Page 4 of Lessons in Love
“Yes, I am.”
“I appreciate the offer,” I say, pouring the drink straight out of the premixed batch I made earlier. “But I’m gonna have to pass tonight.” Firm and clear.
She shrugs. “No problem. Now that I know where this place is, I’ll be back.”
I set the drink down and busy myself with other customers. I thought this would be a slower Monday, but apparently the whole city decided to stop in tonight.
Chapter Two
The Hideaway is packed. I look out at a sea of pretty people and smile. It will be a good night for business. It will be a great night for hookups. I’ve got Eddie and Will working behind the bar with me to keep up with orders.
I notice an empty glass a few barstools down and make sure I’m the one that fills it. “How are you doing, Constance?”
“The Gimlets are great.” Her mood has improved significantly, and I like the way she’s looking at me.
She’s funny. “How about you?”
“Feeling . . . crowded in.” She glances over her shoulder before returning her eyes to me while a finger runs over the top of the glass. “I’ve been thinking that I might like a taste of that gin you mentioned earlier.”
“I can arrange that,” I reply, getting closer and making sure only she hears me. “We have a rule here at The Hideaway though.”
Leaning in, she asks, “What’s that?”
“We keep the good stuff in the back.”
A smile tickles her lips and a giggle slips out. “Am I allowed back there? I’d hate to get you in trouble with the boss.”
Fuuuuck.She’s playing a game with me. I knew I liked her. “Could be risky.” It’s good to be the boss right now.
Sliding off the stool, she grabs her purse, and says, “Risks are just dares you were brave enough to take. Are you brave enough to take me, Hardy?”
“I can take you.” Over my knee. From behind. Sprawled out across my desk. Against the liquor locker. My cock pings against my jeans, and I shout behind me, “Cover me, Eddie.”
“Gotcha covered.” He eyes Constance and gives me a look of approval.
I toss my towel in the corner before I walk around and hold out my elbow for her to take. Her slender fingers wrap around my arm and we walk through the crowd toward the hall that leads to the offices. A door is pushed open and the crowds and music fade behind us. I say, “Right down here.” I pull my keys out and unlock the door.
Letting her go first, she steps in and looks around the large space. “It’s big.”
“You haven’t seen anything yet.”
With a laugh, she leans her fine ass against the desk and I can’t say I disapprove of this—her ass on my desk. My dick is starting to ache. “You’re very good with the innuendoes.”
“I’m good with a lot of things. Want me to show you?”
All the bravado that she carried in here starts to sink. “I don’t do this.”
That’s okay. I’m kind of liking the banter enough to continue, “Do what, Constance? Taste good gin?”
Her smile is back, but it’s a weaker version of the one that lit up the bar earlier. Her hand waves between us. “This. Did you make that last drink stronger?”
“Despite what you might think, I don’t get women drunk to get laid. I don’t have to.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean?—”
Moving in, I take hold of her flailing hands, and still them, hoping to reassure her. “It’s okay. You’re nervous. I get it. We don’t have to do anything but taste some gin together. Would you like that?”
She blows out a breath, and nods. “I’d like that, but not much. I’m feeling lightheaded.”
