Chapter 8 Rain Check #2
“It’s been a while. I was starting to think you were involved and the next time we saw you would be with a girl on your arm.
No date tonight?” I ask Braden before saying hi to the others and giving Lucy a quick hug.
Taking the seat across from him, I briefly glance around.
Lily and Sebastian are on their way, and Eli must be off handling something because he texted earlier to say he was already here.
“No. This case I’m working on is a bitch, and I haven’t had time for shit. Figured I’d meet you guys for a couple beers to take the edge off.”
The waitress brings me a cosmo, knowing all our drink orders by now. I don’t deviate often unless they order champagne for the night.
“That sucks. Though I heard Eli has gotten you out a bit recently.”
“Yeah, someone has to keep an eye on that guy, and this one’s too smart to do it,” he says, pointing to Justin.
“Sebastian’s too busy, so that leaves moi.
” He shrugs. “That man is fucking reckless, but he sure comes up with some fun distractions—I’ll give him that.
” Braden toasts the air and takes a swig of his beer.
“So I’ve heard. Where is he anyway? Have you seen him yet?” I glance around, trying to spot him.
“He was here earlier but got called downstairs. He’ll be back soon, I’m sure,” Justin says as he scans the club. “Oh, there he is.” He points to the first-level bar.
I look behind me in the direction he indicates and watch Eli casually lean against the bar top, conversing with a woman.
He’s facing my way, and the woman’s back is to me.
She’s a patron, not an employee, as indicated by the drink in her hand and how she’s dressed to impress.
My hackles rise before I immediately scold myself.
I should not be jealous. It’s not like we’re committed or anything.
And with me leaving soon, it makes perfect sense for him to start playing the field.
“You okay?” Braden asks with a chuckle.
When I turn around, I’m met with a knowing smirk, which only irritates me more. “I’m fine. Eli and I aren’t serious. He can talk to whoever he wants, whenever he wants.”
“The daggers you’re shooting say something else entirely. Part of why I’m a shark in the courtroom is because I can read people, and your thoughts are loud and clear, babe.”
“Don’t ‘babe’ me, and leave your skills in the courtroom where they belong.”
He puts his hands up, palms toward me. “Hey, no need to be defensive. You know… I have other skills I’d be happy to show you while Eli’s occupied. You were hoping to sample the goods back in the day, if I remember correctly.”
“Cut it out, Braden,” Lucy scolds him.
He shakes his head and laughs while sipping his beer before we turn to look at the couple in question.
My stomach turns sour when Eli throws his head back in laughter at something the woman said to him.
When her hand reaches his shoulder as she doubles over, the daggers Braden mentioned sound darn good right now.
“Hey, guys, sorry I’m late. Where’s Eli? I thought he was already here,” Lily says as she bounces up to the table, hugging Lucy, then me before sitting.
Glad to be distracted from the scene below, I answer as nonchalantly as I can muster while slyly changing the subject, “He’s downstairs at the bar.
What about Sebastian? Did he go straight to work?
” He hangs out with us, but only after he makes the rounds.
They say things run smoother when the owners are present, so they make it known when they’re here.
However, the only person I see Eli making it known to is the bimbo at the bar.
Cici, stop it. She’s not a bimbo, just a normal girl looking for a hookup.
“He did, but it won’t take long.” Lily peers over the railing and makes a face when her gaze lands on Eli. “Oh, who’s he talking to?” So much for avoiding that one.
“Not sure, but I should go and find out. He might need a hand.” Braden smirks. “Want to join me?” he offers to Justin, who declines, before walking off to join Eli.
“Who is she?” Lucy asks.
“She hasn’t turned around for a good look, but I doubt I’d know her anyway. It’s probably just another admirer trying to make a move. No big deal.” I’m glad Lily’s on the side of the table away from the banister to keep my head in the opposite direction from staring.
Lily, however, has a direct line of sight and keeps her eyes trained on them. “Wait, she just turned to look at Braden, and I swear that’s Rebecca.” I give her a blank look. “The girl from your office who filled in for Cindy when Mia left?”
“Seriously?” I swivel around quickly, and sure enough, it is her. She’s angled so she can talk to both men. “Oh my God, you’re right.”
Did she know he was the owner here? I remember our conversation like it was yesterday. She asked if she could go for him, but I scared her away. All she’d have to do is a Google search to find out this was his club. Would she have done that, or am I overthinking it?
“He met her once in your office, didn’t he? I bet they’re just saying hi. He wouldn’t be picking up a woman when you’re together,” Lily says confidently.
Poor Justin silently sips his beer, stuck at the table with three women.
“We aren’t together. We’re just having fun while I’m here. It’s nothing. He’s free to do what he wants.”
Both Lily and Lucy give me looks that says I’m full of shit, and the way Justin raises his brows says he agrees, not to mention the cough he lets out that distinctly resembles the word bullshit. He’s quieter than the rest of us, but when he does engage, he’s funny.
“I mean it. It’s no big deal. And anyway, she’s sweet.
She’d be perfect for Eli… someone he could be with.
” The minute the words are out, I’m sick.
I need to leave stat before my lunch ends up on the table.
“Ugh. I need to use the bathroom. Could you watch my drink and purse for a minute?” I’m out of my seat before finishing the question and leave the second they agree.
Racing into the single stall, I lean against the door while clutching my stomach, trying for slow, deep breaths.
What the hell is happening? I’m not the jealous type.
Hell, you’d have to be monogamous for that to happen, and I’ve never been.
And we certainly aren’t, so why am I acting like this?
I feel so stupid. I’m the one who won’t commit, so it shouldn’t bother me that he’s talking to another woman.
A woman who would welcome a relationship with Eli.
A woman who could love him freely, the way he deserves to be loved. Oh God, could I…?
I can’t even finish the question in my own mind as my breathing turns erratic and tears threaten my eyes.
I’ve got to be hormonal or something. This is not normal behavior.
Whatever it is, I better work on pulling myself together.
If I’m gone too long, Lily might think something’s wrong.
She probably already does since she knows me so well.
I’m sure I’m not fooling her. According to Braden and Justin, I’m not fooling anyone.
Still, it doesn’t matter. I’m leaving. We aren’t a thing.
My feelings, or whatever is going on, do…
not… matter. We should stop messing around before this gets more convoluted than it already is.
Yes. That’s exactly what needs to happen.
I look in the mirror, silently lecturing myself.
We need to stop sleeping together and move on.
He can see whomever he wants, and I’ll return to Bozeman and get on with my life.
Decision made, I stand tall, square my shoulders, and take another deep breath before walking out.
Eli leans on the opposite wall outside the door, his legs and arms casually crossed.
He comes forward and pulls me into a hug.
“Hey, cutie. Lily told me you were here, so I thought I’d steal a moment alone.
Come on.” He walks me around the corner, past the roped barrier for personnel only, and into one of the offices lining the hallway.
Gripping my head, he tilts it and brushes his lips against mine. “I’ve been dying to have you in my arms since you left this morning.” He deepens the kiss, and I’m putty in his hands, forgetting about the pep talk from seconds ago.
A minute later, he leans back and stares at me while caressing my face.
“You helped me through my day today, so thank you. All I had to do was think of you. And of this—” He kisses me passionately.
“—and this—” He reaches under my dress and prods my opening while rubbing his palm on my clit.
“—and whatever stress I was feeling vanished.”
I moan into his kiss as he continues touching me.
“I’ll thank you properly at home,” he whispers in my ear.
How can he say something so meaningful, then lewd from one sentence to the next, and act like it’s nothing? Does he realize the effect his words have on me? What he’s doing to my mental state? He must not have a clue. It’s now or never.
“Eli, I think we need to slow down,” I say, pushing his hand away.
“Okay, baby. I can wait ’til later,” he says huskily, breathing against my neck and giving me chills.
“No, I mean about seeing each other. We should take it easy.”
His head jerks back in shock. “Where did that come from?”
“We’re spending too much time together, and it’s not fair to you. I’m leaving soon. You should be dating and finding someone you can have a real relationship with, not just a temporary fuck buddy.”
His features turn angry. “You and I both know that’s not what you are, Cici.
Call it whatever you need to make yourself feel better, but I’m dating you.
We may have an expiration, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the time we do have together.
I’m not ancient, and I’m not settling down anytime soon. This is what I want for now.”