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Brier’s gaze flickers, almost impressed. “Interesting.”

The conversation keeps buzzing around me as I try on the new company digs. Fern’s arguing about whether a man’s net worth should be public information, Candice insisting she could absolutely handle dating someone famous, and Lala reminding them we still have a job to do.

But my mind drifts. Not to Max. Not really. But to his world. His cybersecurity empire. To chat rooms, firewalls, and encrypted systems instead of cocktails, flirting, and barely-there outfits. To a world where I’m behind a screen instead of behind a bar. Doing the kind of work that’s focused more on the data than on danger.

Cybersecurity and the ability to follow digital trails could provide a way to work alongside law enforcement, if I determine there’s no way to go back there. At least it could be a viable option.

I think about the case studies from my courses. The ones where tech teams worked alongside federal agencies. Tracking predators. Mapping digital footprints that led to real arrests. Does Max’s business do that kind of work? Does his company collaborate with law enforcement? The feds? Private task forces?

My pulse picks up. Not because of him, but because of this preposterous idea. Imagining a career at a place where I could still protect people without putting my body on the line. Where my brain might actually be the weapon. Where my past wouldn’t make me weak, but useful in a way I hadn’t considered before.

If I finish my courses, could I apply there? Would he even remember me? I glance at my reflection again. Pink hair. Tiny, cleavage-exposing pewter dress.

Ugh. There’s no forgetting this.

He’s been nothing but cordial whenever I’ve interacted with him. I’ve never felt any judgment coming from Max. Not like some of the sleazeball men who Anthony and Gianni have quickly put in their place. But would he laugh me right out of the office if I attempted to make a serious career change?

I trail my hands down the shiny dress. Jeez, Cass. Please don’t refer to this job as a career.

However, the truth of the matter is, I’m not ready to give up on law enforcement. I’m not certain a job in cybersecurity would give me the rush of adrenaline I need. But I’m also not sure I’m brave enough to go back.

I can practically hear my brother over my shoulder. Encouraging me to finish my classes and put myself out there. To chase my dream. And if it isn’t a good fit, move on to something that is. Don’t settle for anything less.

Not after everything I’ve fought to survive.

I bite down on my lower lip, the seed planted. Maybe, just maybe, there’s a future in his billion-dollar security business. But after working here, I’m worried he might not be able to take me seriously. Maybe he couldn’t get past this enough to look at me and think:

She belongs here.

10

CASSIDY

We’re all clustered around the bar waiting for our drinks. We’re a sea of shiny black fabric and exposed legs. The newest uniform in the rotation hugs every curve as if they were designed by a very horny fashion major. They have the same cut as the pewter ones, but somehow the black feels more sophisticated. Sexier.

Brier’s paired her little black number with red-soled black Louboutin’s, because why wouldn’t she? She looks like she’s stepped out of a magazine, all sleek and elegant. Brier’s the kind of woman men orbit without even realizing they’re doing it.

I glance down at my own shoes. With the toe on the floor, I rotate the iridescent lavender stilettos back and forth under the strobe lights. They’re pretty. Fun. All of the things I wish I was.

From across the room, I can sense the familiar pull before looking over to confirm it. That static electricity of being watched. Glancing up, I catch Max’s eyes over the rim of his glass. He doesn’t look away. He stares in my direction, bold and confident, never backing down. My stomach does a crazy backflip. Well, until I realize Brier is leaning over the bar next to me, her perfect ass on full display.

Sheesh. So much for getting all excited.

To think, for a second there, I thought I had a hot tech CEO admirer. Maybe the rich playboy has a thing for red soled shoes. I wish. It has to be Brier’s ass he’s fixed on. She’s glamorous, cultured, and self-assured. While I look like a Saturday morning cartoon character who wandered onto the wrong set.

Still, his intense gaze stays focused in my direction. I pretend not to notice. There’s no way I can allow myself to entertain the idea that this man could be interested in me. I mean, is he curious how the other half lives? Looking to leave his regimented Eddie Bauer cover model façade for a cocktail waitress dressed like a unicorn?

Meanwhile, Fern is still blabbering on with a story I’ve missed most of. “So the barista calls out my name, and this guy looks up from his coffee like someone had just announced the winning lotto numbers. He comes over and says he’s been waiting to hear what my name was because I’m the most beautiful woman he’s ever seen.”

Candice gasps. “Oh, my god, was he cute? Is he rich? Hell, who cares. I would’ve married him on the spot.”

Brier rolls her eyes, pretending not to listen as she waits for the bartender to slide her drinks her way.

“He brought me flowers, took me to dinner, and then we went to this cupcake place that was the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. It was like something out of a romance novel.” She clasps her hands together as she proceeds. “There were all of these cute little cakes where the tops of them resembled real flowers, and the wrapper was made to look like a clay pot. And the whole place was decorated with classic books and teapots.”

“And you didn’t go home with him?” Candice asks.

Fern sighs dreamily. “No. I wanted to. But I’m trying this new thing where I make men prove they’re not garbage.”