I grumble under my breath, but don’t say another word out loud. The last thing I need is for my brother to have more ammunition against me or to know exactly how deep my feelings for Whitney are beginning to run.
Whitney
The Underground isa popular nightclub right in the middle of downtown Chicago. I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I’ve never actually been here before, though I’ve heard great things about it.
My first impression when I initially saw photos from their opening night, was that it was loud, too busy, and potentially a cesspool for germs. Now that I’m officially here, I’m pleased to find I wasn’t totally wrong.
Leila, though, is having the time of her life.
She pulls me through the doors after we are given clearance by the bouncer. Apparently, our names had been put on the list by one Mr. Theodore Hurst.
I never would have guessed that I’d be caught dead meeting my boss at a nightclub on a Friday night, but here we are. I wasn’t convinced that Theo was actually into the idea, rather just going along with what his brother suggested.
Regardless, this will be a night for the books.
Leila weaves through the crowds of people until she spots the booth where Theo and Chase are already sitting.
Theo is nursing some kind of cocktail while his brother is already two empty glasses deep. Chase is lounging in his booth. His arms are spread out wide across the back, the epitome of relaxation, while Theo appears to sit uncomfortably in his seat.
I take in the two brothers sitting at the table and am impressed that they look so similar and yet, so different. They have the same build, similar height, broad shoulders, and a sharp jawline, but that’s where the similarities end. Theo’s dark, curly hair contrasts Chase’s sandy blonde. Theo’s eyes are calculating as he looks around the bar, and Chase seems to be completely at ease, enjoying the music.
Chase seems to spot us first, straightening up and grinning widely at us as we approach. His gaze instantly goes to Leila, while I’m subjected to the appreciative gaze of Theo Hurst.
My boss watches me with rapt attention as we stand beside the table. Leila looks between the two men, then shoots me an accusatory glare, as if she can’t believe I’ve been holding out on her this entire time.
Chase scoots out of his seat and moves to sit next to Theo, giving us the entire bench to ourselves. I slide in first, sitting right across from Theo, and Leila moves in next to me.
I’ve never been in a VIP section anywhere, much less a nightclub. I look around and take in the bouncers standing by the entrance to the area, their arms crossed as they glower at the less fortunate. There are waiters and waitresses walking around to each booth, and then a private bar area for VIPs only at the end of the section.
“So, what are you ladies drinking tonight?” Chase asks the two of us once we’re settled in our seats.
Leila flips her hair over her shoulder and looks Chase dead in the eye. “Depends on where my night’s headed.”
Chase’s gaze grows dark as he traces her face.
I clear my throat and then glance at Theo, who appears tobe just as uncomfortable as I am. “I think I’ll just stick with a vodka tonic tonight,” I say.
Leila looks back at me and then grins. “She’s boring, I think I want a Mojito.”
I try to ignore how Chase and Leila stare at each other. I can only imagine the dirty things going through each of their heads at this exact moment.
“Alright, we’ll go get those drinks for you,” Theo says as he nudges Chase, pulling him out of the spell my friend seems to have him in. “I’ll probably need your help.”
Even though it takes great effort, Chase pulls his hungry gaze away from Leila and goes with Theo to the bar, leaving me and my best friend alone in the booth for now.
The minute they’re a few feet away, Leila turns on me.Her hazel eyes spark with mischief and she flips her dark hair over her shoulder.
“Whitney,” Leila puts an emphasis on my name. I brace myself for the berating I already know is coming. “You didn’t tell me that your new boss is an absolute dreamboat.”
I pick at a hangnail on my thumb. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, come on. Don’t feed me whatever lie you’ve convinced yourself. That man is into you! Did you see how his face lit up when we sat down?”
Despite my best efforts, I feel the familiar blush appear on my cheeks, and I curse my vascular system for being so reactive. “I think you’re mistaken. That wasChaselooking at you.”
A satisfied smirk appears on Leila’s lips, and she doesn’t deny not noticing. “I’m definitely down for whatever happens with that tonight.”
I bark a laugh. “Leila!”
