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Dash drove us through stop-and-go traffic and took us over the creek that divided the East and West sides of Dremest. Tristan watched out the window, pointing to businesses in the city he’d never noticed. He asked Dash why he didn’t have a driver and bodyguards.
“I don’t want any of that,” Dash had said. “When we’re on tour, it’s one thing. I appreciate the round-the-clock securitywhile we travel from city to city. When we’re home, I want to do everything myself. I want to ride and not worry about whether the guy watching my back is following me or not. I know the rest of the band feels the same. We’re just us, like everyone else.”
“Stressed and wondering what pile of shit they’re going to step into the next day when they get to work?” Tristan asked.
“No, smart-ass. I mean, you two don’t worry about having someone drive you.”
“We don’t, but Romeo has a bodyguard.”
“Romeo’s a unique situation.”
I sighed. “Romeo’s right here.”
“We know you are, angel.” Dash caught my eyes in the rearview. “And we love having you with us.”
They kept talking while I tuned them out. I leaned my head back and let the smooth roll of the tires over the pavement lull me. Hearing them talk, feeling the hum of the SUV beneath me, it was comforting.
Before I knew it, the GPS told Dash where to turn and he pulled between two buildings in West Dremest. There was barely enough room to squeeze the Lexus through, but the back opened into a lot big enough for four vehicles. There was one sitting beside where Dash parked.
The building looked like a typical red stone home in the back. Three stories with buildings close on either side. There were no signs to tell me where we were.
Dash got out first and opened our doors for us. I was about to ask him where we were when the back door to the home opened and a tall man stepped out, drying his hands on the ivory apron he had tied around his waist.
Dash led us to him. The closer we got, the more familiar he looked. Tattoos ran up and down his arms. He had piercings in each ear and his septum. He wore what looked like traditionalchef’s clothes, but it didn’t seem right to me. It was out of place for some reason.
If Dash had brought us to a crowded restaurant or theater, I would have shrunk back and stayed on the sidelines. I didn’t ask him to do that for me though. I wasn’t the only one on this date and didn’t want special accommodations made for me. The breath I let out was massive. By the looks of it, we were the only ones here. I could easily handle one new person in my orbit. Although, new wasn’t the correct word.
The man chuckled. “Trying to place me?”
I rubbed my chin. “The outfit is off.”
“Picture me in a suit with a red tie.”
There was the lightbulb. Snapping my fingers, I said, “You’re a member of Untouchable.”
“I am.” He smiled. “Dana is my brother-in-law. When he started working there, he dragged me along with him. I started out as a member but have also filled in for him in a pinch.”
“You’re a chef?”
“Not by trade. It was a hobby that’s turned into more. I don’t have the skills he does.”
Dana was a brilliant chef and one of the reasons men came to the club. What was better than mostly naked men on stage, along with a gourmet meal on the table? Dana didn’t cook bar food. He made meals that made my mouth water by simply breathing in their scents. I indulged in his food when I’d work the dinner hour. The employees who were on shift during lunch and dinner got to eat for free.
I turned to Dash and Tristan. “If you ever want the best food of your life, eat at Untouchable. Dana is a genius.”
The man laughed. “He is. He’s been teaching me everything he knows. I’ve recently switched professions and am trying my hand at this. Come inside. I’m going to give you cooking lessons.”
“You’re teaching us to cook?” Tristan asked.
“It was Dash’s idea.”
Dash shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked back onto his heels. “I didn’t know what to do on our first date. I started thinking big like a hot-air balloon ride, but I worried one of you might have a fear of heights and realized just how little I know about you. I was with the band at the restaurant Reed and Casper’s family owns. Dexen, JJ, and Greer were there. I asked them for date ideas but didn’t tell them who the date was with. You should have heard the suggestions. JJ’s involved dirty talk and hours of edging. I had to explain we weren’t there yet. Dexen brought up cooking lessons. He said Dana had done them before. One thing led to another, and Dana had a prior commitment, so he couldn’t make it, but he recommended Vail.”
Vail offered his hand. “Vail Ayers, it’s nice to meet you.”
I held out mine to shake his. “Romeo Emerson.”
“I don’t think I could forget you. I’ve seen you dance up close and—”
