Page 17 of Working Out West

Breathe.I did so as my heart clenched tightly.

“You are, by taking my mind off the worry.”

He tapped my chin and went to the trays. “Let us eat. You seem to enjoy food.”

Chuckling, I replied, “I sure do.”

The time went too fast. All too soon, I was back in the underground parking lot with guards surrounding us. I was getting a lift back with Death, since the date had ended. I felt sick, but I still looked around to Adrik as he waited beside the limo and smiled. His lips twitched.

I got into the car with a lame wave, and Death backed out of the space. Adrik surprised me by staring back at me. I didn’t look away until we were out of sight from him.

Leaning back in the seat, I sighed. Then realized and voiced, “The car’s at the condo.”

“Already organized someone to pick it up.”

I nodded, taking my gaze out the side window. Lost in thought. Lost in what I would do. My heart called for me to stay, keep at it, then at least I would get to see him. My mind was a different story. It shouted at me to stop my stupidity and get my ass into gear by ending this. So, maybe it was time to listen to my mind to save my heart. It was probably a good idea to cancel our appointments before my feelings grew into something more. All I had at the moment was a mild crush—yes, I would keep telling myself that—and attraction.

“West!” Death called a little harshly, making me think he’d been trying to get my attention for a while.

“Sorry, lost in the clouds. What did you say?”

“I asked if you were all right?”

I huffed a laugh. “I’m fine.”

Death made a noise in the back of his throat. He didn’t buy my bullshit, but I couldn’t tell him I was catching feelings for a client.

“How was your night?” Death asked.

He never asked.

I shrugged. “Good. It was the first time I’ve been in a casino. Never had time before.”

“The client seemed to take a liking to you.”

I forced a laugh. “Don’t they all.” Every client I’d had so far wanted more time with me. Which was good for the pocket.

“Mr. Hail…. Never mind.”

“What?” I asked.

Death shrugged. “Was just gonna comment that Mr. Hail brings you out of your shell more than the others.”

I tensed. “What do you mean by that?”

“Just that with the other clients, you act polite and sweet and shit, but you’re more yourself around that guy we just left.”

Huh, I’d never noticed before. Could it be true? I shook my head. “I don’t think so.”

“I’d never seen you with him before, but I have the others since they take you out. Just looked different to me, but I could be wrong.”

He was. He had to be. I wouldn’t let my walls down that much around a client.

Fuck me, who was I kidding? Only myself, apparently. With the other clients, I stuck with a story of Ben. I didn’t tell them about myself, my real life. Death was right, damn it. I just didn’t want to admit it to myself.

Again, it told me I was in too deep with Adrik. I’d gotten feelings attached to the job. What hurt the most was that if I did choose to not see Adrik again, he wouldn’t know why. He wouldn’t know it was because of me and that my decision had nothing to do with him. Could I tell him? No, I didn’t think it would be wise. He’d only see I was weak. Adrik was the type of man who needed someone strong to stand by his side, and me? I was running. Running because I couldn’t do one job right and not get attached to a client.

IfI did run.

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