Page 20 of Loved By You

What a fucking head spin.

Harry slings an arm around my shoulder, silently telling me that he forgives my outburst. “But if you like her, that’s okay, you know. You can't fake that insane sexual tension and chemistry you two had at the bachelorette party”

I nod, biting down on my bottom lip. He’s right.

“Figure it out,” he demands, tapping the back of my head before walking off towards the bar.

It's 3 am, and the club has closed. The last of the guests head out of the door, while the staff are getting ready to leave. Brad left a few hours ago saying he was going to do some work from home—whatever that means—and Harry left with a blonde woman about an hour ago. I could leave, I should leave, but I need to talk to Ria.

I head downstairs to the staff rooms, praying she hasn't left already, and find her in the corridor, head down, rifling through her handbag. Before I can say her name, she slams into me, dropping her keys.

“Shit, I’m so sorry. I wasn't looking.” Panic laces her voice.

We both bend down at the same time, both reaching for them, our fingers touching. She slowly looks up, her eyes locking with mine.

“Jack,” she whispers breathlessly, swallowing hard.

“Hey.” I smile, feeling pleased with the effect I've obviously had on her. I reach out and help her up and she plays with her hair, tucking some behind her ear as if she’s nervous.

“I, erm… didn't know you owned this place. If it's weird, I can leave and find something else. It was just the first thing I found that worked with the girls and…” She's rambling.

“Ri, breathe.”

She lets out a long breath. “Sorry, I ramble when I’m nervous. It's been an evening.”

“I know, and you’ve been amazing tonight. I don't want to lose you. Why would I want you to leave?”

She worries her bottom lip. “What happened at Nancy’s bachelorette party. I swear I'm not normally like that. I'd had tequila, and it was my first night out and it all got out of hand. I'm so sorry for what I said after it was so inappropriate of me and…”

“Ria, you're rambling again.”

She lets out an amused huff. “I am, aren't I?”

Our eyes meet, a beat of tension pulsing between us and all I can think about is biting down on that lip.

I take a step closer, her warm vanilla scent filling my nostrils, and I take in a deep breath, committing it to memory.

“Ri, believe me when I say you have nothing to apologize for, I was a very willing participant.”

Her cheeks flush, and I have to fight the urge to touch her.

This is quite a drive for you. Why are you working out here?” I question why she's working nearly an hour from home.

“Erm,” she stammers, fiddling with the keys in her hands. “Alex’s parents are helping with the girls so I can work. I’m working weekends and then I have the week with them.”

I nod, understanding.

“It's late. You can’t drive all the way home now.”

“No, Gabby and Ali live twenty minutes from here. I'll crash at theirs tonight.”

“Well, you always have a place at mine if you need one.” Her eyes widen at my comment and I realize what I’ve just offered may not have been my best idea.

“Thanks, but I don't think that would be appropriate. Would it? Sleeping at my boss’s house. What would people say?” Her tone is dramatic as she holds her hand to her chest.

I let out a small laugh. “I’m your friend first and your boss second. You need anything, I'm here.”Let me be here for you, Ri.

She smiles the most genuine smile and looks at me like I am the first person to truly want to help her. I don't understand why Alex didn't see what I see when I look at her.

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