Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 75481 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75481 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 377(@200wpm)___ 302(@250wpm)___ 252(@300wpm)
“Is that what you’re wearing?” I heard something in the back of his throat that sounded part mortified, part growly, like he was in protective mode or something. Interesting. “Exactly as I imagined, only worse.”
I sneered. “Who cares what someone’s wearing as long as they’re a good fuck?”
I used that word on purpose and could picture him cringing. He hated crass talk, the snob.
This time, men in line turned to look at me with amused expressions. My cheeks felt hot.
“I thought you said you were only there to dance,” he accused.
“I am, but if it leads to something else, I won’t say no.”
“Just…be safe. You’re new to the city.” He sounded sincere but way uptight. What the hell? And it also frustrated me. I wasn’t a little kid.
“Don’t worry. I’m a big boy and can take care of myself.” How dare he think I was some club-scene novice? “You clearly live vicariously through me.”
“You wish,” he said in that condescending tone again. As if my life could never compare to his, and in some ways, he was right. Look at his apartment, his cushy career, and the events he got to attend. But he was always on his best behavior, and that got old fast. Maybe there was something to Brett’s accusations.
“Gotta go now, bye!” I said in a singsong voice.
“Better not be late for work tomorrow!” he warned.
“Yes, Dad,” I replied before ending the call.
I tried hard to wipe the smirk off my face as I met Casey’s eyes. “What?”
“You enjoy that banter with him,” he accused by poking his finger in my chest.
“No, I don’t.” Did I? I took a moment to catch my breath. “I just don’t let it get to me anymore.”
Which was a complete lie. Some days I still left work wishing I could strangle him with one of his pretty satin hangers.
Casey narrowed his eyes, bringing me out of my thoughts. “You might forget what it’s like to have someone treat you like a professional.”
I shrugged because I didn’t think that was true. I gave back as good as I got, so maybe that helped relieve some of my frustration. He hadn’t fired me yet.
“Everyone has their own love language.” Maybe I’d become immune.
“Well, his borders on exasperating.” I couldn’t deny it, so why defend him at all? “Plus, he calls you at all hours of the day. You need to quit already.”
I shrugged. “Only a couple of months left before the show’s summer break. I’ll do it then. That gives me plenty of time to look for something else.”
“You promise?” he asked as we finally stepped closer to the bouncer.
“No.” My stomach constricted. “What if I can’t find anything?”
“You moved here without a job,” he pointed out, “and figured it out just fine.”
“With your help,” I said because it was true. I was already convinced he was charging me less than half for rent, but he always denied it. “Don’t pretend I could’ve afforded an apartment by myself.”
He bumped my shoulder with his. “You would’ve made it with or without me.”
“Okay, sure, but this job will look good on my résumé,” I said, and he nodded. “And it helped me weed some stuff out.”
“Like what?”
“The fashion industry.”
“C’mon, it can’t be that bad.” He smiled. “Not with the famous people you meet on the regular.”
It had definitely been an interesting year with Rowan Abernathy. I’d give him that.
“Eh, celebrities. They’re just like us.”
That wasn’t exactly true. They definitely got all the perks. Take the snacks and creature comforts set up for them in the green room. It was basically any amenity they requested. Imagine that.
Once inside, we made a beeline for the dance floor, where we goofed around and acted like idiots. It was the only time I could bonk into people and not feel too guilty. Casey was way more coordinated and a better dancer than me, and I was a bit jealous about how well he could shake those hips. Soon enough, he had guys surrounding him and wanting his attention, and who could blame them? He had a great body and was nice to look at, and I could appreciate him for those things—just like I could with Rowan, aesthetically speaking. But Casey was also attractive on the inside and might’ve totally been my type in another life if we weren’t both bottoms. Besides, we were way better off as friends.
I ended up talking to a guy at the bar while I downed a tall glass of water, followed by some sips of beer over the superficial and flirty conversation. We gave each other handjobs in the restroom, and that was good enough for me. I didn’t want to be fucked tonight. It wasn’t always a necessity for me, but some attention was always good.
I’d bet my life Rowan would never risk a quickie in the restroom, let alone put himself in such a compromising position in a public place. He was too snooty and neurotic for that.