Page 21 of Playing Hard to Get

Control of my feelings.

Control of my heart.

Losing control was not an option. Losing control ruined lives, and I'd done enough of that to last a lifetime.

6

Mitch

“She looks at me and says, ‘You’re a fucking asshole and you disgust me.’ Turns on her heel, takes two steps, stops. Looks over her shoulder and says, ‘See you in a couple of weeks.’”

Frankie laughed, a long, beautiful sound. “So, you two got along well, huh?”

“Oh darlin’, I swear, wasn't a thing Anna wouldn't do. Feel like I need a weeklong shower to wash away all the things I’ve seen. Need to wash my eyes out with soap.” I shifted in my chair, pressing the heels of my hands into my temples. “But don’t forget, she’s naive and likely to get into trouble of other people’s making.”

“I’d say it’s Mr. Carrington who’s the naive one.” Frankie shook her head and took a sip from her martini before setting it on her desk. “You okay with continuing with them?”

Shrugging, I took a sip of my own martini. It’d been ages since I had one and I had to say, I made them pretty damn good. “She’s harmless. Spoiled little rich girl, thinks the world belongs to her. Long as I don’t mind cheap porn, it’s not too bad. Besides, the money’s good, yeah?”

Frankie grimaced. “Money’s not the most important thing in the world.”

“Ain’t that the truth?”

A knock at the door to the condo had us both looking up. From the other room, Corey yelled, “I got it.” Frankie and I both stood, grabbing our drinks and heading toward the living room.

“Best get this party started,” I said, giving Frankie’s shoulder a little squeeze. The girl was dancing before she even hit the button on the wall outside her office to turn on the music. Ton of fun, she was. More so since she found her man.

With her office door shut behind me, I popped the button on the keypad to lock it up tight. Beyond not wanting anyone snooping through her files, Frankie seemed concerned about locking up the rooms of the house tonight. Wasn’t sure what a bunch of ball players were going to do to get themselves in that kinda trouble, but, hey, it was her place.

When I made it to the front door, Frankie and Corey were greeting their guests. A couple of them I knew—Corey’s best friends, Matt and Ramon, and their women, Ellen and Emily. The others I’d only seen on TV or from the stands of the baseball stadium. Frankie grabbed my arm and pulled me forward. Introduced me as her best friend, and damn, if it didn't make me stand a little taller. Girl meant the world to me and I’d do just about anything for her.

As everyone began pulling away from the door, I headed toward the kitchen. With my glass in my raised hand, I yelled out, “Drinks are on me!” It got the expected response—a round of laughs before more than half of them followed after me.

I may have been Frankie’s best friend, but I was also the best damn bartender she’d ever known. And I liked it. Felt good slinging drinks around and making people happy. It was a far cry from my previous life, and part of the reason I didn't want to fully give up working for Carol at Riverside. There was something about the atmosphere at the bar. Little bit of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll, all wrapped up in an entirely legal, above-bar business.

Toward the end of the first rush, my eyes fell upon two beautiful ladies. “Well, looky here. If it isn't Emily and Ellen, looking fabulous as always.” The women blushed; Emily with her creamy white skin going as pink as her strawberry blonde hair, Ellen with her deep chocolate color going rosy, that tiny baby bump of hers poking out of her dress. I moved around the bar and pulled Emily close. “How’s my girls?”

Emily pulled back after a tight hug, a bundle of energy. Hopping around like a little kid. “Guess what, Mitch.” Before I could answer, she shoved her left hand in front of my face. I took it and admired the gleaming stone sitting on her finger.

“Lovely ring for a lovely girl.” I kissed her knuckle while I kept my eyes on her face. Loved to see that pretty smile of hers. “Congratulations, darlin’. Ramon’s lucky to have you. And you,” I said, turning to Ellen. “How’s the little one?”

She rubbed her hands over her belly, her face glowing. “Doing good. Growing.”

“May I?” I gestured to her stomach and she nodded. I bent down, placing my hands on either side of the bump, and said, “You treat your momma good, little one. She’s a special little lady.”

The sound of women cooing pulled my attention up. Ellen smiled a sweet, innocent smile. I leaned in and kissed her cheek, and damn if she didn’t blush again.

“What can I get you two?” I asked as I took up my position behind the bar.

“Strawberry margarita?” Emily asked, like I wouldn’t be more than happy to make whatever her heart desired.

I nodded and looked at Ellen. “And you?”

She raised an eyebrow, those hands rubbing again at her belly. “Much as I’d love to, I have to pass.”

“A virgin.”

“No, you don't have to.”