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There was a huge dance floor in front of the stage, with music pounding in from everywhere. It was almost as though the club was encouraging everyone to enjoy the atmosphere as well as the action. That action being dancing, or grinding, hooking up, and getting so, so drunk.
I dropped back, defaulting to my wallflower ways. Nick and Shell were sucked into the crowd of undulating bodies immediately. I needed more time to warm up, like getting into a hot jacuzzi in the middle of winter.
Before long, I too was a part of the crowd. I felt alone, but it wasn't a bad alone. It was transcending. I was surrounded by people, but I was at peace; I didn't have a care. The more I moved, the lighter I felt. Tension drained from my body.
The song ended, and I dripped with joyous sweat, so I snatched Shell. I needed a refresh at the bar.
"I can't believe you're having such a good time! You'll have to come out more."
"Maybe I should."
I took a long pull from my gin and tonic. The second it hit my lips, I felt cooler.
"I don't mean to leave you, but Nick has some super cute friends. I'm gonna head back."
Shell gave me a quick peck on the cheek and wiggled her way back to the group on the dance floor.
I picked a seat off to the side where there were a few tables for two and worked on my drink while I watched the crowd sway like the ocean. It had been a while since I moved my body like this. I did yoga most mornings, and occasionally went for a run along the beach when the mood struck, but nothing like this. Nothing.
Chapter Nineteen
Raph
Istrode into the back offices at Aire exactly one hour early for my meetings with the manager and staff. I liked to be ahead in case there were emergencies to attend to, and to give myself enough time to get my head on whatever I was doing.
Lately, I struggled to stay focused. The guys’ night with Kendall helped, but I couldn’t get Lia off my mind. Images of her soft smile, those Atlantic eyes, and her naked body splayed out on the white sheets in my hotel room. Guilt niggled at me, persistent and steady. I’d been reckless with her, letting my desires impede appropriate conduct.
Tonight, though, I had to get work done. I had to focus.
“Connie. How are you?”
I greeted the manager as she stepped into the office with me. She smiled, made small talk, and handed me a stack of folders. A few members of staff were already in the building, so we could start reviews right away.
I had to get it together. I still wasn’t focused. Reviews were vital to my growth with Experience, and I didn’t want to give my employees less attention and opportunity than I was given. They deserved a boss who was present, who worked hard and helped them build their careers. They deserved my undivided attention.
Thankfully, I got into the groove once the first young bartender stepped into the office with me, all nerves. I could tell what this meant to her, and I could put my personal shit to the side.
I asked her the same questions I remembered being asked, and let her answers lead me through.
Once everyone had their sit down with me, Connie and I chose an employee of the month who would receive a raise, as well as a second employee who would receive an education opportunity relevant to their field.
Energy buzzed under my skin. These were the moments where I felt pride in my work. These young people loved Experience, and they wanted it to keep its reputation just as much as I did. Caring for them and keeping them happy was the key to our success. I knew we were nothing without every single guy and girl on staff.
We started early, but got done right on time. A few meetings ran a little long, as expected. Some of the staff invited me to have a drink before I left for the night, and that sounded like just the thing. I shut down the computer and gathered my things.
Maybe if I headed out straightaway, I could go to Jersey and see if Lia wanted to get together the day before her review. No business, just fun.
Not even guilt can keep me away.
The offices in Aire were hidden well, so they didn’t disrupt the immersive airy feeling in the club. That was more important than VIP and office space. In order to access the offices, we used a single stairwell from the kitchen doorway hidden behind several panes of one-way glass. I could see them, but they couldn’t see me.
I entered the stairwell and looked down at the patrons and the bar, deciding if I’d like to stop for a drink, or get out of here. I froze.
The woman standing at the bar looked just like Lia. Long hair, classy dress, subtle posture. She was on my mind endlessly. Why wouldn’t I see her in New York, too? Perfect. I should just resign before I blow everything.
I looked again, and that woman really was the spitting image of Lia, not a trick of my sex-crazed mind. Pale skin, reasonable hemline, all of it. It had to be her. Why was she here?
My pulse raced. I had to see her.
