“Did you see the way he looked at her?”
“Was that Sebastian?”
“There goes another one of the good ones.”
I narrowed my eyes at anyone who dared look at me with wide eyes. “Stop it, everyone. I didn’t do anything. I told you he’s just crashing on my couch. Nothing more.”
My words were lost amid another wave of chatter, directed at me.
“Liar.”
“I thought we agreed we’d be honest in here.”
“What’s said in the dressing rooms stays in the dressing rooms.”
“Talk.”
The last was barked and brought the chatter to an end. Tia was standing in front of me, her arms crossed over her ample cleavage, her foot tapping impatiently.
Elle let me go, and I stood up to be in a better position to run in case they decided to lynch me.
“I think there’s been a misunderstanding. Sebastian has no interest in me. You guys got it all wrong.”
Elle put her hands around my shoulders, pulling me close. “I never thought you were slow, but I see we have to spell it out for you. That delectable piece of male perfection has been looking at you like you’re a juicy steak since he first saw you strut your fine ass into the club.”
“That’s not true,” I protested. “He—”
“Have you never wondered why he’s always been at the club when you are from day one? Shifts don’t usually line up every single time for a whole year,” Elle said.
I scoffed and pulled my clothes into place, thinking they’d all gone insane. Sebastian didn’t like me. Or did he? Maybe the kiss wasn’t an accident like I thought.
“You’re all delusional. Stop looking for something that’s not there.”
Tia slapped my butt so hard I jumped. “Stop being so blind. And anyone in here who isn’t attached has tried to get it on with him. He’s declined every single invitation. And, honey, I hate to tell you this, but he’s in an MC, and those guys like their women.”
I didn’t know what to do with that information. He’d been nothing but short with me. I was sure he hated every minute of living with me. What was wrong with everyone today? Maybe I wasn’t the only one who’d given herself a concussion during practice.
“You’ve all lost your mind. Have you ever considered that maybe he’s gay, and that’s why he’s never taken any of you up on your offer?”
The whole room burst into laughter. I flipped them the bird and stalked out.
I kept glancing at Sebastian during my whole shift. He didn’t once look in my direction, confirming my suspicions that the girls had lost their minds. Sure, we’d kissed, but he seemed to have regretted it afterward.
The night was slow, turning to its lowest point when I delivered a round of drinks to my least favorite table.
The guys were regulars, and things always became uncomfortable after they’d had a few drinks. Smitty never kicked them out because they spent a lot of money at the club. None of us liked serving them, so we rotated them between us. Tonight was my turn.
I hustled to put all the drinks down at their table, but when I bent over slightly to put a drink at the other end of the round booth, I felt a hand on my butt.
I sighed and stood up straight. “Jack, we’ve been over this. I don’t like to be groped, and no, I’m not going to give you a lap dance.”
“Come on, Nora, you won’t regret it. I’ll pay you double.”
I pried his hand off my butt cheek and stepped back. I wouldn’t get up close and personal until I had to. And today I definitely didn’t.
“Thank you for the offer. Maybe next time.”
He sat up from his slouch, his eyes dulled from the alcohol. “Really?”
I didn’t respond, just turned and sprinted back to the safety of the bar.
“Table twelve at it again?” Stephen asked, with a sympathetic wince on his face.
“Just the usual stuff. Can I get two Coronas, three—”
I was interrupted when one of the bouncers pushed his way past me, muttering, “Here we go again.”
Not knowing what he was talking about, I turned around and noticed a commotion at the table I’d just come from. I recognized Sebastian, who was dragging Jack out of the club. I watched with a slack jaw and a lot of confusion. Smitty would have a coronary.
Once Sebastian and Jack were out of sight, everyone went back to their drinks and watching the girls like nothing had happened. I delivered my orders and did another round to make sure everyone had a drink.
Table twelve always needed more drinks, and I reluctantly walked over.
“You guys need a refill?” I asked, trying hard to keep the reluctance out of my voice. When nobody answered, even though I saw at least two beers that were almost empty, I said, “Another round?”
They all nodded in unison, and I left to fill their order. Not once had they simply placed an order. There was always a suggestive comment, a leer, a gesture. What was happening? I must have hit my head harder than I thought, because everyone was acting strange tonight.
After delivering their order, I took a quick break and made my way to the back alley, hoping it was clear. I needed fresh air and a minute to sit down. My muscles were sore, and despite taking painkillers, my head was throbbing.
I pushed the door open but stopped when I heard angry voices coming from outside.
“Stop fucking scaring away the customers. Especially if they’re regulars.”
That was Smitty, his nasally voice easy to recognize.
“I don’t appreciate your tone,” Sebastian’s deep timbre replied.
I strained to hear more, at the same time mourning my lost opportunity for a moment of peace.
“Maybe I don’t appreciate your attitude,” Smitty sneered. “You can’t beat up anyone who touches the girls. It happens. Get over it.”
“I think you forget who works for whom here. We own your ass, you stupid little fuck. If I want someone out of Pepper’s, they’re out of Pepper’s.”
“You hired me
