Guess this isn’t so bad.
The ride was depressingly short, and when we stopped in front of the club, I had to peel myself off Sebastian.
Once back on solid ground, I fumbled to pull the helmet off with little success.The little sucker might have to stay on.
Sebastian batted my hands away and undid the strap for me. He held my gaze the whole time. He had the smolder down to a fine art.
I really had to get over this annoying little crush of mine. He was a rude and ignorant brute who was a member of the gang that kidnapped me. I needed to remember that.
He walked next to me to the back entrance, and my steps slowed the closer we got. I hadn’t done my required time outside yet. I wasn’t ready to go in and stopped next to the door, leaning my back against the wall.
“You go on ahead. I’ll be there soon,” I said, waving Sebastian off.
I tilted my head up until I hit brick and closed my eyes. I just needed a minute. The ride had taken my mind off my impending shift, but as soon as we were in front of the building, it all came crashing back, suffocating me.
“What are you doing?” Sebastian asked, making me lose my count.
“I just need a minute,” I said, not opening my eyes. “I’ll meet you inside.”
“Are you feeling sick?”
“No. Go away.”
“You’re my responsibility until Prez says otherwise. So no, I’m not going away. Now what’s going on?”
I opened my eyes with a sigh and was met with Sebastian’s deep frown.
“I can’t go in yet,” I responded.
He tilted his head, looking adorably confused. “Why not? Your shift starts in five minutes.”
“That gives me four more to waste,” I said.
Sebastian studied me for a moment, his eyes roaming my body, seemingly cataloguing every inch. When he was satisfied I looked healthy enough, he stepped to the side and crossed his arms.
Guess he’s going to stay outside with me.
I sighed and closed my eyes again. When I made it to four hundred, I felt better, and by five hundred I had myself back under control.
I straightened and took a deep breath. “I’m ready.”
“You’re also late.”
I checked my phone and saw my shift started one minute ago.Jiminy Crickets.
I hastened my steps and rushed through to the dressing room, dumping my purse and coat on my chair. The girls called out greetings when I came inside. I pulled on my uniform, tying my hair into a high ponytail. I’d just have to go without makeup today.
Sebastian had disappeared somewhere on the way inside. When I came out of the dressing room, I rushed to the bar, smiling at Stephen, who was mixing drinks.
“Sorry I’m late,” I said, taking one of the tablets out of its holder to take orders.
Stephen waved me off with his trademark grin. “It’s two minutes. Besides, nobody noticed you weren’t here yet.”
“Thank you,” I said and smiled at him.
“You won’t be so grateful when you find out you’re in the VIP section tonight. Sorry, honey.”
I groaned. I hated working in the VIP room. Hands liked to roam when in enclosed spaces, and the tips did not make up for being groped every two steps.
