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Polly and I work the room as my boss encourages the customers to move on. By the time, the last person leaves, my boss is sitting, talking to Christopher. Polly leaves after the tables are done, while I mop the floor.
“I thought you were leaving?” I say to my boss.
“Oh, I am,” she says. “It was nice to catch up with you, Christopher. Don’t forget to tell your parents I was asking about them and maybe I’ll see you next weekend. Did you remember your keys, Nellie?” She seems less cross than she did earlier, which I’m glad about. I need this job.
I check my cardigan pocket, which is stuffed in a cupboard behind the bar. “Yes. I have them. Goodnight.”
“Thanks for taking this one home for me,” she says to Christopher.
“It’s my pleasure.”
“Goodnight.”
She turns off some of the lights and leaves me to finish up. The last set of glasses goes into the dishwasher, and I start to cash up the till. Saturdays are always busy, but tonight has been a one for takings.
“Do you like your job?” Christopher asks.
“Yes. It fits well into my life.”
“Don’t you have any bigger dreams?”
I shrug. “Yes, of course I do, but they’re not on the cards for me.”
“Why not?”
To protect myself and Ainsley, I need to be brief. Working at night means I can be around for my sister during the day. When she’s at school, she’s pretty much out, but I’m there if she needs me. During the holidays, we hang out and I take her to gymnastics. With my mum dipping in and out of our lives, working nights works best. “I’d like what most people would. Money, security, and a way to express the talents I have.”
“Are you an artist?”
“Not on paper. But I like making cocktails. If this was my bar, I’d mix good food with great drinks. But none of that is going to happen. I’m living in a council house with my family. There’s nothing coming to change that.”
“Never say never.” He seems to be thinking hard about what I’m saying. His face is too serious for my liking, but I try not to let it affect me.
I shrug. “I guess.”
“Do you find me attractive?” The conversation has come full circle.
His question catches me off guard, and my face starts to heat. “You can’t ask me that.”
“Why not?”
The dishwasher finishes, plummeting us into silence. Christopher is gorgeous. I’ve thought that since the first time I saw him. Our relationship has never been anything more than a bit of banter. I’m not looking for a boyfriend or someone to take me out, but that’s not what Christopher is offering.
Sex is not a sin. I might not be adventurous in the bedroom, but I’m not a virgin. It’s been a while since I had someone, and his offer is tempting. We’re at a crossroads, and my decision will have consequences.
His muscles are tight under his shirt and, shamefully, I start to wonder what it would be like to run my hands down his body. My face now feels like it’s on fire. “Fine. You’re attractive, but you knew that already. You have a new date on your arm every week. That much is obvious.”
I bag up the money and take it into the back so I can put it in the safe. Once it’s locked away, I take a deep breath. Am I actually considering Christopher’s offer? I shake my head. Not because I’m ready to tell him no, but I’m too nervous to say yes.
When I’ve composed myself, I grab my things and step back into the bar area. I switch off the remaining lights and gesture toward the door. He follows me outside, leaving Sweet Cocktails behind. There’s a thick vibe in the air. Maybe it’s nerves or sexual tension, but it’s putting me on edge.
Pulling the keys from my pocket, I lock the door. When I turn to face Christopher, he’s holding out his own keys. I’m nervous about driving such an expensive car, but somehow, he’s confident in my ability. “For you, driver.”
“Thanks.” His keys have wings on them. The brand looks familiar, but it’s not one at the forefront of my mind. We walk to the car park in silence. It’s not uncomfortable, yet the tension is still there. I’m unsure what to say to break the mood. There are a few cars in the car park, and we make our way past them until we’re standing in front of a silver Aston Martin.
He leans over my shoulder and presses the button to unlock his car. I’m walking down a new path and this feels like a big step. He opens the door for me and I climb inside. It’s too late to back out now. I buckle myself in while he gets into the other side. Here we go.
CHAPTER Six
