I was in two minds as to whether or not to show up at work tonight after my afternoon out with Ruben. He didn’t do anything wrong, it was my fear. Because of how he reacted I was able to tell him why I had such a fear, which had surprised me. It isn’t something I’ve ever told anyone, but he hadn’t flipped and I found the words coming out of my mouth. I feel relief that he knows because now he won’t push me into anything like that.
My heart had fluttered when he’d said he wanted to date me properly. I’d like that as well. More than he could possible know. Today had been wonderful until my fear had hit.
Sighing, I dab at my face with a napkin in the restroom while I try to hide from Simon and the guy who’s sitting with him. I’ve seen them together about five or six times now, and every time the guy stares at me in a totally freaky way. Part of me knows Simon is behind what is happening here and I’ve wondered the past couple of times whether or not the guy with him has something to do with the bad stuff. But I guess I can’t hide in here all night when I’m supposed to be working the bar with Craig.
“Okay, here goes nothing.” I pull the door open and pop my head out to check if the coast is clear, then laugh at myself. I’m glad there isn’t anyone around to witness what I’m doing. Idiot. Too much late night television.
Slipping through the door, I head toward the bar and manage to make it behind without any incident until Craig steps in my way.
“Where’ve you been?” He frowns.
“Restroom.”
“You can’t keep running to the restroom every time Simon and that guy come in.”
What the hell!
“Don’t give me that wide-eyed stare. I’m not stupid regardless of what you might think.” Craig carries on wiping glasses while watching me from the corner of his eye.
I had no idea I was so obvious. I shrug, and say, “He’s weird and freaks me out. I can’t help that.”
He grins. “Sorry. I was teasing. He freaks me out as well, but the guy he arrives with really is freaky. He’s built like the hulk.”
I give him a quizzical look. “I haven’t seen anyone else.”
“That’s because he always stays outside. I saw him once when I’d gone outside for a smoke. I never go outside when Simon’s friend is here anymore.” He shudders. “Talking about friends, Hunter is here.” He nods toward the end of the bar where Hunter is sitting staring down our way.
“Okay, thanks. Let me know when he’s gone.”
“Will do.”
I grab an apron and fasten it while walking toward Hunter who’s frowning at me. “What’s up?”
“You okay?” he asks, ignoring me and glancing at Craig.
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
I wave the bottle of whiskey in front of him, which causes a grin to spread across his face.
Pouring him three fingers of the hard liquor, I place it down in front of him and notice he still looks distracted, and I don’t think it has anything to do with me this time.
“What’s wrong?” I lean on the bar toward him. “And don’t tell me nothing. You’re still frowning.”
His eyes meet mine, but the worried look stays. I’m starting to worry now. It can’t be a good sign if Hunter has that look.
“Stay away from the guy with Simon…I’m not telling you anything else. Just stay clear and don’t go outside while he’s here. If you can do that then I’ll be happy.”
“That’s easy to do. He freaks me out and Craig’s already warned me not to go outside because apparently Hulk is out there.” I offer a wry smile, but I should have known he’d see straight through me.
“Rosie,” he takes my hands into his, “as long as he’s here I’ll be close to you, okay. Don’t worry about that.”
He does make me feel safe, but I don’t want his evening ruined because he’s babysitting me, which is what it basically comes down to. I’m also wondering whether Ruben’s spoken to him about the security job he mentioned. I wouldn’t put it past him.
“Hey, Babe.”
Hunter releases my hands.
Speaking of the devil.
Ruben wraps his arm around my waist and kisses me on the side of my head before turning to face Hunter, keeping his arm around me. He’s marking me. Regardless of what happened this afternoon, I think I like being marked by him.
“Is this okay?” he whispers into my ear at the same time as he squeezes my waist to let me know what he’s referring to.
His cologne is making my knees weak and he feels so good pressed against me that I’m going to be a puddle at his feet soon.
“Yeah, it’s fine.”
Hunter coughs, dragging my eyes back to him. He’s laughing behind his hand.
I’m lost for words as I glare at him while enjoying Ruben’s presence next to me.
“Hunter doesn’t want to work for me,” Ruben says. “He has other things to do. But he’s promised to make sure nothing happens to you and hang out when he can.”
“Okay. I’m not going to get pissed at you thinking I need a babysitter after what I said earlier, but I think it’s just nerves after what happened, you know? I’ll settle eventually.”
Looking back at Hunter, I say, “But it’s good knowing you’re going to be hanging out around here.” I smile.