word is that nothing illegal goes on at the club. The McKenzie family has a strict policy on the subject of drugs or any kind of underhand dealings.
Thinking of Ryan, he’s already behind the bar serving drinks to the flirting ladies. He appears distracted from where I’m standing, while he’s keeping an eye on the dark-haired man. The man has been at the bar for the past few nights.
A throat being cleared drags my gaze to Rob leaning across the bar toward me. His eyes are full of mischief as he looks me over before casting a glance toward his boss. He chuckles. “What can I get you this evening, Gretchen?”
“Water, please.”
“Coming up.”
I swallow around the lump in my throat and force myself to concentrate on the man getting me a bottle of water from the small fridge behind him.
“Are you sure you don’t want anything stronger?” He asks me this each evening.
I shake my head and notice his eyes shift to my hair that falls around my shoulders.
“I have a feeling the boss is going to need a drink when he catches sight of you.”
“Oh.” My legs feel weak as the man disappears to serve other customers.
His words give my confidence a boost, so before I end up on my ass on the floor, I move into my corner. It’s challenging to keep my gaze elsewhere, but I read an article online last night about ignoring the man you want. It said if he’s as interested in you, then being ignored will irritate him and have him making the first move. So, I’m trying that out. If it doesn’t work, I’ll be leaving a negative review.
Keeping my gaze away from the bar, I search around looking for a man—a red herring. I find him. Medium build with shaggy blond hair. He’s in a group of three men drinking beer. He’ll do. He appears safe because his attention is on his friends as they talk. I don’t want to encourage anyone to approach me. I shudder at the thought and would have no clue how to handle that situation. I’m not all that sure how to handle Ryan if I’m honest with myself. Something is compelling me to go after him. It’s not only lust. I want to be near him. I do want to experience being in his arms again, but there is more to it than that. I wish I could put my finger on it. However, I can’t.
“I haven’t seen you before.”
I’m pulled from my woolgathering by the guy I’ve been staring at. My stomach dips as he moves closer, his eyes staring at my boobs.
“Gretchen!”
I jump, hearing my name shouted seconds before an arm wraps around my waist from behind.
“Don’t fight me,” Ryan hisses, moving me to his side.
“I saw her first,” the man glares, making no move to go away.
“She’s been mine for four fucking years.” Ryan tightens his hold and marches me from the central part of the club, down a hallway, and into an office.
He lifts me by the hips and plonks my ass down on his desk. His eyes, when I work up the courage to meet them, are dark and heated. I lick my lips and watch his eyes narrow before I feel his hands on my legs. They slide upwards and he pushes my knees so that I open to him. He wastes no time and grabbing my ass brings me up against the front of his jeans as he steps between my spread legs.
His face is inches from mine as I wrap my hands around his biceps. There is a lot of strength in this man and I want it all. I want him.
I slide my hands up over his shoulders and feel him shudder at my touch on the nape of his neck.
Ryan drops his forehead to mine and holds my gaze. “You looked at me. Tonight, you looked at him. I didn’t like it.”
