I glance the guy’s way, and heat floods my system for a whole new reason. He’s in a polo shirt and jeans, and he’s got on these black-framed glasses that are really doing something to me.
He’s frowning, so I take another drag and blow the smoke out slowly.
The guy full-on scowls now. “The owner of this place could call the police on you.”
I roll my eyes. “Why don’t you go out and get a blowjob? It’ll loosen you up.”
I start to put the cigarette back to my lips when the guy reaches over and snatches it from my hand before putting it out in the glass of water Rowan had sat in front of me.
As the cigarette sizzles, I glance up at Rowan. “Who the fuck is this guy?”
Rowan sighs heavily. “That’s Max. My boss and the owner of this place. And I’d really like to keep this job, so do me a favor and play nice.”
“Oh.” I turn back to look at Max. “That blowjob I said you needed to go get? If you let my brother keep his job, I’ll give it to you.”
Two
Max
Is this guy seriously offering to blow me to let my employee keep his job?
I glance at Rowan to find him giving the new guy a withering stare.
“Forgive him,” Rowan says. “This is my baby brother, Jude.”
Jude’s nose wrinkles. “Just say brother.”
“If you didn’t act so juvenile, I wouldn’t have to say you’re the baby.” Rowan’s response is quick, and he sounds just like he does when he speaks to Dominic. It’s as though Jude has been a part of his life all this time instead of having left so long ago.
Jude grunts in response before turning to me. “Just so you know, customer service ratings at this place would go way up if you didn’t take cigarettes from patrons and put them out in drinks.”
“Or they’ll remain high because I promise a smoke-free establishment, and customers expect that.” I can’t believe I’m sitting here arguing with this guy. And what’s worse is…heat is beginning to simmer in my stomach. I haven’t felt that since Patrick.
I swallow and try to push him from my mind. Patrick wouldn’t want me to still be depressed over him all this time later.
Jude’s studying me, one elbow propped on the bar, his chin in his hand. With a jolt, I realize he really would give me a blowjob if I asked for one. The thought sends the heat in my stomach lower, and my cheeks warm.
What the hell is wrong with me? I should not be this turned on by some asshole. Why am I finding him so attractive? And how can I stop?
“I think you need to get out of your office and have some fun,” Jude says. “You’re way too…tight.”
“Jude.” Rowan’s voice is firmer, his scowl deep. “That’s enough.”
Jude turns to Dominic. “Let’s go meet that fiancée of yours.”
Dominic glances at Rowan, like he’s checking to make sure he’s okay with it. When Rowan nods, Dominic stands and motions for Jude to follow him.
As soon as the door to the bar swings shut behind them, Rowan turns to me. “Sorry about that. I forgot what a mouth Jude has on him.”
I wouldn’t mind having his mouth on me. My jeans tighten, and I’ve never been so thankful to be sitting, the bar hiding my lap. I school my expression and return Rowan’s look. “In case it wasn’t obvious, I’m not firing you because of Jude.”
“Yeah, I know.” Rowan tosses a towel over his shoulder and starts stacking the dry glasses under the bar. “You’d never find someone who works as hard as I do.”
I nod, but my mind is back on Jude, on that smirk that quirked his lips up at the corner. And a part of me wishes I’d taken him up on that offer.
***
When the place starts filling up, I go back to my office. Papers remain spread out on my desk; numbers are doing really well for the bar. I might have to bring in a third bartender, but I’ll have to find one as good as Rowan and Delilah.
