I sighed, surrendering to my brother’s request. “You can stay. But don’t think you can manipulate me. I’m onto you, buddy.”
“Cool. Thanks.”
“No problem. Do you still have a key?”
“Yes. I’ll be over this evening.”
“Okay. Bye.” I ended the call and found Alek dialed into my conversation. “That was my brother.”
“I see. He needs place to stay.”
“Yes.” Boy, I felt a little violated and I wasn’t sure why. Had he been listening to my phone call?
For as long as I’d known Alek, like a few weeks, he’d been charming and nice. His questioned about myself or my family hadn’t felt invasive. We just chatted abouteverything,and our friendship was slowly developing.
Until Slay dropped in today.
“Is your brother biker like Slay?” Alek watched me with an intensity in his brown depths I hadn’t seen before.
What was up with him? Before now, I’d found him charming. Interesting. A possibility for more…
But I wasn’t so sure I’d consider him now, which was disappointing. Sort of.
“Why would you think he’s a biker?” I asked, strangely feeling offended on my brother’s behalf. Although Steve would probably be delighted if people thought he was an outlaw biker.
Clearly, it was me who had the problem with motorcycle clubs.
“No reason.” He pushed his cup toward me and set a ten-dollar bill on the counter. “I should go. But I will be back.”
“Of course. Have a good rest of your day.” I waved, sort of relieved he was leaving.
Cleaning up after Alek, I observed my café. Business had slowed down after the morning rush. I only had two staff members: Lucy and Trevor. They alternated days, and I worked every day. Somedays alone when someone was sick and the other couldn’t cover.
Maybe I should offer Steve a job like my dad had suggested. Having another day off, not just Mondays, would be amazing.
I turned toward Lucy, who was busy refilling the pastry case in preparation for the lunch rush.
“Will you be okay if I took a break? I won’t be long. Ten or fifteen minutes.” I asked her.
“Oh, yeah. No worries. I know where to find you.” She smiled sweetly.
“Thanks. I’ll be in my office.” I went around the counter and toward the back office.
Exhaling a deep breath and glad to be out of the public eye, I plopped onto my chair.
What a day and it wasn’t even noon yet.
I rocked in a rhythmic motion and closed my eyes. Immediately, I went back to that kiss with Slay. He had practically devoured me and I let him. Heck, I joined him.
We’d never kissed like that when we were teenagers. There was a sense of desperation coming off both of us.
If Alek hadn’t interrupted us, I wouldn’t have stopped. I might have suggested we sneak into my office for a quickie.
I fanned my face, still a little hot and bothered. The idea of having sex right here on my desk with Slay made me clench down low.
No question in my mind he would have done it if I asked.
All these years, I’d known if I let my guard down with Slay, I would have caved to his magnetic allure. He had a powerful hold on me, always had, probably always would.
