She took a deep breath then tilted her chin up. “But he actually said he was pleased I was moving in with you.”
“Really?” He didn’t believe her. “He wished you well…after he twisted your arms off?”
She let out another big breath. “Well, no, but he thought it might loosen me up a bit. He figured after you had finished…playing with me…that maybe I would be willing to…play with some ofhisfriends.”
“You told him to go to hell, I hope,” he spit out, anger pushing aside any common sense.
She gave a wry smile. “No one tells Mr. Moreno to go to hell, not unless they want to go with him. I may have trouble with my fresh mouth at times, but I learned fast to keep it still around him. He doesn’t put up with any crap from anyone. I didn’t want to stir up more problems so I said…maybe.”
He took a deep breath this time guiding her into his arms to hold her against his chest. She actually allowed it, resting her head on his shoulder. Stroking her back, he let his fingers run through her long, silky hair. Her body relaxed so he continued with what he hoped was comfort. It wasn’t his strong suit.
After a few minutes he said, “I’m sorry. Really sorry.”
She sighed then pushed herself away. Her impish grin reappeared. “What are you sorry about? That you woke me up before noon? And on my day off? Because, yeah, youshouldbe sorry about that. If I don’t get my beauty sleep then my customers won’t tip me as well. And even though I’ve got myself a littleSugar Daddynow who pays for my food and lodging, I hope to be able to go home at some point. And I want to go in style. I’m thinking the ripped jeans and faded t-shirt might not cut it. So, yeah, go away and let me sleep some more.”
With that, she playfully batted at his chest and flipped over, pulling the plush comforter over her head. He laughed at the complete turnaround this woman could do. Zero to sixty in two seconds flat.
He stood up but leaned over where she was ensconced under the covers. “Okay, but I was planning to whip up some bacon and eggs right now. Guess I’ll just make enough for me.”
As he neared the door she jumped out of bed padding to the bathroom then turned around to yell, “I like my bacon crispy and my eggs scrambled.” She closed the door behind her then quickly opened it again. He hadn’t even gotten out of the room yet.
“And I don’t like them runny.”
He smirked bowing his head. “Yes, M’lady.”
Chapter 6
“Okay, girl, fess up,” Tina whispered as she and Meg waited for drinks from the bar. “Why do you actually seem happy tonight? I know it can’t be the three guys that just pinched your ass as you gave them their drinks. Or dough boy ogling you and saying nasty things in your ear. Something’s going on? What’d you do on your day off yesterday? Give it up, girl.”
Meg bit her lip, trying to keep the grin from getting too big. She couldn’t tell her friend the truth, not all of it anyway. But Tina had helped her tons when she’d first started working here. She’d given her advice on how to get in Mr. Moreno’s good graces. Told her the best ways to get bigger tips, without throwing away her virtue. And she’d listened when Meg thought she couldn’t do it any longer.
“Well, I got a new place to stay. Much nicer than the rat hole I was in. And lots closer.”
The dark-skinned beauty shook her loose, black curls and narrowed her eyes. “How can you afford someplace closer? You win the lottery or something? Cause if you did, you’d best be giving the money to Moreno and getting your skinny ass out of here. This place isn’t where you belong.”
Meg laughed. Her butt was hardly skinny but compared to the curves Tina had, it might be considered small. “No, I didn’t win the lottery, not money wise. But I might be just as lucky. And you don’t belong here anymore than I do.”
Tina gave her the eye. “Sugar, nobody belongs here, except maybe those twoladies.” Tina snarled when she said the word, glancing at two of Moreno’s high-priced girls, chatting up some of the rich tourists that had been tagged by the boss. “But I got my little brother to feed and clothe and I actually get paid for this job. You get nothing but aching feet and groping hands. Luckily I don’t have that innocent glow Moreno likes. You do, which is why he’s been after you to join those ladies in their craft. I’m not the type he advertises.”
Meg checked out the ladies. If she hadn’t known better she would have thought they were young girls out for a fun night with their dates. Innocent. Yeah, they looked it but she knew they weren’t, and she had no plans to join them in their career choice.
Meg’s drinks were placed on her tray and she started to lift it. Tina touched her arm stopping her. “You still haven’t told me what’s up. Where are you living and how did you get the money for it?”
Meg glanced around then leaned in closer. “I met a guy. A really nice guy. He’s staying at The Ocean Terrace Resort and he invited me to stay with him. It’s much closer and his business is paying for the suite so it isn’t costing me anything.”
“You’re shacking up with a guy you just met?” Tina’s disapproval was evident. “What do you even know about him?”
“Enough. He’s nice and he’s letting me use the bedroom while he sleeps on the couch.”
Disapproval turned to doubt. “This guy is letting you stay with him and he’s not even touching you. Not interested in you sexually. Why don’t I believe that?”
She wanted to tell Tina the truth but she couldn’t. For both their sakes, she had to keep it secret. “I never said he wasn’t interested. But he’s okay with taking things slow. We’ve kissed a few times.” Boy had they kissed and Meg tried to keep the longing from her expression when she remembered.
“From the look on your face, girl, I’d say you enjoyed it. But if he’s only here for business, what are you going to do when he leaves?”
Meg shrugged. “He says he’s here for a month or more. Maybe by that time.…”
Tina crossed her arms as her own drinks were loaded on her tray. “You think he might get you out of this mess, don’t you?”
