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“It’s not that kind of club.” We walked down a long hallway and to a backroom. “It’s a dinner club. We feature local bands and musicians. Mostly, people come here to eat dinner. It’s a private club.”
Jude opened a door, revealing another room with tables and bar. The people in here were drinking and playing cards. Women in tight, black dresses carried trays with drinks on them, delivering them to the guests playing the game.
“This is an invitation-only room.” He placed his hand on the small of my back. “It’s high stakes poker.”
I froze in the doorway when people stared at us. Maybe this dress was too short.
“Relax.” He nudged me into the room. “You’re going to be fine.”
As we walked toward the bar, it was as if we were on display. Most of the women seemed to be vying for Jude’s attention by smiling and waving at him while others eyed me with judgmental glares.
“I can’t stop thinking about last night,” he whispered into my ear.
I turned and stared into his intense gaze. Was it really that memorable for him?
“Don’t be so surprised.” He lowered his lips to mine and kissed me softly. “You’re unforgettable.”
How do you know what I’m thinking?
I smiled, forgetting about all the people looking at us. I was with Jude, which meant I belonged here.
“I have some business to discuss with some of the players.” He pulled out a barstool for me at the corner of the bar where no one else sat. “I may be a while, but Conner will look after you.” He nodded toward the muscular bartender with the tattoo on his hand. “Conner, this is my friend Emmie. She’s your responsibility while I’m working.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Emmie.” He set a beverage napkin in front of me as I took a seat.
“Hello.” I smiled.
“What can I get you?” Conner asked. “I can make you whatever you want.”
“She’ll have a glass of prosecco,” Jude answered for me, which didn’t bother me, considering I wasn’t even old enough to sit at a bar and order a drink. “Go slow.” He kissed my temple. “Tipsy is good but drunk is not.”
“I’ll be careful.”
“Good girl.” He winked at me before walking away.
“Mr. Cordero is a cool guy.” Conner placed the glass of prosecco in front of me. “You must be very special.”
“Why do you say that?” I had never considered myself special in any way, unless you considered what those teachers had said about me needing special education classes.
“I’ve worked here for three years, and I’ve never seen him bring a date to the club.”
“Really?” I sipped my drink as I watched a pretty woman in a backless, black dress approach Jude and kiss him on the lips. “I guess he doesn’t have to.”
“Don’t worry about her.” He nodded in the direction of the woman who was now leaning against Jude. “That’s Anna. Her husband is around here somewhere. She has the hots for Jude. Most women do, but he’s not interested in her.”
“You seem to know an awful lot.”
“I’m observant.”He wiped the bar. “Plenty of interesting people frequent this place.”
“I’ll bet.” I glanced around the room. “Does this go on every night?”
“The card game?”
“Yeah.”
“Only a few nights a week.”
“Are there always this many people here?”
