I smiled, because that’s what I’d have done for Leighton if he’d opened the door, and stepped out into the mostly empty parking lot. Other than Bennett and possibly Hank, it was too early for the others, the idea that I might have to entertain him until we opened making me nauseous.
“You still cold?” He eyed me carefully, mistaking my self-administrated upper body hug as having something to do with the temperature. I mean, he was half right, it was cold. But I was more concerned about my nipples cutting through the fabric of my pretty gold dress because I was so turned on.
It didn’t make sense.
Leighton, I reminded myself, just think of him as Leighton.
“A little,” I answered honestly, figuring I had the whole night to lie. “I’ll be fine once we get inside.”
He nodded, thankfully not asking questions as he followed me into the club. I shuffled a few steps ahead, using the cold as the excuse for my hustle when really I could use the extra distraction of people. Bennett would definitely have something to say, his big mouth not only predictable but would probably earn him a raise if it helped break the sexual tension.
“Boss.” Right on cue, Bennett showed almost no reaction to the man accessory a few steps behind. Just a slightly raised brow and the thinnest of smirks, he was saving his twenty questions for when we were in private. Yet another reason to give the man a raise.
“Hey, B, Leighton,” good, keep calling him that, “gave me a ride and is going to hang out. Can you make sure Hank takes care of him and then come see me in my office?” I threw the words out casually as I strolled through the space. It wasn’t unusual for me to talk to Bennett on the run, especially when I first arrived. I liked to get to my desk and attack my to-do list so I had time to have staff meetings with each section. Bennett and I always met first, so to the outside observer it would look like business as usual.
“Right on it, Boss.” The voice came from behind me as I left, not bothering to stay to see what was said next.
It was when I was in the privacy of my office that I finally let out a breath. Getting a handle on things was my first priority, then I’d move to other things like not kissing or touching Jared. I had the whole night to psych myself up for that car ride home, not to mention staying over was probably not going to happen because A, we were trying to not sleep with each other and B, he didn’t bring a change of clothes. So unless he had an overnight bag tucked away in the trunk of his sexy Mustang, he was going to say goodnight and go home.
I should have felt gratitude, swimming in the relief we wouldn’t have to do the dance of pretending to be friends when there were no referees to keep us honest. But it was disappointment that I felt, understanding his reasoning for keeping it platonic but wanting to eat my cake too.
My door had been left ajar, Bennett’s fist giving it a cursory knock before pushing it open. “NYFD providing a driver’s service these days?” He didn’t even try to hide his grin as he closed the door. “Sounds like an overuse of city resources if you ask me. You know if you want a ride, all you have to do is ask.”
“I’m pacifying my brother.” I flicked my hand casually as I sunk in my chair. “It’s easier to let Leighton tag along than the tracking bracelet Justin would have me wear. My parents are just as bad, so this is an easy fix.”
That was all true. Tibbs—aka my brother when he was being a pain in my ass—had convinced my parents I needed a twenty-four-seven security detail and to be sequestered to the Tower of London. I’d tried to make them see how ridiculous it was, but it was hard to argue with concerned parents who just wanted you to be safe. So I compromised and ended up in my teenage fantasy.
“Fine, but if you need me or one of the guys to shadow you for a few days, let me know. I’m assuming Backdraft is going to have to go back to work eventually.” He eyed me hard, his displeasure evident that an outsider was dealing with something he believed should be handled in house.
“Thanks, I’m all good. And I want you to know that Leighton’s here just as a guest tonight. He’s not going to try and get in the way or make things harder for you or your team. He is just my ride.”
While necessary, the words felt bitter in my mouth. Leighton was a friend, not an employee, and was sure as hell sacrificing a lot more than I was. Other than our friendship and a loyalty to my brother, he had no reason to give up the precious free time he had when he wasn’t working. And the fact I’d been so bratty about it didn’t sit well.
“Okay, Boss. I want to check the exterior cameras and then I’ll meet with the team. Anything else you want to discuss for this evening?” He folded his arms across his broad chest, settling into his boots.
“Nope, there’s nothing else. I’ll be on the floor most of the night. I think the pitch is as good as it’s going to be.”
Bennett laughed, the first real smile of the night exploding across his face. “You’re gonna rock that meeting, Presley. We both know it. But I think it’s cute you are pretending to be so nervous.”
“I’m not pretending, nothing is a sure thing.” And wasn’t that the truth, in either the expansion or anything else.
“I’d still take that bet.” He unfurled his arms, tipping his head to the door as the grin crept back on his face. “Now, if we’re done padding your ego, I’ve got actual work to do.”
I rolled my eyes and pointed to the exit. “Just go already. And for the record, you suck at making me feel good. Let’s just leave that job to Raelle.”
“Ha, you’re going to need new friends. I’ll see you later, Boss.”
As he left, my eyes moved to the monitors. Jared was at the bar talking to Hank and a few other staff members had started to arrive.
“So, are we keeping him? What’s the deal?” Raelle appeared in the doorway, Bennet having left it conveniently open.
She wandered in, falling heavily into the chair opposite me as she waited for my response. “He’s not a pet, Rae, he’s just hanging around.”
“Oh, oh, is that what he’s doing?” She feigned shock. “Please, we both know you’re both counting down the hours until you can get out of here and get busy. I’m surprised he isn’t in here, under your desk with his face in your lap. Have to admit, it’s kind of hot.”
Well, she wasn’t wrong. The idea of Jared going down on me at my desk was kind of hot. “That isn’t happening. We’re being friends instead.” I tried to keep the disappointment from my voice, not willing to advertise it hadn’t been as mutual as I was leading her to believe.
“Really?” She laughed, tossing her head back, unconvinced. “Well, O-kay then.”
“What’s that mean?” I bit back not liking the unspoken subtext.
Raelle shrugged, polishing her fingernails on her tight Tee. “Nothing, I’m agreeing with you. Isn’t that what you wanted?”
I narrowed my eyes, not trusting her for a second. “Rae, you don’t just blindly agree with me for anything whether it’s as your boss or your friend. What are you up to?”
She kicked up her legs, landing them onto the floor before leaping out of the chair with more theatrics than necessary. “Nothing, Boss. Better go help Hank prep the bar. I’ll see you later. Let me know if you need a ride home.” The stream of words following her out the door before I had a chance to question.