Chapter Ten
Jason
The morning of the big event, I sit with my partners in the main office, a bottle of bourbon just opened for a toast before we make our way downstairs and get to work. Despite none of us being major drinkers, a toast to our success is something to be savored. And we know Levi would approve.
“Jason, we owe this night to you.” Tanner raises a glass. “It’s your idea come to life.”
“And I owe it to Faith for planting the initial germ of an idea.” Who would have thought the night I saw the sexy blonde on the side of the road would change my life as much as it has?
Landon places his glass on the counter and meets my gaze. “Sounds like she’s special.”
“She is.” I take a drink of the only alcohol I’ll allow myself tonight. “More than I ever thought possible.”
Tanner shifts on his feet. “More power to you, buddy. But that’s not for me.”
“Me, neither,” Landon mutters. “I can’t see anyone ever changing my way of thinking. I’m good on my own.”
I frown. “You don’t know what you’re missing. But I know there’s no convincing you unless you experience the power of it for yourself.”
Tanner rolls his eyes at that. “Love is not for me. No one’s going to understand me or accept the demons inside me. Except you two.” He smirks as if it doesn’t bother him.
Except I sense it does. But I’m not going to argue with the man. Only the right woman coming along will change his way of thinking.
“Okay, so for tonight … is security tight?” I ask.
Tanner nods. “Nothing to worry about on that score. I’ve got everything locked down.”
I blow out a breath. “And I’ve got a bodyguard on Faith. Which means I guess we’ve done all we can.”
Landon nods. “I suggest we try to enjoy, too. The talent is downstairs. Lola and Charlotte are doing sound checks.”
I sit on the corner of the desk, “Yeah. I ran into them on my way up here.” And I wiped Charlotte’s red lipstick marks off my lips soon after.
If she’s gotten over me the way I hoped, she has a funny way of showing it.
Then again, Charlotte likes to be the center of attention and to cause drama.
Hopefully that’s all her big hello was all about.
“I need to change my clothes. I’ll meet you guys downstairs,” I say.
Landon glances down at his jeans. “I think we all need to dress.” With the number of hours we spend at this place, it is our second home, and we choose to be comfortable until it is time to head down to the floor.
“Are you going home to pick up Faith?” Tanner asks, rising to his feet from the chair he was sprawled in.
I shake my head. “Renault, the bodyguard, is bringing her. Apparently, she wanted to get her hair and makeup done with some of the women in my family.”
A dark chuckle comes from Tanner’s throat. “You’re in trouble, man. When the family gets involved, it’s harder to end things.”
I grin. “That’s the point, my friend. That’s the point.”
* * *
Faith
My heart beats with excitement as I travel with Jack Renault to Club TEN29.
I had a fantastical day with Izzy and Sienna, from having my hair done professionally to visiting with a makeup artist, who made me look incredible.
I can’t remember the last time I felt so good about myself.
So full of energy to go out, forget my problems, and have fun.
I don’t even care that I put an excessive amount of money on my credit card to make tonight happen. This is a big night for Jason, and it might be the only night we spend together dressed up and enjoying his success. Pushing aside those thoughts, I glance out the car window in time to see the club.
We’re here.
I allow my bodyguard to escort me inside, past the line that wraps around the corner, then look around for someone I know. I expect Jason to be busy and I don’t want to be underfoot. I just want to experience his big night along with him.
Music blares around me, the thumping of the beat reverberating inside me. I can only imagine the sound and feeling when the entertainment begins to play.
My gaze falls to the bar, where the Dare women are congregated.
I join Izzy and Gabe, who welcome me warmly.
Sienna shows up next with her mother and husband.
She introduces me to her husband, Ethan Knight, an imposing-looking man who I wouldn’t want to cross.
All the men in this family are alpha to the extreme, I muse, thinking about how lucky the women are to have found men willing to commit.
I bite down on my cheek. I promised myself I won’t go there tonight.
I won’t think about endings or things I can’t have.
I glance at Savannah Dare, admiring her strength for walking away from a bad situation and not sitting at home and sulking while she pulled herself together after the way her marriage crumbled.
Not feeling as cheeky as I did last time I was here, I order a Pinot Grigio and look around as the club begins to fill with people. Since I haven’t seen any of the partners, I assume Jason and the other men are busy with last-minute preparations.
All the while, my big bodyguard stands nearby, the only reminder that everything in my life isn’t as perfect as it seems at an outside glance.
I’m making small talk with Jason’s family when I have the distinct feeling of being watched. I glance over my shoulder and up to the area that overlooks the expanse of the club floor. Sure enough, Jason stands on the balcony above the bar area, staring down … at me.
I pick up my wineglass and take a sip, my gaze never leaving his, wondering if he can read my mind. If he knows how hard I’ve fallen for the man who took me in and looked after me when he hadn’t known me at all. Who made me his priority and sole focus.
Does he know that I’ve fallen in love with him?
I stare back at him, in his dark slacks, black shirt, and suit jacket, a dark, sexy, protector with eyes only for me. But a man who is willing to let me go. I promise myself I’ll make it easy for him, and so I’ll never reveal my feelings. Not in words, anyway.
I’ll hold them tight to my heart, where I’ll always hold him.
I blink, and he’s gone, which means he’s probably making his way downstairs. I shiver in anticipation, suddenly eager to see him.
Touch him.
Kiss him.
He’s been working long hours that are opposite of mine and I’ve spent many hours in his big bed alone.
I don’t know how many more I’ll spend in my own apartment with nothing but my memories to sustain me.
After the break-in, we cleaned things up but I haven’t gone home.
It is going to feel strange to be there with nothing but my memories of Jason to sustain me.
Without warning, a pair of strong arms slides around my waist and I recognize the scent of his cologne. I sigh in pleasure and lean back against him. “You look so fucking hot I couldn’t take my eyes off you,” he says in my ear.
I turn and find myself in his arms. “You’re looking mighty fine yourself, Mr. Dare.”
He grins in reply, a naughty twinkle in his eye. “I want to take you home and devour you.” His finger dips into my cleavage, outlining the low vee of my dress.
My nipples tighten, and I rub my thighs together, desire for this man alive inside me.
“Would you two get a room?” Tanner mutters from beside us.
Jason chuckles. “Can’t wait for it to be your turn.”
“As if.”
Before either man can utter another word, the sound of tapping on a microphone reverberates around the room, and Landon walks on stage. Dressed similarly to Jason in all black, he holds the microphone in one hand.
“Welcome to Club TEN29.” He raises his hands and a roar of applause comes from the crowd. “We’re thrilled to welcome you all to our grand reopening, featuring Lola Corbin Grissom, of Tangled Royal fame, and Charlotte Jasper!”
The crowd bursts into applause as Landon steps out of the spotlight and the curtains go up, revealing the two superstar singers.
Jason slides his arms around my waist and rests his head on my shoulder.
And that’s how we stand together, listening to the most amazing live music ever.
These two women are powerhouse talents, and I’m thrilled for Jason that he’s gotten them to perform.
Even Charlotte, who does like to stare at Jason despite the fact that he is firmly with me.
At least for now.
I lean back into him and let myself enjoy the rest of the evening, celebrating in Jason and his partners’ success.
* * *
Jason
After a triumphant night, the patrons take their time leaving, but finally the crowds dissipate and the club feels empty.
No music blares in the speakers. Lola and Charlotte’s crew are disassembling their equipment.
The cleanup team works, sanitizing tables, then putting the chairs up high on the tables so the floors can be cleaned.
In the meantime, family and close friends huddle around the bar, still on a high.
Once we are alone with vetted people, I send Renault home.
I’ll take Faith with me. Right now, everyone around us only wants the best for each other.
For the first time in a long time, I, too, am soaring from the perfection of the night.
I sling an arm around Faith’s shoulders. “You know I have you to thank for tonight’s events.”
She glances up at me, confusion on her pretty face. “How? I don’t recall coming up with the idea to turn this into a live venue for high-end performers.”
“No, but you did inspire me the night we met when you talked about standing out in your own space.”
“I was delivering little baskets to neighborhood businesses, not making a statement in the Manhattan nightclub world.” She waves away my comment as if it means nothing.
“Don’t do that. Don’t belittle what you do. Candy makes people happy.”
She smiles. “I love what I do. I’m just saying, how could I have inspired this awesome night?”
“You made me think bigger. Made me ask how I could make my business stand out. And the idea came to me. So I have you to thank.” I press a kiss to her lips.