Fierce: New Adult Sport Romance (The Boys of Winter Book 4) (15 page)

As I drive the familiar route to the mountain, I try to shake my dismal mood. I envision how I want my store to be laid out and imagine the level of service I’ll deliver to customers. My shop will not only offer high-end clothing. It will deliver an experience to remember.

My visualization works because I’m at my locker without realizing how I got there. A smile is on my face until I see Christian. The click of his combination lock snaps me to attention when I realize he picked one next to me.
Lovely.

I raise my eyebrows at him as he walks by, and he drops his gaze without a word. A sigh escapes as the cool metal of my lock dial turns under my fingers.
What did you expect, Christian?
He practically screws me on my pool table and then tells me we can’t work. Yeah, I think I have a right to be a little cold.

My mood plummets as my nylon pants rustle when I slide them on. If I don’t get a lesson, I’m going to need to take a dangerously fast run to rejuvenate myself. I know one of the girls will be up for it, and that small comfort makes me smile, just a little.

***

Usually when I go out with the group, the girls want to dance in the night club while the guys hang out in the bar that shares the same lobby. But lately Casey has been on a pool binge and has been trying to get the other girls to join her. She was excited to hear I play too.

The Fish Bowl and Down Under are both below ground level, and I descend the steps to reach the tile lobby. Silk is slippery under my hands as I take a moment to smooth out my shirt while music pours out of the club on my right, taunting customers to come dance. I turn left to Down Under to find my friends. I wasn’t in the mood to sit alone to wait for anyone, so I’m purposefully late.

I’m surprised to see Neal is behind the bar, talking to the bartender. While I knew he owned this place too, I’ve never seen him here. He’s usually at the Wine and Cheese shop during the day and Stone Soup at night. When he doesn’t notice me, I don’t make a point of getting his attention. I’m not up for charming small talk.

As I make my way over to my friends, the odor of fried food makes me long for onion rings, and I’m looking forward to burgers and beer for dinner. Nick waves when he sees me, and the girls give me their attention when I get to the table. Megan, Casey, and Lori are here with Nick, Jason, and Kaleb and I’m the odd woman out. But this is something I’m used to, and it’s comforting tonight.

Jason says, “We were just talking about you. Seems you’re a pool shark.”

“What?” Of course it makes sense that they would talk to Christian at work today since he’s a friend of Casey’s, and I assume they asked if he was coming tonight. My stomach clenches when I think of how our pool game ended.

Casey says, “You’ve been holding out on me. If I’d known, I would’ve been yanking you out to play every night.”

Nick is pouring a beer, and white foam threatens to spill over the edge.

I grin at her. “You can just come over. Did you forget I have a table?” Casey was at my house often last year to help take care of Gretchen when she was recovering from a car accident.

Nick slides the beer over to me, and Casey says, “I did forget. But now that I know, I’m about to be your new bestie.”

“Any time.” I take a sip and let the musty, spiced flavor fill my mouth. I think it must be a seasonal brew.

The waitress comes over to take our order. Having been here multiple times, I knew what I wanted before I walked in the door and order a bacon cheeseburger with onion rings. Lori asks, “So will you help me and Megan? We’re pathetic.”

“Of course, and I doubt you’re pathetic. It’s mostly about practice, anyway.”

Megan says, “We’ll only make you play one game with the girls, and then you can show the guys how it’s done.” She elbows Nick, and he nuzzles her neck. Her giggle makes me smile as a longing tugs at my heart. I want to find that kind of love.

My brother and Gretchen managed to find each other last year, and they gave me hope. I had thought Kelly might be it, but apparently my prince can’t find his horse. My mind flashes to Christian. I avert my gaze from the loving couple and check out my surroundings.

The conversation turns to the new hires, and I tune it out as I survey the layout. Decorated in a western theme, I’m paying attention to the details as I mentally design my shop. My thoughts are interrupted by the familiar voice of Neal.

“Dannika, I heard the most interesting rumor today.” He looks at my friends and asks, “Could I steal her for a bit?”

A few confused looks are thrown my way as Megan answers, “Sure.”

Neal places his hand at my lower back to steer me toward the bar. Two glasses of champagne are on it and he lifts them in one hand. “Come to my office. It will only take a moment.”

“Okay, why do I have the feeling you’re up to something?”

He leans down to speak quietly in my ear. “Because I am.”

My immediate thought is he’s trying to be more flirtatious than usual. He’s an attractive man, and I’m flattered. Unfortunately, he doesn’t even elicit a flutter.

In the lobby my boots click on the tile, and a cold draft comes toward us from customers that walked in. Keys jangle as he unlocks a door, and we enter a space full of cardboard boxes stacked on shelves. A paper-scattered table is against the wall of the windowless space.

He closes the door behind me and shrugs. “Sorry. It’s not the least bit glamorous, but I didn’t think you’d want to have this conversation where anyone could hear.”

My curiosity is piqued when he sets the glasses down instead of handing me one.

Neal says, “Apparently you’re looking for retail space. A high-end western-wear shop?”

“I am. You heard this from Gerry?”

He nods. “Yes, and I’m a little insulted you didn’t come to me first.”

I frown. “Why’s that?”

He takes my hands. “Because I have a number of prime locations and can’t think of a better tenant.”

“Oh. Neal, I would love to be your tenant, but I would never push a friendship that way. I’m sure your locations are in high demand.”

“They are, but not everyone is a good risk for me. You, my dear, would be. I’d be lucky to have you.”

I nod toward the champagne. “Is that for when I say yes?”

He chuckles and reaches for the glasses. Handing me one, he says, “It is. So?”

“If the space is right, I would be honored.” This is an amazing piece of news, and my grin shows my pleasure. Location is key, and I was worried about how I was going to get a choice one.

“Excellent.” He lifts his glass, I raise mine, and they clink as we toast.

I say, “To a profitable working relationship.” Bubbles tickle my throat in celebration of a fabulous opportunity falling into my lap.

Chapter 24

Wh
ile Neal would have been happy to monopolize me for the entire bottle of champagne to hear my plan, I tell him I need to get back to my friends halfway through my glass. When we return to the restaurant, I give Neal a hug and let him go to the kitchen. I hand my glass to the bartender who discreetly takes care of it without Neal seeing. I flash him my model smile in thanks.

It’s still on my face when I turn and notice Christian. He’s watching me from a table where he sits with Jess. Since I’m already smiling, I give him a wave. His face darkens, and he returns it with a nod.

I had wanted to rush over to tell him my great news, but it’s just as well. That would’ve sent it spinning through the rumor mill the moment Jess heard. It’ll just have to wait until later tonight. As long as he comes home alone, that is. I push the thought out of my head because my good fortune is too awesome to be overshadowed by Christian troubles.

When I return to the table Lori asks, “What was that about? Another man after your heart?”

Megan says. “You mean her body. Neal Morgen is the biggest manwhore around.”

“What?” Oh, boy. “I hadn’t heard that.” Damn, I hope this doesn’t make for an awkward business relationship.

Casey asks, “So?”

I glance around the restaurant and put my finger to my lips. “It was about an investment opportunity he wanted to discuss. Something I’ll have to think over.”

Casey nods, and Lori leans in to whisper, “The shop idea?”

I nod. “Later, okay?”

I know Casey and Megan are dying to know more, but I don’t dare go into it here. I say, “We might need a girl’s night soon.”

Megan says, “Yeah, like in five minutes.”

I grin. “It’s not that exciting.” I decide to throw them a bone. “Just a possible career change.”

Casey picks up her phone and says in a sarcastic voice. “Gee, a text right about now would work.”

I chuckle and pull my phone out of my pocket to text them a simple message saying I’m exploring opening a clothing store. From the silent squeals and squirming bodies I know they love the idea too.

Before they can bombard me with texts to ask questions, our dinner arrives. I’m suddenly ravenous, which is good since I had trouble eating today and it doesn’t take much for me to get drunk on an empty stomach. By the time we’re finishing the food, the guys are trash-talking about pool.

I listen to the lighthearted banter as I glance at the pool tables at the other end of the restaurant. Only two are open, so I say, “We should probably grab the last tables before they get taken.”

Nick looks over. “Girls, go get them, and we’ll pay the bill.”

We grab the pitcher and our beer glasses to reserve two bar tables as well. Knowing these guys would just pay for me, I pull two twenties out of my pocket and throw them down at the last minute to cover more than my portion of dinner.

When we get there, I peruse the pool cues. I don’t need a fancy one, just one that isn’t warped. I find four that will work for us. “Okay, ladies, time for school.”

Casey sets up one table while I rack the balls up on the other. I give them a quick lesson on breaking, and each girl tries it. After that, I play one table with Lori while Megan and Casey play the other. I give each friend pointers when I can.

The guys come over near the end of our practice round. I notice Christian and Jess trailing after them. Jason says, “We found Christian and forced him to join us.”

This should be interesting. But I refuse to do anything but take the high road and go search for a decent cue for Jess. I find one. “Jess, I was just helping the girls with their game. Do you play?” I hand her the pool cue in a goodwill gesture.

“A little.” She looks at Christian and her voice gets a little higher. “I could use a lesson though.”

He shrugs. “Don’t look at me. Nika is the pro.”

Jason winks at Casey. “Why don’t the guys play a game and the girls play one? We can switch teams up each round.” I catch the glare she gives him when Jess isn’t looking.

Lori is quick to realize there are nine of us and says, “I’ll sit this one out.”

Megan says, “I’ll probably be ready to be done after one game, so this works out fine.”

I take Jess as a partner, knowing how the other women feel about her. After Casey breaks, I tell them I’m going to do trick shots to make things fair. But it’s mostly because I’ll be bored pretty quickly if I don’t.

What I don’t count on is an audience. As our game progresses, people gather to watch me play. When I get an unusually tough one in, some break out in a cheer. I’ll admit it; I like the attention, so I keep trying the most difficult ones I can dream up.

Near the end of the game, Neal appears and is talking with Lori. He’s flirting with her, and I glance at Kaleb to see if he’s noticed. Kaleb looks a little uncomfortable, but Lori is leaning away and making it clear with her body language she isn’t interested.

I walk over to rescue her, and an idea comes to me. “Neal, do you play?” I take a mouthful of my beer, making sure to get foam on my upper lip and lick it off slowly.

His gaze falls to my lips and then rises to my eyes as he gives me a cocky smirk. “I do, and I might even be able to give you a run for your money.”

I raise my eyebrows and drop my chin a bit in my sultry pose. “Really? Care to prove that?” I’m not sure what I’m up to, but I have a desire to take one manwhore down.

Jason has overheard us and says, “I want to see this.”

Christian puts a ten on the edge of the girls’ table. “My money’s on Nika.”

Game over for the girls, Casey is already racking up the balls for us.

Jess is scowling and reaches in her pocket. She smiles sweetly at Neal and slaps a ten on the other side. “Mine’s on Neal.”

When she sends Christian a saucy glare, Jason spits out beer. Nick hits him on the back and thumps it loudly while a grin takes up his face.

I have to hand it to Neal; he’s as evil as I am because he puts his arm around Jess and looks right at Christian. “If I win, she gets more than your money.” His intent is definitely sexual, although I’m sure it would only go as far as Jess allows.

Uh-oh.
Christian nods his head in my direction and says, “Same.”

Desire sweeps through me as I recall him pressed against me, and I imagine what he really means.

Poor Jess. The look on her face is conflicted as she realizes what she’s done. Casey, on the other hand, looks like she’s going to burst with laughter she’s trying to contain. Me? I think I’m going to enjoy this way more than I should.