Page 19 of Highest Bid

His eyes glinted under the balcony light. “You undervalue yourself. Even in your work outfit I can’t keep my eyes off you.”

She might have believed him if he hadn’t taken every woman but her up to his bedroom. But she wasn’t going to question his logic, not now. She wanted this day to never end. But if it had to end, she wanted it to end on a high.

Galan escorted her outside and into the apartment elevator Only when her heels tap-tapped along the ground floor pathway did he glance at her footwear and ask, “Will you be okay to walk in those to the club?”

“I’m on my feet all day at work. I’m sure I can walk in these for a few blocks.”

She nearly ate her words. By the time he led her to the Garden Café restaurant, her toes were burning and her arches killing her. It took everything she had not to limp.

How did her mom wear stilettos for hours on end? It wasn’t until Galan pulled out a chair for her at the reserved restaurant table that Layla almost sobbed with relief. The high-heeled shoes definitely helped cast a whole new light on her mom’s profession.

Colleen approached their table, her eyes goggling and her mouth slack. But visibly inhaling, she turned professional and passably friendly when she asked if she could get them some drinks.

Layla smiled and nodded. “I’ll have a mojito.” She needed something to take away the ache in her feet.

“Nice choice,” Colleen said sweetly, even as she lifted a single eyebrow. Everyone knew Layla didn’t drink.

Layla’s smile widened. She didn’t normally wear pasties and auction herself off, either. But since she’d already partly morphed into her mother, she couldn’t leave her father’s side out. He did enjoy a good drink...or twenty.

Drinking and fucking was her father’s motto. Not necessarily in that order.

Galan ordered a light beer. “And no need for a menu. We’ll try the fish and chips to share.”

Collen nodded. “Sure thing. I’ll be back soon with your drinks.”

Layla leaned back in her chair. “It feels so strange being here as a customer instead of a worker.” She waved a hand toward the balcony garden. “I mean, I never once really noticed how lush those potted trees and herbs were. Even the little neon pineapple and palm tree sign seems brighter on the thatched hut façade.”

“You’re always too busy focusing on customers.” His eyes warmed. “It’s what makes you an exceptional waitress and barwoman. Not to mention all those other duties you do.”

She laughed. “Those other duties are nothing compared to balancing and holding aloft trays of drinks for function room gatherings.”

His eyes narrowed, turned assessing. “If anything is ever too much, don’t hesitate to let me know.”

“And get special treatment? No thanks. Besides, I don’t want to get on Elsa’s bad side. I’ve learned a lot from her.”

Elsa might be getting on in age, but she was still sharp as a tack and, as the Events Coordinator Manager, she knew everything there was to know...including how to seamlessly put together the infamous, once-yearly charity auction.

“You enjoy that side of the business?” Galan asked.

Layla nodded, her voice brightening. “Especially wedding receptions. I could lose myself for days in all the organization and planning.”

His eyes gleamed. “You’re an exceptional worker.”

“Thank you. As odd as this might sound, the second you hired me, I knew working here was the best decision of my life.”

He leaned back, relaxed and contemplative. “Not odd. You’re happy in your work, and it shows. Not many high-profile career people can say the same.”

“Exactly. And with all my different roles here, I’m never bored.”

“You’re an all-around performer.” He reached for her hand. “And I think it’s beyond time we talked about giving you a pay raise.”

Layla gaped, her emotions swirling. Was this his way of eventually paying her off? Was he already finding a way to salve his conscience for the inevitable breakup?

No. He wasn’t that type of man. He was honest and upfront. Even his one-night stands knew the score, even if most of those same women hoped to be the special one who changed his mind.

Just. Like. Me.

Colleen plunked their drinks onto the table. That her co-worker and friend would have overheard the offer was all too obvious. “Enjoy your drinks,” she said tersely. “Your dinner won’t be long.”

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