“CALL IT A day,” Crew says.
This week has been packed full of bartender training. The staff has put in some long days, and all of their hard word has paid off: All of Club Titan’s signature drinks can now be made to perfection by every single staff member, along with a few other fan favorites. At least that’s what the trainer tells us.
“Great job this week. I’ll be back on Monday and we’ll review and learn a few more. You all are a great class,” Susan, the bartending trainer, says.
Crew and I say goodbye to the staff. Zane left earlier today, something about helping his dad. “It’s just you and me,” Crew says as soon as the door closes.
“It is,” I agree. “However, I have to meet Maggie. I’m already running late.”
Crew pulls me into his arms and holds me close. “We’re not late. I told Barry to tell Maggie that we would meet her there.”
Wait, what? “What?” I ask, pulling back from him.
He winks. “It’s been another long-as-fuck week where I didn’t get my Berklee time. I know I can’t be with you, but I’ll be with you, and that’s the next best thing.” He taps the end of my nose with his finger.
“I’m going to my place after,” I say, trying to sound more certain than I feel.
“I know.” He sighs. “I’ll take you any way I can get you.” He pulls me close so we’re just a breath apart. “Now, let me kiss these lips.” He runs the pad of his thumb across them and leans in, pressing his lips to mine.
All rational thought leaves as I surrender my lips to him. I moan and dig my hands into his hair, pulling him tighter, closer. I want more of him.
When he slows the kiss, I whine. Not my finest moment, but you would too, trust me.
“Fuck, Berklee. We gotta go, babe. One more minute and we won’t be leaving.”
I giggle. Yes, fucking giggle like a schoolgirl. It’s a heady feeling knowing that this man wants me. That I can make him lose all sense of control.
“Come on, boss man. Let’s go watch us some football.”
“I’m driving. Leave your car here, and I’ll get it back to you tomorrow.”
“Crew, I can—”
“Not happening, beautiful. This is my Berklee time and I’m soaking up as much of it as I can. I drive, you ride.”
Sometimes he makes me forget that this is just an arrangement. The things he says, the way he treats me, they make it hard to remember that we have an expiration date. One that’s sure to come as soon as I fall over the cliff and hand him my heart on a silver platter.
Pushing his words to the back of my mind, I smile up at him. “I have to change.”
“We’ll run by your place.”
“Crew—” He stops me with his lips.
“Let me drive you, Berklee. It’s not a play to get you in my bed again. It’s just me wanting to be around you. Nothing more, nothing less.” He kisses my nose and steps away. “We need to get moving.”
“How about I drive home and we can leave there together. That way you don’t have to bring my car over tomorrow.”
“Did you ever think that I wanted to bring your car to you tomorrow? Did you ever think that maybe that was a damn fine excuse to get to see you outside of our work schedule?”
Shit. No, but now that he’s said it, I can see the appeal. And that’s an issue. No, him following me tonight is the better option for sure. “That’s not what we agreed on.”
He exhales loudly. “Come on, beautiful, I’ll follow you home.” He laces his fingers through mine and leads me out of the club.
On the drive to my place I replay our conversation over and over in my mind. I know I shouldn’t but it’s hard not to. He’s sending me mixed signals, and I need to keep my head on straight.
“I’ll just be a few minutes,” I say over my shoulder as he starts to climb out of his truck.
“I’ll come with you,” Crew says, ignoring my hint that he should stay behind.
Running up the steps, I unlock the door and race down the hall to my room. I slip out of my skirt and heels, then grab jeans, my Garrison High T-shirt and a hoodie. This time, I wear the one Crew bought a few weeks ago. I smile knowing it’ll make him happy. I don’t bother with my hair or makeup; it’s just a football game. Finding a pair of boots in the bottom of the closet, I make my way back to the living room. I expect to find Crew hanging out on the couch, but he’s standing in front of the two built-in bookcases on either side of the TV. In his hands is a picture of Barry and me for his senior prom. “He hated being all dressed up, but his mom insisted that they never miss a rite of passage,” I comment, stopping to stand beside him.
“Were you his date?” he asks with a tick in is jaw.
I laugh. “Hardly. I’m wearing jeans. Did you miss that little aspect of the picture?” Crew shrugs and places the photo back on the shelf. I point to the one right beside it, identical except it’s Maggie held tight against him in a bear hug instead of me. “Same day.”
“Hmm” is his reply. Finally he turns to face me. A slow sexy smile pulls at his lips when he sees my hoodie. He reaches out for me but he’s too slow; I saw it coming and jumped back.
“We need to go. We’re going to miss kickoff the way it is.”
He grumbles but doesn’t argue as he places his hand on the small of my back and leads me to the truck. Instead of the passenger door, he brings me to the driver’s side and opens it up. “Hop in,” he says with a light pat to my ass. I jump, not expecting it. “Don’t go far,” he says, climbing in behind me. He slides behind the wheel, places his hand on my thigh and pulls me toward him. “Too far away.”
“This isn’t a good idea. What if someone sees us? We discussed this.”
Reaching over me, he slides the seat belt around my waist and makes sure it’s secure. Looking up, I find him staring at me. He’s so close I can see the small specks of gold in his brown eyes. “What we agreed on is that we would spend time together intimately. This week I’ve not had any time with you. None. Zero, Zilch. That’s not okay with me. You have plans, and now those plans are mine.” He kisses the corner of my mouth. “And fuck them. I don’t care who sees.”
With that, he starts the truck and pulls out of the driveway.
I KEEP MY hand on her thigh. Not once do I lift it for any reason. I may not be able to fuck her tonight, but you can bet your ass I’m going to touch her.
I meant what I said. I don’t give a fuck who sees. If they have an issue they can look the other way. I’m going to drive myself crazy trying to keep my hands off her. It’s not worth the effort or my sanity.
Climbing out of the truck, I hold my hand out for her. She takes it without hesitation and slides out. I place my hand on the small of her back and lead her to the gate. She reaches for her purse, “I got this, babe,” I whisper next to her ear before digging my wallet out and finding a twenty.