Page 20 of Fearless to Love

Tilting her head back to look at me, Lily smiled and what Franca said was forgotten. “You’ve got nothing to be sorry for. Now, let’s eat before our food gets cold then I want you to give me a tour.”

Pulling out a chair for her to sit in, I sat in the chair next to hers. I couldn’t stand to have my desk between us.

“I have to say as I walked back here, I was impressed. Your club is fancy. It’s like we’ve got a piece of Vegas here.”

“It might be too fancy. I’m not sure how much people appreciate it.”

Placing her warm hand on my arm, Lily looked at me with understanding. “I think it’s more than you realize. You heard Alex and the other girls. They love it here.”

That was true.

“We’ll have to invite them here soon. I could set up a VIP area for them if they’re worried about being bothered.”

“I don’t think that’s the problem. It’s more finding someone to watch all the kids.” Leaning forward, Lily snagged a fortune cookie and broke it open to pull out the strip of paper. I thought she was going to read it, but instead, she tossed it in the trash and started to nibble on it.

“Are you not going to read your fortune?”

Lily waved a hand. “No point. I’m not going to let what a little piece of paper says sway my life. I think the last one I read said I was going to be alone for the rest of my life.”

“What?” I spluttered out. What kind of fortune was that? “I thought they were all supposed to be positive.”

“Me too! Anyway, I wasn’t sure what you liked, so I got a little of everything from my favorite Chinese place in town. What we don’t finish you can either take home or put in a fridge here. Perfect leftovers.”

“You’re the best.” I leaned over and kissed her cheek. I knew if our lips met, we would get lost in each other and that couldn’t happen.

Lily set about opening up all the containers, making my office smell amazing and my stomach growl. I hadn’t eaten anything since the burrito she’d made me this morning. Picking up a container of sesame noodles, I slipped a pair of chopsticks out of their paper and dug in.

“Did you have a good day?” I asked, picking up some Moo Shu pork.

“I did. I thought I would laze about, but knowing I’d see you later invigorated me, and I ended up writing two chapters and talked to my agent on the phone. She was letting me know the plan for my next book coming out.”

“I’m sorry, but I know nothing about the book world. Do you go on book tours?”

“No, I like my privacy and if I did then people could find out who I am.”

“Are you hiding from someone?” I laughed.

Lily laughed along with me. “No, but I’ve heard some horror stories and I don’t need some crazy stalker trying to find me and knowing what I look like. I don’t want to toot my own horn, but my books are pretty popular.”

“I’m not going to ask what your writing name is, but can you tell me what kind of books you write?”

Sitting her food down, she cleared her throat. “I write mysteries with a dash of romance.”

“Maybe I’ve read one of your books. I love mysteries and sci-fi.” Now I was dying to know what name she used.

“Maybe,” she blushed. “If I see one of my books at your house, I’ll let you know.”

Lily told me more about her writing process and how there are days when she forgets to eat or get out of her pajamas while she writes. She said all of this while we ate more than half our weight in Chinese food.

We cleaned up the food and put the containers back in the bags. The thump of music started as I held my hand out to Lily. “Are you ready for your tour?”

“More than ready.”

Fitting Lily’s hand in the crook of my arm, I led her out of my office and downstairs to the dance floor. The lights were still bright until we were close to opening, but the DJ was testing out the sound system. “That’s Todd. If you ever want to hear a song, he’ll hook you up.”

I noticed Lily tense as we passed by a group of waitresses who didn’t think I caught them glaring at her. When they looked at me, they all had hearts in their eyes. They all seemed to think they’d be the one to land me even though they knew there was a no dating rule. It was already hard enough to keep staff without them fucking each other and then getting pissed off when the other person fucked someone else. I didn’t need that drama.

“Girls,” I nodded to them. “This is Lily, my girlfriend. Whenever she’s here I want you to treat her like a VIP. Give her anything she wants.”

---