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I lost the staring contest, let out a big sigh and relaxed against him.
“Oh, all right. I’ll stop being a bitch,” I gave in.
The scary glitter went out of his eyes and warmth seeped into them. “I knew you couldn’t keep it up.”
This was true.
I still gave him a look.
He wrapped his arm around my neck and guided me to the door. “Let’s get you to work.
TWELVE
ENOUGH WAS ENOUGH
Eddie walked into the club with me.
Smithie took one look at us and shouted, “I got new furniture on order and I don’t wanna hafta buy more! Get that motherfucker outta here!”
Eddie’s hand was at my back and at Smithie’s words it slid around to my hip. I thought this was a dangerous sign, so I looked up at him to gauge the danger level.
There was no smile, but the dimple was out and I took this as an indication I could relax.
I put my jacket and purse on the bar and slid my cell into the apron Smithie gave me.
“He’s just dropping me off.”
Smithie was glaring at Eddie, who’d casually put his forearm on the bar like he was going to stay all night.
At my words, Smithie’s eyes slid to me.
“I take it since you got a fuckin’ escort, you ain’t got your shit sorted out yet,” he said.
“No,” I admitted.
“Richie!” Smithie hollered, and I jumped.
Richie, the jerk bouncer, trotted up, checking out Eddie and me as he came (more me, if you want the God’s honest truth). He was blond, blue-eyed, about two inches taller than me and fifty pounds heavier, all of it muscle.
“You’re pullin’ Jet Duty tonight. You ain’t five feet away from her all night, got that?” Smithie ordered.
Richie nodded.
Eddie sized Richie up and I could tell by his jaw tightening that he didn’t like what he saw but he kept it to himself.
Smithie looked at me. “You’re a pain in my fuckin’ ass. Get to work.”
I walked away from the bar, tying my apron around my waist. Eddie came with me and I stopped and looked up at him.
“You better go. You stay any longer, Smithie’s going to have an aneurysm.”
Eddie looked down at me then his hand went through my hair at the temple. He watched it go and then his eyes locked on mine, his hand settling in the crook of my neck.
“I have to go anyway, got things to do. Don’t get into any trouble. If Slick comes by and pulls a knife, don’t be a hero. You run, then you call me.” He waited a beat to see if this sank in. I nodded, somewhat curious at what things he had to do. I didn’t ask, because I probably didn’t want to know. “I’ll pick you up when you’re done,” he finished.
I had no choice about accepting the ride. Lee told me to stick with Eddie, or someone, and I was scared enough to comply. Since the idea of calling Duke or Tex to come and get me at three o’clock in the morning didn’t appeal, nor did asking a favor of one of Lee’s boys, I was stuck. I’d have to carry through my plan to avoid Eddie some other time.
Then Eddie said, “You’re spendin’ the night with me.”
