I nod. Tristan isn’t just a club owner, he’s a real estate mogul and his schedule isn’t an easy one. Which is why he’s our silent partner, though we get his input on anything important. “See you tomorrow night.”
He nods once and walks off.
No sooner is he gone than my gaze darts back to the dance floor in time to see Rainey stumble into a man who grasps her forearms to steady her. I decide the women have had enough to drink and their fill of dancing, too.
I push back from my seat and make my way through the crowd, knowing how to maneuver to get where I want to go and not get stuck behind groups who have no intention of stepping aside.
Rainey’s hands are on the man’s chest, and she tips her head back and laughs. “I’ve been such a klutz tonight!”
“Come on, let’s keep dancing,” Kaylee says, tugging her friend’s arm.
“Yes! Let’s!” Rainey spins away from the man I assume is a stranger and right into me. “Oops!” She tilts her head back and those gorgeous indigo eyes, an inherited family trait, stare into mine. “Lucas,” she says in a breathless whisper.
“Time to go home, beautiful.” The term of endearment slips out.
“But I’m having fun!”
My lips twitch but I don’t want to encourage her, so I hold back a laugh. “And it’s a good idea to leave while you still are.” I hook my arm around her waist and when Kaylee turns, I grasp her arm. “Tell me you two didn’t drive here,” I say.
“We each took a rideshare,” Kaylee replies.
They wouldn’t be going home the same way. I don’t want either tipsy woman alone with a stranger driving them. “I’ll take you both home.”
“You’re such a good guy.” Rainey leans into me. “I accept your offer. Right, Kaylee?”
“Ummm. Think Tristan wants to drive me home?” she asks on a giggle, and I realize she’s more wasted than I thought. She’d never admit to those feelings sober.
“Let’s go. I’m the only ride you two are going to get tonight.”
Kaylee wobbles on her heels, following me off the dance floor and through the club while Rainey obediently clings to my arm. I stop by my office to lock it up, then lead the women out to my car.
“I’ll take the back seat!” Kaylee says too loudly in my ear.
“I’ve got the front.” Rainey releases my arm, and I manage to open the back door for Kaylee and then the front for Rainey.
I don’t think either woman is at the going-to-puke stage, but I send up a prayer anyway.
I ask for their addresses and since Kaylee lives closer, I decide to take her home first. On the drive, both women are quiet. A glance in the rearview mirror and I see Kaylee asleep, her body leaning over and her head at an awkward angle.
To my right, Rainey is snoring lightly, her head tipped backward. I take in her lovely profile, her pert nose with freckles across the bridge, and the pouty lips I always find hard to resist. Also, as usual, I wonder what her mouth would taste like. Thank God I pull up to Kaylee’s apartment building before a groan escapes the back of my throat.
I park the SUV and climb out. Once I walk Kaylee to the door, sign in with the doorman, and make certain she gets inside safely, I head back to deal with my final passenger.
I slide into my seat and shut the door.
“Hi,” Rainey says from beside me. “I appreciate you driving us home.”
“I didn’t think either of you belonged in a rideshare with a stranger.”
She nods. “I’m much more sober than I was. I’m sorry if you had to go out of your way.”
I shake my head as I start the car. “I’m not, and even if I were, it’s not a big deal.”
“It is.” She grows silent as I drive toward her apartment building and pull up in a circular driveway. After cutting the engine, I reach for my door handle. “You don’t need to get out,” she says.
“I’ll walk you to your apartment.” My tone brooks no argument.
Despite her saying she’s sober, I’ve kept an eye on her for most of the night, and I don’t want her tripping as she walks. Or maybe I’m not ready to say goodbye just yet.
