Page 17 of Seducing a Sagittarius
“Hi, welcome toEssence. I’m Dena. Can I start you all off with something to drink?”
“I’ll take Hennessy straight up, and whatever the lady’s having.”
“I’ll take a Pepsi.”
I chuckled lightly. “Layne?”
“Yeah?”
“Have a drink with me. You’re off the clock.”
“Technically, I’m not.”
“I’m telling you, you are. Let your hair down, . . . literally and figuratively.”
“I’m not a big drinker.”
“Then allow me to order for you. She’ll have a strawberry margarita.”
The server chuckled. “Sugar or salt around the rim?”
“Sweet or salty?” I asked Layne.
“Uh, sweet is fine.”
“Okay. And did you still want that Pepsi?”
“Yes, and a order of hot wings, please.”
“Six, nine, or twelve?”
“Nine is fine.”
“Make that two,” I added.
“Alrighty. Be right back with your drinks, and I’ll have those hot wings out to you soon.” She walked away as I looked at Layne. Her eyes caught mine, and she smiled bashfully.
“What?” she asked.
“May I?” I asked, pointing to her bun.
“Um, s-sure.” I reached over, unraveling her hair from the holder and watching it fall past her shoulders. I handed her the holder as she ran her fingers through her tresses.
She was even more stunning.
“Now, relax. Tonight, I’m not your boss. Just think of this as two friends hanging out, trying to find talent for a party.”
“I just want to keep this profess?—”
“Layne, you’ve sold me on your professionalism already. You can continue to do that inside ofAromatique, but outside of there, I want you to be you.”
She giggled. “Is this a setup?”
“Not in the slightest . . . I want to talk about that kiss earlier.”
“Mr.—”
“Avery. My name is Avery tonight.”
