Page 12 of Worth the Risk

“Okay, Bella. I think the glass needs to be cleaned up now rather than later.”

“Oh...” she said, the air of authority in his tone snapping her out of her moon-eyed state. “Yes, of course.”

She dropped into a squat and began picking up the largest pieces first, but he caught her wrist. When she glanced up to where he crouched in front of her, he was frowning.

“Not with your hands, darlin’. You’ll cut yourself.” He stood, pulling her up with him. Tall enough to see over the heads of everyone else, he raised his hand, signaling someone. In a moment, Ben appeared.

Oh, perfect. That was what she needed. Her supervisor to see what a mess she’d made of things on her first time solo.

“What happened?”

“Someone backed into Bella. It wasn’t her fault, but we need to get this glass up before one of Elena’s groupies gets hurt.”

“Sure thing,” Ben agreed. “Stand guard here. I’ll be back in a sec.”

She leaned in so he could hear her. “I’m new. Thanks for defending me.”

“No, thanks are necessary. I saw what happened.” He flashed a slightly crooked, utterly charming grin. “Too late to duck, unfortunately.”

That he wasn’t angry surprised her. If it had been her doused in an icy margarita shower, she’d have been less than happy. But here he was, the victim, trying to help her out while he had to be sticky and cold.

As they waited for Ben to return, Bella couldn’t help but steal glances at the handsome man in front of her. Older, around forty by her guess, with thick, curly sable-brown hair, longer on top than the sides, and the most incredible steel-blue eyes. She wondered what he was doing here, surrounded by rowdy fans and loud music. He seemed out of place, like he should be at an intimate jazz club instead.

“So, Bella,” he began, breaking the silence. “I detect an accent that is definitely not from South Texas. I’m guessing New York or Jersey. What brings you to our little club in the opposite corner of the country?”

She shrugged, feeling a little self-conscious as she searched for a plausible excuse. Deciding sticking as close to truth as possible was the safest way to keep from getting tripped up, she replied, “I was tired of snow and ice and cold for over half the year. As for the club, I needed a job, and this place was hiring.”

His grin flashed again. “I know Sean didn’t post the job on Indeed. We’re rather exclusive. You must know someone.”

“I drove into town on fumes two weeks ago. The only person I know is Anne Thompson at Just Hired, who pointed me in the right direction.”

His gaze swept her face, his smile not dimming a single watt as his eyes crinkled at the corners. “She can pick ’em, all right. Her sub instincts never fail.”

“Oh, but I’m not–”

“Here we go,” Ben interrupted loudly as he arrived with a broom, dustpan, a mop in a bucket with a wringer, and a yellow sign stating “Caution: Wet Floor” with the outline of a little man beefing it.

“I hate to leave you with a mess, but Elena’s finishing up. I have DM duty on the main floor after the show, and I’d rather not do it looking like a sticky Incredible Hulk.”

Ben nodded in the middle of sweeping up glass shards. “We’ve got this, Dan. Thanks. Sorry about the ice bath.”

He turned to leave but swung back, bending to speak in her ear. “I’d like to get better acquainted. What time are you through here?”

“Two a.m.”

He stroked her arm with the back of his fingers. “So am I. I’ll come find you.”

It was a statement of intent rather than an invitation. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Was this handsome, take-charge man who was the epitome of cool actually interested in her? His quiet confidence was so unlike the overbearing arrogance she was used to from her father’s men. It stirred something inside her.

Bella bit her lip, filled with uncertainty. Even though months had passed without a hint of pursuit, she’d kept moving. Was it possible they’d given up, and she might find peace at last here in San Antonio? Did she dare start something with him?

“I’d like that,” she finally replied, throwing caution to the wind, which wasn’t at all like her.

He didn’t answer, and she was unsure he’d heard her until his head came up and his eyes, more blue than steely, met hers.

“The next four hours will drag by.” What would have sounded like a corny line from another man didn’t, coming from him. When he tipped his head to the side and asked, “Bella. Is that short for something?” a lock of curly, wet hair fell across his forehead.

She wanted to brush it back but had never dared be that forward with a man.

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