Chapter 8
Later that night at Lexi’s club
Jinx smiled as Vic gave the toast. “To my cousin Jagger and his beautiful wife Daniela on the birth of their first child. May they be a strong and happy family.”
“To Jagger and Daniela!” Everyone raised their glasses with the cheer.
Jinx sipped her wine and felt the warmth go through her whole body. It relaxed her, but if she wasn’t careful, too much alcohol would put her out for the count. He ex-boyfriend Steve called her a light weight when it came to drinking.
“So, how was your first day?” Vic asked her.
She had to raise her voice to be heard over the din of people taking and music blaring. “It was a little underwhelming, but I’m an expert at completing the applications. I could probably do it blindfolded.”
He laughed. “I hate paperwork, but it’s like forty percent of the job.”
“Yeah, that’s what I hear. No worries, I’m just looking forward to getting out in the field soon.”
“Don’t rush it. Get as much training as needed and learn as much as you can.” Vic was talking to her, but his eyes were tracking his fiancée as she went behind the bar to talk to the bartenders.
It was Lexi’s nightclub, and Jinx had to admit, it was a really nice one. The place was two stories with a large dance floor on the bottom level with tables circling around it. There was a bar was on both levels and upstairs there were more tables overlooking the dancefloor above. They were on the second level at a large table. Most of the bounty hunters had showed up, allowing Jinx to meet more of her new coworkers.
Watching how the bounty hunters interacted, it was clear that they were closer than just fellow employees. They were a tight knit family that looked after one another. It seemed like they weren’t sure about Jinx joining the ranks, but they were willing to give her a chance simply because of Vic. But at least one other person aside from the cousins seemed comfortable enough to open up to her, and that person was Shy.
Shy had pulled her out onto the dancefloor a couple of times already, though the other female bounty hunters had successfully dodged her attempts. After a few fast paced dances, Jinx told her she needed to catch her breath. It had been a long time since she had gone out clubbing with girlfriends—not that Jinx had many girlfriends. Most of the ones from her childhood had been troublemakers her mother refused to let her hang out with. In her teens, the girls were more interested in boys than being her friend. As an adult, she spent most of her time with her mother, then helping take care of her grandparents when they got sick. Before Jinx knew it, she was in a relationship with Steve; she had no time at all to spend with girlfriends. Jinx really appreciated the opportunity that Shy was offering her.
“Would you like to dance?”
Jinx jerked up at the male voice beside her. Isaac stood there in a blue silk dress shirt and sexy black jeans. His curly brown hair came just below his ears and dimples when he smiled made him look adorable and irresistible.
“What?”
He held out his hand to her. “Would you care to dance with me?”
She smiled at his manners. “Yes, as long as it’s not a fast one.” She put her hand in his and let Isaac lead her down the curved staircase and onto the dancefloor.
Isaac pulled her against him as they swayed to the slow rhythmic music. The lights dimmed a little and she couldn’t help but notice some of the other dancers getting a little handsy. “You look really pretty tonight,” Isaac whispered against her ear.
She felt heat rise to her cheeks. “Thanks. You look.—sexy.”
He smiled at her with those dimples of his and Jinx felt that heat spread all over her body. She meant it; Isaac was damn good-looking. What made him even more attractive was how smart Isaac was. That was her type: cute and smart, with manners and kind eyes. He wasn’t anything like—Drake.
“I hear you’ve been staying with Drake.”
“Only for two nights on the couch. I’ll be moving into Shy’s place tomorrow after work.”
“Let me know if you need help with the move.”
Jinx laughed, “I think I can handle one suitcase.”
“One? That’s all you brought with you?”
“I left most of my stuff with my mom. Once I have a more permanent place I’ll send for my things. My mom is going to want to come and check out my next apartment anyway. She’s protective.”
“I would be too, if you were my family,” Isaac said, pulling her closer. There was something serious in his voice for a moment, but she could have imagined it.
She could feel her breasts brush against his chest and couldn’t help but notice his arousal. Maybe dancing had been a bad idea. She’d just moved there and barely knew him, plus she was taking a break from her relationship with Steve. It was too soon to jump into bed with another guy, especially one she had to work with. She hadn’t really thought of anyone sexually other than Steve in a long time, except for Drake. Jinx couldn’t stop fantasizing abouthim.
As if her thoughts of him made him suddenly appear. Jinx glanced up and saw Drake walk toward the bar. He leaned over the counter to talk to one of the female bartenders, flirting easily. Jinx could imagine Drake flirting back, but she couldn’t see his face.
