Seeking Justice (5 page)

“You may go now,” he finally says, and I inwardly growl at his insolence as I head for the door.

“Miss Shaw.”

Oh no!
Just when I thought I was getting away
.
My hand grips the doorknob as I turn around slowly
.

“No more slacks. I’m making a new house rule, dresses only.” He holds my gaze steadily. I shake my head in irritation and hurry out.

Out in the hallway, my heart is pounding as I lean against his closed office door. That had to be the most uncomfortable—I sigh heavily. This is not good. I am attracted to Liam Justice, unlike anything I have ever experienced. Which is totally crazy since he’s like some kind of sex lord and probably has dozens of women in his life. He’s so out of my league, not to mention I’m supposed to be investigating him.

I see Holly’s door still closed as I hurry back to the restaurant to find Tansy.

The rest of the morning goes quickly as Tansy explains our duties, showing me the ins and outs of the job. I think she’s shown me every storage room on the first floor, explaining our inventory and ordering responsibilities.

“We’ll alternate shifts every other day. And you don’t have to worry about coming in for the morning meeting when you pull the evening shift,” Tansy says as we take a seat in the break room. “You didn’t get into trouble for being late did you?” she asks quietly.

“No.” I think she wants me to share why Justice wanted to speak to me, but I’m not about to try to explain that. “I guess Holly forgot to tell me I needed to come in early. Is she off today?”

“No, she called to say something came up and she wouldn’t be in until later. She’s been working a lot of hours since Mel left.”

“Mel?”

“Melanie Langford, you’re filling the position she held. She just up and quit, no notice, which clearly put us in a bind.” Tansy looks at her watch. “We’ll go over the reservation procedures for the restaurant and nightclub after lunch. Right now we’ve got a few minutes, so let’s go check in with the servers.”

Lunchtime at Justice House is busy. Evidently the restaurant is popular with the members, and I ask Tansy about each one. She has a world of knowledge on each of them, and she thinks nothing of me asking questions.

I don’t see Liam again during my shift, and at the end of the day on my way to get my bag from my locker, Leon calls to me as I pass by the bar.

“Young Cait, sit and tell me how your day went.” I perch on a bar stool and smile at the friendly bartender. “What can I get you to drink?”

“I’d love a glass of white wine, please.”

When he brings my wine, he asks, “Did you enjoy your first day?”

“I did, it was interesting. How was your day?”

He smiles as he plops strawberries into a mixer. “My days are always good, young Cait. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

I take a sip of wine. Mmmm, this is not boxed wine. “This is an excellent wine.”

“Only the best for Justice House,” he replies as he pours his strawberry concoction into tall glasses.

“Do you live here at the bar?” I tease as I lean back, the wine helping me relax.

He grins. “Long hours keep me out of trouble.”

“Uh-oh, were you a bad boy growing up, Leon?”

He laughs out loud as he sets the glasses on the counter. “I admit I gave my sweet Mama some sleepless nights.” He looks over at a couple of club members who walk in and sit down at the bar. “Excuse me.” He crosses to the other side to take their drink order.

I’m discreetly studying the members when a man sits on the stool right beside me.

“What’s a beautiful girl like you doing in a place like this?”

I try not to smile at the corny pick-up line. “Does that actually work?” I ask as I slowly turn his way.
Oh! He’s cute.
Longish blond hair, pretty blue-gray eyes, not as devastating as deep blue but…

“No, but once they look at me, I can usually reel them in.” He gives me a roguish smile.

I laugh. “So, you’re a good fisherman?”

His eyes glow with amusement. “I manage to catch a minnow or two every now and then.” I giggle. “Now that’s a pretty laugh.”

“Mr. Bryce, no flirting with Ms. Caitlyn! She’s new and doesn’t know about you,” Leon scolds as he returns.

“Now, Leon, I’m trying to remedy that. No one appreciates a new member like I do.”

I sputter into my glass of wine. “I’m not a member!”

“No, she is not.” A deep voice announces. “She’s our new hostess, and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t try to pick her up with your lame ass come-ons.”

I swivel on my stool, meeting bright blue eyes. His hair looks as if he’s run his fingers repeatedly through it, which just adds to his sexiness. Dark stubble on his jawline has me yearning to lean in and run my tongue along that jaw.
Is it soft?
The sleeves of his white dress shirt, rolled to his elbows, expose strong forearms. His tie is loose at the knot, and the top two buttons of his shirt are undone. He’s wearing a silver chain that I noticed before, and I can almost see the shape of a medallion under his shirt. I chew my lip as I look him over, he is simply gorgeous, and he smells divine.

“Hey man!” The guy next to me says as he stands, and the two embrace briefly, slapping each other on the back. Then Liam laughs. A full rich laugh, his white teeth gleaming, eyes crinkling at the corners.

I swallow convulsively.
Oh, shit.

“When did you get here?” Liam asks.

“Just now,” Mr. Flirt says, looking at me. “And look what I found.” He reaches over and fingers the end of my braid.

“Bryce.” There’s a note of warning in Liam’s voice, and his friend turns back to face him.

“What?”

Liam sighs.

I decide to introduce myself since Justice doesn’t seem inclined. “Hi, Bryce, I’m Cait.” I give him a little wave, and he grasps my hand pulling it to his lips. I giggle nervously, glancing at Liam, and feel a blush steal over my face when I find him watching me.

“Look at that blush!” Bryce grins.

I see Liam shake his head, and then he glances down at my hand wrapped around my wine glass. “Miss Shaw, I hope you’re not planning to drive after you’ve been drinking.”

My mouth opens slightly in surprise.

“Liam, she has more sense than that.”

Yeah!
I raise my eyebrow at Liam, and his eyes narrow.

Bryce reaches over to grasp my hand again. “I’m driving her home.”

I glance quickly back at Liam. Great—next he’ll be accusing me of scheming to trap his friend.

“Sorry, Bryce, there’s something I need you to take care of for me. I’ll drive Miss Shaw home.”

What?
I don’t want him driving me home. The thought of being alone in a car with him has my stomach muscles clenching tightly. “No!”

Liam raises his eyebrows. “Excuse me?”

I know I don’t imagine the hard glint his eyes take on, and I’m immediately intimidated. Well,
more
intimidated by the man.

“I-I mean, I’ve already called a cab and—”

“We’ll dismiss the cab on our way out. Wait here please; I’ll just be a moment.” He turns to leave, and I look at Bryce, who seems puzzled.

“Bryce,” Liam calls, turning to give his friend a look. “Coming?”

Bryce hesitates briefly, eyeing me. “Sure thing buddy.” A slow smile moves over his face. “Cait, it was great to meet you.” He starts to follow Liam and then turns back. “I’ll take a rain check on driving you home.”

I catch the frown Liam throws over his shoulder.

“Sure,” I say softly.

As soon as they round the corner, I’m sliding off the stool and grabbing up my bag. “What do I owe you, Leon?”

“Nothing.” When I start to object, he waves a hand. “No charge to employees.”

Wow. Okay. “Thanks, I’ll see you tomorrow. Please tell Mr. Justice I just remembered I have to be somewhere.”

I hurry out, saying a prayer that my cab is still waiting.

Chapter Four

T
he next two days at the Justice House are extremely busy. Tansy keeps apologizing for the fact that I have to learn two weeks of training in four days. What she doesn’t realize is that I have the ability to remember everything she tells me.

During lunch, I become familiar with the various members who eat at the Justice House restaurant, and it seems that some dine with us on a daily basis. It’s interesting what some members request of the hostess. Anything from calling a cab for them, to calling and making an appointment for their dog at the groomer. Tansy seems to take it all in stride, though.

During our lunch break, after the dining room closes, I devour the information in the member directory. Afterward, Tansy takes me around to meet more of the house staff. Of course, when I work the evening shift, there’s a new group of members and staff to meet and remember.

I get to know Bryce Fletcher better too. He frequently shows up wherever Tansy and I happen to be. Tansy informs me he’s a huge flirt, but he’s not so much flirting as he is prying for information. I recognize the techniques. He also seems to throw Liam’s name about frequently.

Liam.

I can’t get him out of my head. It’s getting so bad, I can now sense when he’s near, even before I see him. My body actually responds to his nearness. My heart rate increases, and I feel a tightening low in my belly. When he’s close enough for me to pick up his delectable scent, my breathing becomes shallow, and it’s difficult to catch a breath. I’ve even considered that I might be allergic to him, and I’m just having a reaction. I almost wish that were the case, but I know it’s not. No, it’s much more worrisome than that. I catch myself looking and listening for him. And I’m not the only one. When he walks into a room, every female within sight zeroes in on him. Club member and employee alike, they all suddenly seem to need his time and attention. He’s charming and charismatic, and I’m sure he is the topic of many fantasies. I know he stars in my dreams, and that’s beginning to freaking annoy me.

And he watches me. It’s unnerving. He’s not spoken to me since my first day when he offered to take me home after work. I am somewhat ashamed that I acted like such a coward. In all honesty, I am a little frightened of him.

I’ve only ever been with one man. We dated for three years, and I went to bed with Jeff because he pressured me. I thought having sex would bring me the type of relationship that I read about in books. I was young and naïve, and I wanted to be swept away by a lover who could satisfy all my yearnings. Someone who was adventurous and sexually enthralling. That someone was never Jeff. I knew it was a mistake the first time, but I kept hoping that my affection for him would grow into something more, but there was never any excitement with Jeff. I finally admitted to myself that I wanted—
needed
more, and I ended the relationship. The problem is—I’ve never felt that sexual attraction that I’ve heard so much about. Until now.

Until Liam Justice.

And that’s messed up in so many ways because I’m here to do a job, not fantasize about a man who probably sleeps with a different woman every night. Even though Valerie says she wants information about Liam’s past, I know she’s looking for someone else. But that doesn’t excuse my lusting after Liam.

So, I need to stop.

At the end of my shift on Thursday, I tell Tansy goodbye and decline Leon’s offer of a drink as I hurry to my locker.

“Hey, Cait, how’s it going?”

“Hi, Holly.” I give her a bright smile as I retrieve my bag. “It’s going great.”

“I hear good things about you from the members.”

It’s crazy, under the circumstances, but I’m more than pleased to hear that people like me.

“I really like working here,” I tell her, knowing it’s the truth. She falls in beside me, and we walk down the hallway to the rear entrance.

“How about having a drink tomorrow night after your shift ends? We can stay here; it’ll give you a chance to actually check out the nightclub.”

So far, my only exposure to the club has been making reservations during the day and then checking members off the list as they arrive for an evening out at the trendy nightspot. Holly told me the nightclub, In Justice, was one of the city’s busiest, and she wasn’t kidding if the requests for reservations are any indication. Members are allowed to invite non-member guests to dine in the restaurant or join them in the nightclub but other than that, the rest of Justice House is off limits to non-members.

“That sounds like fun.”

“Good. Tansy and maybe Lara are going too.”

“I need a girl’s night out.”

“Me too,” she says. “It’s been a long week.”

I slow my pace as we walk by the glass wall of the weight/gym room, making note of the members using the facilities. I’m now concentrating on learning the member’s habits and routines.

“Tansy is amazed how quickly you’ve caught on with everything being dumped on you all at once,” Holly says as we continue down the hall.

“I have a good memory, and I know that with the week coming up, I need to be ready.”

“And I am very grateful for that.”

I want to ask her if Liam is grateful or if he still wants me gone.

“Well, have a good night,” she says as we reach the door. I can see my taxi waiting beyond the fence by the curb.

“You too, Holly. See you tomorrow.”

I hurry out walking down the driveway to exit through the open gates, pulling my hair down from the casual up-do I’ve worn all day. I’m startled and falter when I look up and see Liam and Mike standing near the small guardhouse located just inside the gates. Mike is talking to the security guard Aaron while Liam listens, arms crossed over his chest.

He looks good. I lick my lips. Liam always looks good. He’s wearing jeans that fit in a way that makes my stomach all flippy-floppy. His white V-necked T-shirt clings to every plain and ridge of his muscled torso with his biceps straining against the fabric of his sleeves. His amazing eyes are hidden behind sunglasses, so I can’t see if he’s looking at me—but I know he is.

“Night, Cait,” Aaron calls to me. I tear my gaze from Liam.

“Night,” my voice sounds breathy. I wonder if I’ll ever get used to Liam’s beauty so I can stop acting like an idiot anytime he’s near.

Just at the moment I walk past them, Chicago’s famous wind decides to blow up my dress and whirl my long hair all crazy. I give a little yelp as I know the three men get a clear view of my ass since I’m wearing a thong. I’m not certain but possibly the cab driver too, when I turn to stop flashing the three men, and just as quickly turn back, realizing the cabbie is probably getting an eyeful. I frantically try to hold my dress down with one hand and catch as much of my hair as possible with the other. I finally manage to re-instate my dignity and glance at Liam, catching his wide grin. I feel as if I blush beet red. Holding onto my skirt and hair, I scurry to my cab.

My cell starts ringing just as I’m unlocking my apartment door.

Damn it.
I don’t have time for her right now. “Hi, Valerie.”

“Caitlyn, what have you found?”

I roll my eyes. “No more than yesterday when you called.”

“I’m calling to let you know I’m going to be out of the country for a few days. I want you to stay on course with your assignment, and I’ll call as soon as I’m back.”

I frown. “A few days?”

“Possibly a week. You won’t be able to reach me, but I will be checking in daily with Pat.” I can tell she’s moving around with the way her voice keeps fading in and out. “If something comes up call Pat, and let her know.”

I shake my head in frustration. “Valerie, how am I going to know if something—comes up?” She really needs to clue me in here.

“Caitlyn, I’m boarding the plane now, so I need to go.”

I stare dumbfounded at my cell after she hangs up.

“This is ridiculous,” I mutter as I head for the shower.

I’m meeting Paul and Julie for drinks, and then we’re meeting up with Paul’s parents who are in town. We have plans to dine at the
Alinea
, one of my favorite restaurants. It’s going to be a fun evening.

I put the finishing touch to my makeup and then stand back to check my dress. I’m wearing my red Asian silk, which I love and save for special occasions. I have a bit of an exotic look to me with my long hair and dark, almond-shaped eyes. My great-grandmother was pure Hawaiian, and I inherited a touch of her native look, so the dress suits me. The hem falls just below my knees with the skirt split up one side revealing quite a bit of thigh.

I’m so glad I’ve started paddleboarding again as it works wonders for my legs and ass. Apparently, that’s a good thing if I’m going to be flashing people I work with. My stomach flutters with nerves at the thought of Liam looking at me. Did he like what he saw? I silently scold myself and finish with my preparations for the evening.

I’ve opted to leave my dark hair hanging down my back. Black strappy heels, large hoop earrings, and I’m ready.

I enter the trendy little lounge bar where I’m meeting my friends. It’s already crowded, and it takes me a moment before I see Paul at the bar. Unnoticed, I walk up behind him. The guy next to Paul turns and checks me out and then gives me a cheeky grin. I ignore him, stepping up close to Paul’s back.

In a teasing mood, I ask in my best seductive voice, “Would you like to buy me a drink, handsome?”

Evidently, men on the make can hear a woman’s come on, even in a crowded bar. More than one turns to give me an appraising look.

Paul’s grinning as he turns. “There you are,” he says, handing me a glass of white wine. “You look nice.”

“Thanks.” I take a sip, glancing around the bar. “Where’s Jules?”

“Defending our table. We’re lucky we found one. Follow me.”

Paul shoulders his way through the group waiting to order drinks as I follow close behind. Within a few steps, I feel the hair on my nape stand on end. I glance behind me and catch several men looking at my ass. Geez!

Julie sits at a table not too far away, thank goodness since it appears we’ll have to get our own drinks from the bar. She stands to give me a hug.

“You look beautiful, Cait.”

“Thank you, you do too.” And she does. Julie has beautiful dark red hair, and the sapphire blue dress she is wearing compliments her vibrant coloring to perfection.

“I can say without a doubt that I am sitting with the two most beautiful women in this place,” Paul declares as he leans over to give Julie a quick kiss. He then whispers something in her ear that has her blushing a deep red color that rivals her hair. Her laugh is low and sultry.

“You’re insatiable,” she says.

I watch the two of them. I want that. Not with Paul, he’s my best friend, and I’ve never had a romantic thought about him. I want my own man. I know I’m only twenty-four, but I feel a loneliness that at times makes me sad that I don’t have someone to share special moments with. I seldom meet anyone I even want to date. Except for—I shake myself mentally and polish off my wine.

“Are there any waitresses working?” I ask, my eyes searching the area. I spot a young woman working the tables on the other side of the room.

“That was fast,” Paul says, nodding at my empty glass. “Hard day?”

“Not too bad, just busy.” I lean into the table. “I love your parents, Paul, you know that, but I almost wish we were going somewhere we could drink and dance.”

“Me too!” Julie declares. “It’s just one of those nights.”

“It is, isn’t it?” I agree.

Paul shakes his head. “If Julie and I didn’t have to get up early in the morning, I’d say let’s go out after we eat, but we have a long day planned with my folks.”

We’re interrupted as a waitress stops to set drinks down at our table. “Here you go,” she says. The three of us look at the fresh drinks. “Compliments of the gentleman at the bar.”

“Who?” I ask automatically looking toward the bar, then back to her. She just smiles and then hurries on to the next table.

Paul holds up his beer. “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth.”

I hold my drink up to clink against his and Julie’s as I glance around the room. I carefully scan the people standing at the bar.

Holy Shit!

I almost drop my glass when my eyes connect with sultry blue. He boldly holds my gaze, even though the statuesque blonde next to him leans in close to whisper in his ear. He looks—No man should be that good looking.

“Liam Justice.”

“What?” Julie asks, following the direction I’m looking. “Where?”

“Far end, on the right.”

“Who?” Paul asks.

“Oh, my…” Julie sounds stunned.

“Who?” Paul demands.

“Cait’s, new boss,” Julie answers as if she’s annoyed to be distracted from her focus.

I break eye contact, a little stunned myself.
What is he doing here?
I turn to face Julie. She gives me a wide-eyed blink.

“So, that’s Liam Justice. He doesn’t look so special,” Paul mutters.

Julie and I smile at each other and then burst out laughing. Paul playfully sticks out his lower lip.

“Oh, baby,” Julie croons, leans in close and rubs his shoulder.

Paul says something, but I’ve tuned them out.
What the hell is Justice doing here?
I desperately want to turn and look at him; I can feel him watching me. Is he with that woman?
Of course, he is.
I don’t recall seeing her at Justice House. She’s probably into the same type of kinky sex as he is. Not, for the first time I wonder if it goes beyond kink. Some of the stuff I read on the internet—I shudder.

“Earth to Cait,” Paul quips.

“What? I’m sorry.”

Julie grins knowingly.

“I asked if you ladies are ready to leave. It may take us a bit to get to the restaurant.”

Julie stands. “We’ll go freshen up first. Cait,” she says and jerks her head, handing me my clutch bag.

As we head for the bathroom, I look back toward the bar. He’s gone. So is the blonde. I look around, my body still buzzing with the feeling of him watching me.

“Oh. My. Gosh!” Julie grabs my arm as soon as we enter the bathroom. “He’s gorgeous!”

I sigh deeply. “You ought to hear him talk.” She lifts an eyebrow. “Slow, southern sexy.”

“Ahhh… the kind of voice that can melt a girl’s panties right off,” she says.

I nod, taking my lipstick from my bag.

“The way he was staring at you… What’s going on with him, Cait?”

I blot my lips with a tissue. “Trust me, there’s nothing going on.”

“Why was he looking at you like that?”

“I don’t know.” I rub the center of my forehead. Why
does
he look at me like that? I turn to her. “He stares at me like that at work.”

She grins. “He does?”

“There’s no need to grin like that.” I move toward the door. “I think he wants to fire me.”

She snorts. “He wants to do something to you all right.”

I shake my head. “He chewed me out my first day and told me I was too young and—inexperienced to work there.” I bite my lip recalling his question regarding my innocence.