“They don’t really go with the nautical theme you have going. I love the candles floating in water.” I pointed at several of the glass dishes set about the room with lit candles. The rental place used these in some of the weddings I’d worked. I scanned the outside deck, searching to see who else was here and what they were wearing while cursing myself for not asking more questions before agreeing to come over.
“Shelley did it all. I asked her to make it look nice. I told her someone special was coming over.”
“Who all is coming over? Am I dressed—”
“You. You’re the someone special.”
I paused and looked beyond him to the set table. Five place settings. He did all this for five friends getting together?
“I don’t understand.” His fingers lightly brushed my arm, and when I looked up, all I could see were those forest green eyes.
“It’s our second date. I wanted to make a good impression.”
“On me?” I pointed at myself, clearly slow on the uptake.
“Well, I’m definitely not trying to impress Reed.” He snorted at his own joke, and the man in question walked up and thrust his hand out to me.
“Hi. I’m Reed. I’m one of your fans.”
The oxygen seeped out of my lungs. The whole room spun into vertigo.
“Jesus, Reed. Back the fuck off.” Gabe’s tone broached no room for argument.
The two men glared at each other, and I gathered my wits.
“It’s okay. I’m sorry. I’ve just never met someone who was also a subscriber. I assume that’s what you mean?” Lordy, how mortifying if he was referring to something other than OnlyFans.
“I heard about you through Gabe. I like your work.” The grin on his face struck me as more of a leer. The guy definitely knew about OnlyFans. His gaze tracked to my breasts and remained south of my face.
The room blurred, and I focused on breathing in and out.
“I work with Reed. He saw your profile on my computer one day at work.” Gabe sounded apologetic.
“Thank you for the referral.” I plastered on my most professional expression. A decade in the hospitality industry provided the experience needed to deal with all kinds of people.
Tate and Luna joined us, and I slipped into the background. Present, but not a part of the conversation. Reed continued to leer at me as if I was on the menu. It reminded me too much of Ben and what he clearly expected me to do at his bachelor party for all his friends. As if because I sell photos I’m expected to also be the entertainment in any social situation. As if I wasn’t a person but an item for sale, in any situation.
I sat beside Gabe, across from Luna and Tate. Reed sat at the head of the table. His knee brushed mine once, and I inched my chair closer to Gabe. Gabe’s leg brushed mine repeatedly, but without the same repulsive reaction I had with Reed. I inched closer to Gabe until our knees were aligned. As the conversation flowed, I relaxed somewhat and found it easier to breathe.
The conversation buzzed, mostly between the three men. I half-listened and deflected concerned expressions from Luna.
Gabe’s posture tensed, and I tuned in to Reed’s words. He was talking about the stock market and financial metrics.
“I told the guys you’re probably down here playing the market. It’s not like you need Belman. Are you raking it in?”
“I’m focusing on the case. Per Belman’s request.”
“You have lawyers. That can’t be taking up all your time.”
“You’d be surprised how many meetings a team of hourly paid lawyers needs.”
Tate remained silent, but I noticed his attention fell solely on Gabe.
“Caroline’s been concerned. She told me she wants to come down here. Make sure you’re okay.”
“I’m good.”
Tate spoke up. “He is. He stays busy. Surfing, hang gliding, windsurfing, paddle boarding—you name it, the guy does it.”
“We should go surfing in Hawaii. Those waves are killer.”
Gabe cut his eyes at Reed. “Those waves would kill you.”
“They have smaller waves. It’s not all mega waves.”
“Yes, but that’s what you’re thinking of when you want to fly out there. And you don’t start on those waves.”
“Maybe I’m better than you think, ever thought about that?”
The conversation evolved into a discussion of the most outlandish locations they’d each gone surfing, or scuba diving, too. Luna and I remained silent, as neither of us had any past trips to contribute to the conversation.
After we finished dinner, I stood to gather the plates.
Gabe reached out for my wrist, and I flinched. “It’s okay,” he said. “I’ve hired someone to come and clean up everything. They’ll be here a little later.”
Cleaning up the dishes for five people required hiring someone? I bit back my response and swallowed. I picked up my empty wine glass and met Luna’s gaze. She looked as out of place as I felt.
“I’m going to get a refill. Does anyone want anything?”
“I’ll follow you. I’m not sure what I want.” Reed stood, and my stomach bottomed out. Through the window I could see the beverage station. I didn’t get a good vibe from Reed, but my destination was right inside the door, so rather than cause a scene, I nodded and led the way.
My hand vibrated as I reached for the wine bottle. Reed came up behind me and touched my upper back. I leaned forward, away from him.
“I’m not sure if you’re working tonight. Or if I should go online to engage your services. I don’t know how you prefer it to work. But I’m definitely interested, and I’d pay well.”
“I don’t do that.” Mortified, I stared straight ahead.
His fingers lightly brushed my breast, and I lurched forward into the table.
The sliding door slid open, and from behind me I heard Gabe. “I think I’m going to go for a margarita on the rocks.”
I set my glass down on the beverage table and rushed for the front door.
“What happened?” Gabe asked Reed.
The door closed
