Page 12 of Late Nights

I wasn’t sure how we’d gotten from her burning breakfast to us talking about her…um…not being fully dressed, but I was not strong enough for this conversation. If I stayed here any longer, I’d show her my cards, and I couldn’t let that happen, so I did the only thing I knew how. I walked away.

Once I was dressed in my suit, my hair combed, and I’d put on a spritz of cologne, I hurried to the kitchen to make some coffee to take with me.

Demi was now seated at the table, sipping from a large mug. She looked comfortable as if our conversation earlier either hadn’t happened or hadn’t affected her. Which made me extremely grateful. I needed to get a grip and get back to how things usually were between us.

“I may not know how to cook, but I do know how to make coffee.” She lifted her mug to me and took another sip.

On the counter was a full to-go cup.

“Is that for me?” Even I could hear the surprise in my voice.

Had she really made me coffee? Maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised or pleased at the offer. She’d clearly made coffee for herself and just poured some for me as well. No need to make this into something it wasn’t.

“Yes, of course,” she said simply. “Sorry it’s not pancakes, but it’s the closest thing to a thank you breakfast you’re going to get from me.”

I picked up the coffee. “This is perfect. Thank you.” I took a sip of the hot liquid, enjoying the rich taste.

I needed to get to work, but I felt bad just taking the coffee and leaving. Her life had completely changed, and I got the sense that she was feeling a bit lost despite knowing she wanted to go to hair school. She would probably spend the whole day alone, and the least I could do was take an interest in her day. “What are your plans today? Besides the tour at the cosmetology school.”

She let out a sigh and rested her chin in her hand. “I need to find a job. Not sure what I should look for or who would be willing to hire me, but I need money since, for the first time in my life, I’m broke.”

Her talking about a job reminded me of the “Help Wanted” sign I’d seen at the bar last night. The owner of The Bridger, Robby, was a friend of mine. I wasn’t sure if he’d hire Demi with no work experience, but it couldn’t hurt to try, if she was interested.

“When I was at The Bridger bar last night, I noticed they were hiring. I know the owner. He’s a good guy. If you wanted me to introduce you and get you a job interview, I’d be happy to help.”

She perked up at my offer. “Really? You think I’d be able to get a job as a bartender without having had a job before?”

“With a face like yours, Robby will probably give you an offer on the spot,” I assured her.

Although now that I realized what I’d just said, I wasn’t so sure I wanted her to get a job there. Guys would be hitting on her relentlessly. And I was pretty sure West wouldn’t want his sister working at some bar in the city.

Crap. I hadn’t thought this through.

“Hmm. Maybe,” she mused. “But I think I could learn how to make drinks. It doesn’t sound too hard. As long as I don’t have to cook anything, I should be fine.”

“Okay, then.” I ignored the voice in my head telling me this wasn’t my best idea. “Why don’t we head over there tonight after I get off work, and you can see what you think?”

“Sounds good.”

“All right, well, I’d better get going,” I said. “I’ll see you later tonight.”

“See ya,” she said with a smile that had my eyes lingering on her lips.

I was quickly out the door before she could notice me staring at her mouth. Why I thought spending more time with her tonight was a good idea was beyond me. But there was no way I was letting her go to The Bridger alone.

If she gets a job there, she’ll be going there alone all the time.

Crap. West was going to kill me.

See? This was why I needed to stay away from Demi. My mind didn’t act responsibly when I was with her.

I had only wanted to help, but I was more than positive that when Victor found out his daughter was bartending, he was going to blow a gasket. And when he found out it had been my idea? Yeah, I didn’t want to be there when he found that out.

Maybe we’d go tonight and she’d hate it. Or maybe Robby wouldn’t want to hire someone who wasn’t qualified.

Oh, who was I kidding? He would definitely be willing to put in the time to teach someone who looked like Demi. The number of male customers alone she’d draw in would have Robby seeing dollar signs.

I did spend more nights there than I should, so maybe I could keep tabs on her. Not that I would tell her that, though. She’d probably kick me in the shins.

---