Page 28 of Fifty
Nineteen
Jade
“Come in,” Charlie’s voice calls through the door after I’ve knocked twice.
I turn the knob and step inside the large office, finding him sitting behind his desk. After spending last night with Fifty, I knew I had to come here before doing anything else.
“Jade, what can I do for you?” he questions with a slight smirk. I’ve heard rumors about some of the girls coming in here to ask for favors, but no one really knows what happens when the door closes. I’m about to ask for a favor too, but there’s no way I’m giving him anything in return. And if he even tries, I’ll quit right here and now.
“So…” I start. “I really appreciate you giving me the opportunity to dance here, and the money has been amazing, but I was hoping that it might be possible for me to transition into a bartender position,” I approach hoping he’ll agree.
“Really? I’d hate to lose you on the stage. You definitely bring in a crowd,” he returns, raising an eyebrow.
“Yeah, it’s time to make a change. Actually, I kind of met someone and it’s probably not the best idea for me to keep dancing,” I offer, feeling my face heat as a smile pulls at my cheeks.
“I see,” he nods. “Well, the last thing I need is an angry boyfriend showing up and causing a scene. But honestly, I just don’t have any open positions on the bar right now. I can give you a few shifts cocktailing, but it definitely won’t be as many shifts as you had dancing. Is that going to be okay?” he questions.
“It’s fine. I kind of figured that might happen,” I answer, knowing he already has a full staff at the bar, so I’m lucky he’s even entertaining my request.
“You’re welcome to shadow some of the bartenders, in case something does open up, but it’ll have to be done on your own time. The day shifts might be the best option for learning, but if you get behind the bar and decide it’s not for you, just let me know. And, hey, if it doesn’t work out with this guy, you know there’s always a place for you on my stage,” he grins.
“Thanks,” I offer, but I already know that there’s no way I’m getting on that stage again.
“No problem. I hope this guy is worth it,” he chuckles softly as I turn back for the door.
Walking out of Charlie’s office, the invisible weight seems to lift off my shoulders. I honestly hadn’t realized how much it was bothering me until now. I want to be able to start something with Fifty without any secrets. Now there’s nothing holding me back.
???
I turn into the small lot at my apartment complex, and as I pull the car into my designated spot, my eyes fall on the dark black bike sitting under the overhang in the shade. Even from here, I know it’s his.
It takes me a second to spot him, but I find him standing back in the shadows, leaning against the wall. He looks amazing, and I let my eyes linger, drinking in the full sight of him. His heavy boots lead to a pair of dark jeans, hanging with perfection on his hips. I move further, finding the worn leather placed over the top of a simple black t-shirt. The combination clings perfectly to his torso and the muscle I know is hidden beneath. His eyes are covered by a pair of sunglasses, but judging from the broad smile on his face, he’s obviously pretty proud of himself and this surprise appearance.
I shift into park and reach for my phone before opening the car door. I slip easily from my seat and pull in a deep breath as I turn to face him.
“How’d you figure out where I live?” I question easily, beginning to move closer.
“I have my sources,” his grin grows wider as he offers a deep chuckle that tugs gently at my center.
“So, Gloria told you,” I reply trying my best to keep my composure.
“Nope,” he says and I feel my eyebrows pinch in confusion. She’s the only one who could have told him. “It was Dave,” he admits with a laugh.
“You think you’re pretty funny, don’t you?” I ask, finally stepping within reach.
“Oh, I know I am,” he answers confidently as his arms wrap around me and he pulls me close to his chest. His nose drops to touch my hair and I hear his deep inhale.
“Fuck, I missed you,” he breathes out in a low growl.
“It’s barely even been an hour since I left your place,” I giggle, but the tingling pulse running through my body makes it obvious that I feel the exact same way.
“I thought you were working, so I went to the diner,” he admits.
What I had actually said to him, was that I needed to run into work. I hadn’t specified where because I really wanted to talk to Charlie before bringing up the subject of me working at the club.
“Believe it or not, some people actually work more than one job,” I offer with a soft laugh. “And I didn’t have to work, I just needed to talk to my boss about changing my schedule,” I add.
“Oh really?” his soft breath kisses my neck as his deep voice pulls at my center.