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The warmth of Sebastian’s kiss before he left still lingered on my skin, but his words echoed around me like a whispering ghost. I wanted to be his good girl, but I was petrified of what would happen if he learned the truth. Fear knotted my stomach whenever I thought about the possibility, and it made me question my decisions.
The sound of laughter snapped me out of my reverie, and I followed a group of people inside. As I wove through the chattering crowd and scanned the room, I looked for Kip. I could at least say hello.
“Guilty” by Bobi Andonov played through the speakers as I climbed up on a barstool. I searched the bar but only spotted a female.
“Hey, what can I get you?”
I glanced at her name tag and realized this was the Riley Sebastian had mentioned. “I’m not sure. It’s been a long day, so I’m trying to decide what sounds good.” Although I’d seen Riley behind the bar the first evening I met Sebastian, I hadn’t had a chance to say hello.
She flashed me a wide smile. “I’ve seen you here before with your female friend, right?”
“Yeah, Cami. She’s meeting me in a few minutes.”
She grabbed a glass and made a drink, then set it in front of the guy four chairs down. “Aren’t you friends with Bass too?”
Her tone was warm and friendly, and I tried to still my bouncing knee, wondering if she would like me. I hoped so. If she worked here, I suspected she was important to Sebastian. “I’m Ella.”
“Ah, he talks about you a lot.” Her smile widened.
Happily surprised that he’d at least mentioned me in passing, I nodded.
“It’s nice to officially meet you.”
I leaned on the counter. “You too.”
She tossed a white towel over her shoulder and drew closer to me. “In the years I’ve known Bass, I’ve never seen him strung out over a girl before. A lot of women have tried, but no luck. It’s nice to see that he’s finally interested in someone.” She flashed me a grin.
I willed my cheeks not to flush, but they just gave me a big fuck you.
Riley laughed. “Drinks are on the house, by the way. Bass made it clear you don’t pay for anything here.”
My forehead scrunched. “No, that’s okay. I can take care of myself.”
“Sorry. If Bass finds out, he’ll have my head on a platter, and that’s not a good look for me.”
“Fine, then I’ll tip you really well.” I placed my hands on the counter and pondered what I wanted, but my usual was all that sounded appealing.
“Deal.”
“Jack and Coke,” a voice said beside me.
I turned to Cami as she claimed the seat next to me. “That’s her drink of choice.” She pointed to me. “I’ll have a Long Island iced tea.”
“Coming right up.” Riley went to work as I turned to my bestie.
“Hey, glad you could make it.” I gave her a quick hug. Cami was stunning in her dark wash jeans that hugged every curve of her body, and the slender straps of her plum-colored top revealed her graceful shoulders. As I pulled away, she flipped her long hair back and smiled, her posture relaxing.
“Me too. Being with sick people at the hospital drained me.” She folded her hands on her lap and gave me her undivided attention. “You look hot as hell in that form-fitting black dress with your legs for days. I’ve never seen you wear it before. Shit, you even curled your hair.” Her gaze narrowed on me. “If Sebastian were in town, I would think you were getting laid. You have a …” Her hand fluttered in front of me. “Glow.”
Dammit. “It’s been in my closet. I just haven’t worn it yet. With everything going on, I haven’t been myself lately, and I wanted to look nice.”
Cami leaned closer. “Do not wear that at work with a bunch of criminals in and out of that office, Ella. Don’t tempt the devil.”
I grinned at her, appreciating that she was so protective of me, but I’d already tempted the devil.
“I won’t. This isn’t professional attire, anyway. It’s pencil skirts paired with blouses up to my neck or suits.”
Riley set our drinks in front of us before she hurried to the opposite end of the bar to take care of another customer.
