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“Shut up,” I groaned. I was still mad at myself, but her jokes were just annoying me.
Rolling her eyes, Avery ignored my glare. “Are you looking for a tall, handsome, and always angry man in black?” she teased, as she held her drink board to her side.
“Stop it,” I said, through closed lips. “I’m just bored,” I offered.
“Yeah, right. I don’t know what’s going on with you and Chase, but you heard what Sammy said. He isn’t dating material. We have plans, Lizzie. I don’t want you to get hurt again,” she said, her voice growing serious. “Sure, he was really sweet to take care of you the other night, but you’re acting like a zombie. Hiding out in our room isn’t what we came here for,” she finished.
“Avery, you know me better than anyone else. When have I ever allowed someone to get in my way? Chase is a jerk who just wanted to stop me from having a good time,” I said, even though I wasn’t sure I believed myself. I leaned in closer so only she could hear my next words. “I faked my own death to make sure I could be happy and achieve my dreams. Nothing will get in my way,” I offered, through clenched teeth.
“That’s my girl,” Avery said, as she slapped my ass. “Now, get to work,” she chirped as she sashayed away.
Two hours later, I was taking an order from a guy who liked to touch my hand a little too much and stare at my ass like I had a neon sign pointing directly at it. Through each smile, I remindedhim of the casino policy that customers weren’t allowed to touch the staff. And, with each hearty laugh, he ignored my reminders.
I was just about to swat his hand away for the tenth time when Chase slammed his hand down next to the man.
“I believe she’s told you to stop touching her,” Chase said, as he glanced at me and then quickly diverted his eyes back to the now obvious man.
I knew I held an uncomfortable expression. Sure, the creepy guy was bothering me, but now with Chase here, scaring the hell out of him, I was about to lose my tip. I would be pissed if I had been groped for the last hour and didn’t get a good tip out of it.
“Yes, Mr. Chase. I know the rules. I was just being friendly with this new waitress. Isn’t she beautiful?” he asked, through slurred words.
Now I was beyond mortified. I wrinkled my nose and tried to hide my face so they wouldn’t see the crimson-red color growing over my cheeks.
“And, Mr. Tate, you’re correct. I’ve reminded you of these rules for the last few years. Now, either tip Lizzie now, or leave,” Chase commanded, with his harsh tone.
I felt the heat rising between my legs as I watched Chase. It was a strange mixture of desire and annoyance, and it was fucking amazing.
Sighing, Mr. Tate smiled, handed me a ten-dollar bill, and then moved to another table.
Turning to Chase, I felt the anger building inside me. “I had it handled,” I snapped at Chase, as he stood with his arms folded beside me.
“I could see that.” He smirked. “Just like you thought you could take care of yourself the other night,” Chase said, under his breath.
“No, you just implied I couldn’t handle myself. You don’t even know me,” I said, pointing my finger at his chest. “Look, I’m notsure what your problem with me is, but I would appreciate it if you would just stay away from me. I think you’ve done enough with interfering in my life. Find another waitress to harass,” I finished, with a scowl on my face.
As much as I wanted Chase between my legs, I also wanted him to leave me alone. His behavior only confused me, and I couldn’t get lost in his games. One minute, he was being sweet and holding my hair back while I vomited; the next moment, he was growling at me. I had to keep my mind on the prize and not on what was beneath Chase’s clothes.
Taking a step closer to me, Chase’s hard chest was pushed against my frame. “I changed my shift today so I could be here in the casino and not in the Millionaire’s Room like I’m needed,” Chase said.
“Why?” I asked.
“I wanted to make sure you were okay in here,” he said.
Again, confusion and anger took over. So now, he thought I was just this helpless girl who needed babysitting.
“I don’t need you watching me,” I shouted at him. My back was now to a slot machine, and I couldn’t escape his body. “I’m not going to mess up. This isn’t my first time being assaulted by some drunk bastard or waiting on people. I can take care of myself,” I breathed heavily, as I tried to stand tall against his rock-hard chest.
Chase just looked down at me and as my words sank in, he seemed to relax a little.
Taking my hand, Chase trailed my soft skin as I clenched my hand at my side. His fingers danced against my skin, and I swear electricity flowed through my veins. “Look, you don’t have to be so defensive with me. I was just trying to help,” he said, calmly this time.
I stood with my mouth hanging open for far too long before I found the courage to speak again. I couldn’t let Chase affect me like he was. I had to gain control of the situation.
“I told you; I don’t need your help. I really don’t need help from a guy who can’t stand me,” I finished, as I defiantly crossed my arms and glared his way.
I decided enough was enough. Shoving my hands into his massive and rock-hard chest, I pushed Chase backward and away from me until I had enough room to move away from him. I started to walk back to the kitchen, where I planned to take a short break and collect myself.
“For the record, I think you’re beautiful. I’m only watching you because I don’t want someone else to touch you and hurt you,” Chase said.
