Page 55 of Lady Sings the Blues

“It’s more for the drink than the accent, if ya can believe it.”

At the pause in conversation, I turn to grab a mug of my own. Spooning sugar and pouring a couple glugs of milk. After my first fortifying sip, I lean against the cupboard, holding the mug below my nose to breathe in the steam.

“So what had you so scared there, lass?” Scotchhad togo there.

“It was just a prank call. Probably some teenage punks. But—it was weird.”

“Weird?” he asks.

“Unnerving.”

There’s another question he’s poised to ask, I see it on his face, but before he can ask it Beau’s voice booms into the kitchen with us. “What the fuck, man?”

“Was just getting coffee, Boss. I was sitting here minding my own business when she wandered in.”

“But why are you naked, brother?” Beau’s tone softens. “We talked about this, not while Elise is here.”

“I just got in last night. I’m not even sure what’s up from down yet. Oh, and she tried to kill me with a butcher knife.” Scotch rats me out.

Beau whips his head to look between Scotch and me. “She tried to kill you?”

No. If Scotch tells Beau about the call or how wound up it got me, he’ll never let me leave the compound. So the moment Scotch opens his mouth to tell Beau the truth, I talk my lie over him.

“I was just in a bad mood this morning. I’m not used to being idle, it’s time for me to find a job.” For my part, everything I’ve said is as much the truth as the lie of omission.

Snickering, Scotch winks at me over the top of his mug he’d brought back up to his lips. “So tell us lass, what type of job interests you?”

“Well, my BA’s in hospitality, and I’m currently working toward my masters in finance.” Craning my neck to face Beau. “I’m over the phone sex now that we’re together.” And I sip from my mug again, too.

“Come here.” Beau tugs on the back of my nightshirt and brings me into his body until I hit his chest, wrapping those strong arms around me.

I actually girl-sigh, and notice Scotch rolling his eyes.

“What? I can’t help it, he feels good.”

“I’ve had several years of hearing just how good he feels. The walls are thin, lass.”

“Right, now I’ve got that image burned in the back of my brain for eternity.” I say.

That same time Beau’s grip tightens and he yells, “Jesus, Scotch.”

The Scotsman chuckles as he turns to drop his mug in the sink.

“Wait until you get an old lady.” Beau threatens.

“No offense, Boss, but my cock is happiest when I spread the love. Wouldn’t be fair to give all this to just one lady.”

Okay so the teeniest part of me agrees with him, because he is seriously impressive and I know impressive sleeping with Beau.

Scotch shuffles past us, patting Beau on the shoulder as he passes him. Then he pauses in the doorway and turns back around. “Hey, I bet she’d do well with the new club. Hired anyone yet.”

“No.” Beau releases me, pinning Scotch with a hard ‘what the fuck are you thinking?’ glare.

What does that mean? No he hasn’t hired anyone yet or no I wouldn’t do well with it? I’m smart. My GPA is spot-on. I could run the new club.

“Can I give you my resume?” I ask. His face remains devoid of expression as he listens to me, so I tease, “Hey, I’m even willing to sleep with the boss.” Just looking for a reaction.

Still nothing.

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