Chapter Twelve
Lucas
The club is quiet at this hour of the morning.
The overhead lights are on, no music, no people.
I have time to sit and reflect. It’s been a week since that life-changing time in Rainey’s apartment.
Rather than getting her out of my system as I’d hoped, she’s now embedded even deeper under my skin.
We’d connected on a deeper level, like joining our bodies had linked us emotionally.
I’m not usually so sappy in my thoughts, but it’s all true.
I feel like she’s mine and giving her up when our work is over won’t be easy.
We’ve been too busy to get together again, but we’ve gotten into the habit of texting throughout the day, and she’d catch me up on the status of her work on the anniversary events.
She’d received sets of logos for merch and to use on napkins and the bar glasses for Mak’s drinks, along with swag and gift bags.
She and Kaylee had chosen their favorite rendering.
Rainey sent me all three and I agreed with their pick. Now, it’s up to her father to approve.
I’d gone to my parents’ for dinner but kept my relationship and feelings for Rainey to myself.
I enjoyed catching up with my father’s old stories from the bench in criminal court, and my mom’s work with foster kids.
Because of my upbringing and the home I grew up in, my father focused on the kids during sentencing in family court and on opportunities to create situations that would benefit young defendants.
He’d asked if I was coming to the gala next week, and I assured him that I was.
I think about asking Rainey to be my date but remember her comment about nobody knowing we’re together except us.
My feelings shouldn’t be hurt considering we need to keep our relationship from Jack and others, but not being able to take her out in public stings.
I’m sitting at the bar, scrolling through receipts, when my phone buzzes, interrupting my thoughts. I glance down at my phone lying on the counter.
As if she senses I’m thinking about her, Rainey’s name appears on the screen and I swipe to answer. “Hey, beautiful.” I pause at my words, then think, fuck it. I thought it so said it.
“Hi,” she says, and I wonder if it’s crazy to think I hear the blush in her tone.
“To what do I owe the call?” I’d rather hear her voice than read a text from her any day.
“I wanted to go over your meeting with Adam today.”
My stomach grinds at the man’s name, and I grip the phone harder in my hand. I’m looking forward to dealing with the guy who’s made Rainey’s life difficult and, if necessary, putting him in his place. “Don’t worry. I can handle him,” I assure her.
“I know you can,” she says, a lilt in her voice.
Her faith in me feels good. “Listen, I already messaged him a list of the items that will be on display at the museum. He’s supposed to walk you around and show you the layout.
He sent me a floor plan, and I’ll forward that to you.
Anything you think needs changing, just let me know. ”
“No problem.”
She sighs. “I just hate him thinking he’s got the upper hand, that I’m afraid to meet with him when that’s not it at all. I just don’t want him to think I’m sending him signals like I want to be with him. And he’s the type to take a normal business meeting and turn it into she wants to date me.”
In truth, I’m glad I’m going in her place. I don’t want her anywhere near the asshole. “He won’t think you’re afraid. Trust me, I’m going to handle him.”
“Thanks, Lucas. I don’t know how to thank you enough.”
“You’re welcome. Though I can think of a few ways next time we’re alone.” I smirk even though she can’t see.
“You’re a tease,” she says, breathing heavier into the phone.
“But you’re hot thinking about the possibilities, aren’t you?” I can imagine her on her knees, ready to part those luscious lips and suck my cock. Or, I have a real-life vision of her laying on the bed, legs parted, ready for me to feast.
She lets out a chuckle but it’s low and sexy. I hear the entry door open and see Tristan walk inside. “Okay, change of subject,” I tell her.
“How about the charity gala? Kaylee tells me it’s going to be a huge event and it should raise a good amount of money for the Foster Fundraiser.” She sounds excited by the prospect.
“I’m glad. I intend to make a large donation myself. I know how important it is to find families willing to take in kids. Especially the difficult ones. Like me.”
“My aunt Madison and uncle Alex taught me how important it is to give back. I admire them so much. Your parents, too.”
I smile. “Same. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without them.” I pause to clear my throat. “Hey, want to be my date to the gala?” The words are out before I can stop them or think them through.
Silence follows and I’m left holding my breath while I wait for an answer. One, based on our agreement, I’m sure will be no.
“I’d love to. I want to. But we said we wouldn’t go out in public like a couple.”
Her first words mean more to me than any agreement we’ve made. “But we didn’t say we couldn’t be seen together as friends.”
“Good point, Mr. Carras. In that case, sure. Let’s go together.”
I feel like I won the lottery. “Great.” I pull my phone away from my ear and check the time, then return the phone to my ear. “Listen, I’ve got to go so I’m not late.”
“Good luck and thanks again.”
Forty minutes and a lot of traffic later, I arrive at the museum.
The director sends me to the offices in the back.
As I reach the hallway, a guy walks through the entrance, and I recognize him immediately from when Rainey brought him into the club.
He has a preppy look with his blond hair and blue eyes.
The arrogant tilt to his head is all his own.
“Adam,” I say.
“Lucas Carras?”
He’s been introduced to me before, but I play along. “Yes, that’s me.” I extend my hand for a shake, and he gives me the too-hard-trying-to-impress-me handshake that’s utterly ridiculous. He’s just pissed Rainey isn’t here and unsure of why she’s sending me, a man, in her place.
He adjusts his jacket. “I’m not sure why Rainey can’t do her job herself, but let’s get moving.”
“She’s busy,” I tell him, because I know better than to antagonize him with what I really want to say: You’re an asshole and she doesn’t want to be near you.
He frowns and walks to a separate section of the museum where there are empty cases waiting to be filled. “This is where we’ll hold the exhibition. I already sent Rainey a floor plan, so if you’re happy with the room, we can call it a day.”
I raise my eyebrows. “I was told you’d walk me through which items will be placed where so I can get a feel for the actual presentation.”
“I’m supposed to believe a nightclub owner knows anything about museum exhibit layouts?” he asks in a haughty tone.
And I’ve had it. “Okay, look. I know you love giving Rainey a hard time because she turned down your proposal, and now you’re acting like an unprofessional ass since she opted not to bow to your lunch and meeting demands. But you can’t intimidate me, so don’t bother trying.”
“Is she sleeping with you?” He looks down his nose at me. “Because you know she’ll come running back to me eventually.”
I want to shake the guy and maybe put him through the wall. I tried to keep things professional, but he crossed a line. “I know she wants nothing to do with you. Now, I’m here to do a job and you’re going to show me around as planned.”
He opens his mouth to say something, but I step closer. “Or I can report to the museum director that I’m having an issue with his head curator.” I repeat the line Rainey told me worked to get him to back off.
“Fine.” He clenches his jaw and storms off, assuming I’ll follow. Which I do.
Apparently his job is important to him because we spend the next thirty minutes doing the walk-through and he’s a complete professional… if I ignore the scowl on his face.
After the last exhibit case discussion, I’m ready to be away from his attitude, his heavy cologne, and his company. “I’ll talk to Rainey, and I’m sure she’ll touch base. By phone,” I emphasize.
Turning, I take two steps when I hear, “She’s a real firecracker in bed, isn’t she?”
I pivot and take two steps toward him, ready to lift him by his shirt with one hand and punch him in the jaw with the other. But that would ruin Rainey’s business with the museum, so I clench my fists and breathe in slowly in an attempt to calm down.
“She didn’t know how to treat me the first time around, but when she comes crawling back, I’ll make sure she’s learned her lesson.”
His words resonate in my brain and I’m reminded of the brick through her window. Could Adam be behind the threats?
I meet his gaze with the stony glare I’d perfected when I was a pissed-off teen, one I rarely use anymore, but this son of a bitch deserves it. “Stay the fuck away from her.”
Before he can reply, I turn and walk away, refusing to give him another second of my time.
I don’t head back to the club right away.
First, I call Rainey and update her about how the meeting went.
I assure her all is well. No need to give her anything to worry about.
Then, I give Tristan a call and ask him to meet me at the gym.
I need to work off my anger from meeting with Rainey’s ex and talk through whether Adam could be responsible for the brick thrown through her window.
Later that afternoon, at the gym, I’m sweaty from warming up and ready to work out my frustrations.
Tristan takes hold of the punching bag while I begin some boxing combos. “So today with the ex didn’t go well?” he asks. I’d told him about my morning when I called him to meet me here. And he already knew about the brick at Rainey’s workplace.
“He was a pompous ass. But he also said something that’s bothering me about making sure Rainey learns her lesson.” I throw a one-two punch at the bag, pretending it’s Adam’s face.
“Do you think he’s behind the postcard and the brick?” Tristan asks.
I think through the wording on the threats, and I’m forced to shake my head.
“The notes don’t fit. They focus on her not deserving good things and being prepared to lose everything.
I wouldn’t rule him out, but it seems like he’s more focused on getting her back than making her miserable. ” Neither of which would be happening.
“You’re worried about her.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Aren’t you?”
“Sure, but not in the same way you are. So, how’s it going?”
I hesitate to tell him about me and Rainey. Not because I don’t trust him, but I don’t want to put him in the middle of me and Jack should the truth come out. Instead, I go at the bag again.
“Hey. Lucas.” His stern tone of voice captures my attention and I look up. “Tell me.”
“We’re working together for her Thunder party. We’re getting to know each other better, too.” I hold up my hands, and he unstraps each glove so I can pull them off myself. I lay them on a nearby bench and take a seat. This conversation requires my attention so I take a break from throwing punches.
Tristan leans against the wall beside me.
“She doesn’t want anyone to know we’re involved. Whatever happens is after hours. I asked her to go with me to the Foster Fundraiser event, and she said we can go together. As friends.”
“Ouch.”
I raise one shoulder. “I try and tell myself it’s not like that. The chemistry is off the charts. But…”
“Jack.”
I nod. “Jack. And Rainey is very careful about her reputation. She’s afraid if people find out we’re sleeping together, she’ll be seen as unprofessional in her industry.”
“I don’t get how.” Tristan pushes off the wall and sits down beside me.
“Well, she had a client who was unhappy and bad-mouthed her until other companies stopped calling. She and Kaylee did rebuild their business, but it wasn’t easy. So, now, being professional and doing the right thing is important to her.” And I respect Rainey’s work ethic.
I just wish it didn’t impact us.
Hell, I’m willing to go up against Jack if it means winning Rainey in the end, but that is the last thing she wants.
And I’ve yet to figure out another way to get through to her.
Except by letting her see how good we could be together.
By showing up. Being there. No matter how often she pushes me away.
“Sounds complicated,” Tristan says.
I nod. “It is. But she’s worth it.”