“Fucking terrified.”
I wrap my arms around him. “What about?”
“Running an entire club on my own. Failing miserably. Having to wear a suit every damn day again.”
I try to fight the grin he’s causing. He really hates suits.
“First of all, you’re not alone. Is Jonas all by himself in Nashville?”
“No,” he answers right away. “I’m just a phone call away. Plus, we have management staff and—” He presses his lips together, intentionally pausing. “I see your point.”
“Good. You also know that fear of failing is perfectly normal when starting something new. Especially when you care so much.”
“Pretty sure I’ve told you that a time or two when it comes to the bar.”
“You did,” I agree. “And I’m glad you did. Sometimes we need a reminder. If I had let my fear and doubt consume me, itwould have ruined any chances I had of righting the wrongs Jace had done under my watch.”
It had been about six months since Jace broke into the bar and nearly destroyed us. Three months since he threatened and tried to extort me for money.
And he didn’t get away with any of it.
Under the guidance of his lawyer, Jace took a plea deal and received a four-year prison sentence. There are days when I still look back and feel like I should have done more, noticed more.
But then I remind myself I am not responsible for his poor choices.
Unfortunately, I am responsible for the consequences of those choices, and it took a while for the bar to recoup the losses he stole from the stockroom.
“The bar is flourishing because of you.”
“Because of us,” I correct him. “And this club is going to do the same.”
“Okay.”
“As for the suits…” I run a hand down his lapel, causing him to laugh. “You are the owner, if I remember correctly. I do believe that gives you the power to make your own rules.” His eyes flare like he’s never even contemplated that idea. “Also, it’s not every day. You hired a manager so you could spend your weekends with your wife.”
His lips quirk. “Yes, and when is my wife going to hire a manager?”
“Soon.” I shrug, but then give him a flirty wink. “What’s the hurry when you do the work for free?”
“You just like having me around.”
I shrug. “You are very pretty to look at. Plus, I love seeing the way you blush every time someone comes in and asks for a picture with Hero Hollis.”
He rolls his eyes. “I really thought that would blow over.”
“You clearly underestimated the power of BookTok.”
“You clearly overestimate my understanding of the meaning of BookTok.”
I start to adjust his tie. “Well, I’d love to explain—again—but we should probably get going. Don’t want to be late to thisthing,” I say with a hint of amusement. “You and Jonas are the guests of honor after all.”
He groans. “Don’t remind me.”
I pat his shoulder. “Don’t worry. If what Hen says is true and Asher shows up, no one will care about you in the slightest.”
“See, that might upset someone else, but for me, it’s actually very calming. Thanks.”
Smiling, I say, “Maybe we could even sneak off and celebrate privately in your office?”
