Chapter Two
Lucas
It’s a bitch to want something you can’t have.
I ought to know. She’s sitting in the VIP section.
I nod at my manager and walk to the end of the bar, taking a seat and looking over my domain.
That’s what Midnight is. The dream I built from the ground up with my best friend, Jack, and Tristan, who we met our last year in college.
When he inherited this building, the idea for Midnight was born.
After a shit ton of blood, sweat, and tears, we own the chicest, hottest nightclub in Miami, and there is no way I’m going to mess up the life I finally have by sleeping with my best friend and partner’s sister. No matter how much I want to.
It would help if the attraction wasn’t mutual, but I have no doubt it is.
When I pulled her in for a congratulations hug, she lingered, her arms around my waist and her cheek pressed against my shirt.
While I indulged in the feel of her enticing curves, she’d taken a long, deep inhale, remaining in my arms longer than necessary and leaving me with no doubt we were both fighting the same need.
Rainey is everything I like in a woman: petite with lush curves, breasts that would overflow my hands, and an ass I could hold on to while I fucked her hard and deep. Except not only is she Jack’s sister, she’s also a long-term relationship type of girl.
Being Jack’s best friend means I have insight into her life: a high school boyfriend that lasted over a year, a college relationship during her junior and senior years, and aside from other men in her past, there was the dickwad she’d broken up with about a year ago.
None of the Dares had liked her ex and when he’d asked Rainey to marry him, they all let out a sigh of relief when she said no.
It doesn’t take a genius to see how different we are.
I don’t do relationships. I’ve seen how screwed up my family was and though my foster—now adoptive—parents have a loving relationship, my views have been skewed by sixteen years with a drug addict mother and a father who did everything to help and enable her.
As a result, I don’t get emotionally invested, preferring women who satisfy my needs but know the score.
Another one of many reasons that puts Jack’s sister off limits.
Though I must admit, if there is anyone who could tempt me to give a real relationship a shot, it’s Rainey.
I glance at the dance floor, my gaze locking on the subject of my desire, as she dances along with her friend and the crowd of people enjoying the techno beat.
Wearing a royal blue, fitted dress that hits mid-thigh, she’s a vision of luscious curves and beauty.
Her chocolate brown hair hangs down her back in waves, long and tempting.
A man could curl those locks around his hand and pull as he enters her from behind.
My dick twitches at the thought, making me appreciate my black slacks and the dim lighting.
As the night wears on, drinks flow from the waitstaff and it’s obvious from how she’s dancing more freely that Rainey has passed her limit. She’s celebrating and having fun, and I can’t fault her for that, but I can watch and make sure no asshole tries to take advantage.
“Hey,” Tristan says, joining me at the corner of the bar. “What’s up?”
I glance at the man who helped make mine and Jack’s dream possible. The three of us are a good team, each of us with our own responsibilities.
“Just keeping an eye on things,” I tell him. On nights we’re open, I always hang out on the floor.
Tristan raises his eyebrow. “Don’t you mean keeping an eye on one person in particular?”
I stiffen, surprised I’ve given myself away. There’s no doubt he’s referring to Rainey, so I won’t try and lie my way out, but the last thing I need is for Jack to realize I want his sister. “I’m just making sure the women are safe.”
Tristan lets out a laugh. “If women aren’t safe in our club, we have problem. But tell yourself whatever lets you sleep at night.”
I ignore the ribbing.
He leans in, not just because it’s hard to hear over the music, but I sense he has more to say that he doesn’t want anyone to overhear. “Why the hell don’t you make a move?” he asks.
I meet his gaze. “In what world would Jack think I’m good enough for his sister?”
“In what world are you not?” Tristan counters.
I’m not down on myself, never have been.
I’m aware of how far I’ve come and I’m damn proud of it.
That doesn’t mean I can’t accept reality.
I’ve already listed in my head all the reasons Rainey and I can never be together, but a more important one exists and it’s the one Tristan would understand the most.
Propping my arm on the counter, I meet his gaze. “The one where I have a record,” I remind him.
“Expunged,” he volleys right back. “You were sixteen and you’ve turned your life around since then.”
My foster father was a judge. Thanks to his connections at the time, he made a deal. As long as I testified against the guys I ran with, and I was never arrested again, my record would be expunged at eighteen. Didn’t mean I wasn’t the person who was there when my friends planned a home invasion.
“Maybe so, but I remember the days when Jack’s parents didn’t approve of him hanging out with me.
” Not that they were wrong. “Turning my life around or not, I can’t imagine Ian Dare would want me anywhere near his only daughter except as her brother’s business partner.
Besides, I don’t want to fuck up our business by pissing off Jack. So, time to change the subject.”
Tristan holds up his hands. “Fine. I get where you’re coming from, but things change. So do people’s opinions.” He rises from his seat. “Jack left early but Mike and Layla are here, and they’ll be closing,” he says of our managers. “I need to head home, too. I have a meeting in the morning.”
I nod. Tristan isn’t just a club owner, he’s a real estate mogul and his schedule isn’t an easy one. Which is why he’s our silent partner, though we get his input on anything important. “See you tomorrow night.”
He nods once and walks off.
No sooner is he gone than my gaze darts back to the dance floor in time to see Rainey stumble into a man who grasps her forearms to steady her. I decide the women have had enough to drink and their fill of dancing, too.
I push back from my seat and make my way through the crowd, knowing how to maneuver to get where I want to go and not get stuck behind groups who have no intention of stepping aside.
Rainey’s hands are on the man’s chest, and she tips her head back and laughs. “I’ve been such a klutz tonight!”
“Come on, let’s keep dancing,” Kaylee says, tugging her friend’s arm.
“Yes! Let’s!” Rainey spins away from the man I assume is a stranger and right into me. “Oops!” She tilts her head back and those gorgeous indigo eyes, an inherited family trait, stare into mine. “Lucas,” she says in a breathless whisper.
“Time to go home, beautiful.” The term of endearment slips out.
“But I’m having fun!”
My lips twitch but I don’t want to encourage her, so I hold back a laugh. “And it’s a good idea to leave while you still are.” I hook my arm around her waist and when Kaylee turns, I grasp her arm. “Tell me you two didn’t drive here,” I say.
“We each took a rideshare,” Kaylee replies.
They wouldn’t be going home the same way. I don’t want either tipsy woman alone with a stranger driving them. “I’ll take you both home.”
“You’re such a good guy.” Rainey leans into me. “I accept your offer. Right, Kaylee?”
“Ummm. Think Tristan wants to drive me home?” she asks on a giggle, and I realize she’s more wasted than I thought. She’d never admit to those feelings sober.
“Let’s go. I’m the only ride you two are going to get tonight.”
Kaylee wobbles on her heels, following me off the dance floor and through the club while Rainey obediently clings to my arm. I stop by my office to lock it up, then lead the women out to my car.
“I’ll take the back seat!” Kaylee says too loudly in my ear.
“I’ve got the front.” Rainey releases my arm, and I manage to open the back door for Kaylee and then the front for Rainey.
I don’t think either woman is at the going-to-puke stage, but I send up a prayer anyway.
I ask for their addresses and since Kaylee lives closer, I decide to take her home first. On the drive, both women are quiet. A glance in the rearview mirror and I see Kaylee asleep, her body leaning over and her head at an awkward angle.
To my right, Rainey is snoring lightly, her head tipped backward.
I take in her lovely profile, her pert nose with freckles across the bridge, and the pouty lips I always find hard to resist. Also, as usual, I wonder what her mouth would taste like.
Thank God I pull up to Kaylee’s apartment building before a groan escapes the back of my throat.
I park the SUV and climb out. Once I walk Kaylee to the door, sign in with the doorman, and make certain she gets inside safely, I head back to deal with my final passenger.
I slide into my seat and shut the door.
“Hi,” Rainey says from beside me. “I appreciate you driving us home.”
“I didn’t think either of you belonged in a rideshare with a stranger.”
She nods. “I’m much more sober than I was. I’m sorry if you had to go out of your way.”
I shake my head as I start the car. “I’m not, and even if I were, it’s not a big deal.”
“It is.” She grows silent as I drive toward her apartment building and pull up in a circular driveway. After cutting the engine, I reach for my door handle. “You don’t need to get out,” she says.
“I’ll walk you to your apartment.” My tone brooks no argument.
Despite her saying she’s sober, I’ve kept an eye on her for most of the night, and I don’t want her tripping as she walks. Or maybe I’m not ready to say goodbye just yet.
She wrinkles her nose at me but finally lets out a sigh. “I know better than to argue with a determined man.”
I chuckle. “I take it you have a lot of experience.”
“Have you met my father and brothers?” she asks with a smile.
I step out of the vehicle and round the back, then hold the door open and extend a hand so she can more easily get out. I shut the door behind her and press the handle to lock the vehicle.
We walk toward the building and use the revolving door, stepping out into a white-and-gray marble lobby.
I live a couple of buildings down the road, also on the ocean, and had no idea Rainey and I were within walking distance of each other.
Given that we’ll probably be working together, is it too close for comfort?
Doesn’t matter. I’m in it no matter what.
“Hi, Carl,” Rainey says to the concierge. “Lucas is leaving his SUV out front. He’s just going to walk me up to my apartment.”
He nods. “No problem, Ms. Dare.”
I place my hand on her lower back, and a subtle tremor runs through her at my touch. I clench my jaw and look straight ahead as she guides me toward the elevator. Though my palm presses against her dress, I swear I feel her body heat on my skin.
Once inside, she taps the PH button and steps away, placing her back against the wall so she’s facing me. I’m not surprised she lives in the penthouse. She comes from old money and a father who would insist she has the best.
“I looked at this building before I bought my place,” I tell her.
“Did you? I also checked out a couple of other apartment buildings, but this one was perfect. And it didn’t need a ton of renovations, which is always a plus.”
“I did have to renovate, but now my apartment suits me.”
She smiles. “I’m glad.”
The elevator comes to a stop and we step out. There are only two doors on the floor, one on either end of the hallway, and she turns right to her apartment.
Reaching into her purse she finds her keys. “So, I guess you can go now,” she says as she puts her key in the lock.
“I could.”
She turns back toward me, her head already tipped up so she can see my face. So petite and so fucking cute.
“Thanks again. For the ride,” she says.
My gaze strays to her mouth. “My pleasure.”
“Umm… mine too.” Her eyes open wide. “I mean—”
I’m unable to hold back a laugh. “I know what you meant.” Placing my hands on her shoulders, I turn her back toward her door before I do something stupid. Like dip my head and kiss those soft, pouty lips.
She turns the key, pushes open her door, and twists back around. “I’ll call you to set up that appointment.”
“Sounds good.” And damn if I’m not looking forward to it.
She smiles, showing me her dimples. “And thank you again for the ride.” Without warning, she lifts herself onto her tiptoes and kisses my cheek, giving me a brief hint of spicy cinnamon before she lowers herself to her feet.
Her cheeks are flushed red as she meets my gaze. “Night, Lucas.”
I can’t help but wink. “Night, Rainey.”