Page 33 of Without Apology

She gave him a flirty look. “Not for now, Sean. Thanks.”

“I take it you must come here often?”

She turned her full attention to me. “Only a couple times. I actually prefer corporate housing which we’re moving into soon.”

My eyes flicked to the younger guy. “He’s cute.”

She frowned. “Who?”

I laughed, thinking it funny she didn’t realize who I was talking about despite his obvious interest. “Sean. The bartender.”

“He is, but he’s not my type.”

I was curious and had to ask, “What is?” I imagined her type would be a guy in a suit like her boss.

“If I tell you, you have to promise not to tell anyone.”

I half expected she was about to confide she was into girls. “Promise.”

“I prefer them tattooed, pierced, and for one night only.”

I would’ve been less shocked to find out she was a lesbian. “Seriously?”

She nodded. “Absolutely. A man in a suit. Turn off. Clean-cut Sean, nope, doesn’t do it for me. But put a man on a motorcycle, with tattoos and piercings, and I’m a goner.”

I was shocked. Then, looking around the bar, I grinned. “I don’t see anyone fitting that type at the Four Seasons.”

“Nope. It’s why I miss New York. There you can find a club with plenty of men fitting my description. Minus the motorcycle though as most don’t drive in the city.”

“This is quite the change, isn’t it?”

She grinned. “That’s putting it mildly. Although I do really enjoy traveling. Have you lived here your entire life?”

“Born and raised. Tell me about the most exciting place you’ve ever been.”

She went on to tell me about Australia while I sat in awe. I’d only dreamed of traveling the world while she’d actually been brave enough to do it.

“So how is the audit going so far?” she asked, talking about work for the first time. We were now on our second round of drinks.

“Okay. Russ is catching on quickly.”

“He seems into you.”

“He’s sweet, but I’m not interested.”

“I’m sure Simon would be relieved to know it.”

I sucked in a breath, trying to steady my heartbeat with her declaration. I decided to play dumb. “I don’t think he’d care either way.”

She leveled me with a look which conveyed she knew more than she’d let on.

“If he told you something, I may have to kill him,” I muttered, downing my second glass.

“In his defense, it was before he knew you worked at Maddox. He was looking forward to your second date.”

I sighed deeply with regret. “Well, we all know how that turned out.”

“Peyton. He really likes you.”

---