Page 58 of Tempting Him

"All right, all right."

"And then you'll come to my room for at least an hour to make sure you're sober enough to drive home."

I bark out a laugh. "Okay."

When we get to the bar, Dad orders an Irish whiskey, and I decide on sticking with a beer from the tap.

After he disappears to the bathroom, I respond to a few texts from friends, telling Bryant I may be able to meet up with him later. He's wanting me as a wingman as he attempts to shoot his shot with a guy who works at a diner.

When I put my phone down on the bar and glance around, my lips part when I find Alek walking in.

Frozen, I stay locked in on him until his eyes meet mine. The atmosphere changes with his presence, it’s like he sucks all the air from the room while stealing everybody’s attention. My body stiffens, my heart thumps against my ribcage, and the noise disappears as our gazes stay connected.

Shit.

Before I can even think about what I should do, my dad is back, and he notices Alek right away.

"Hey!" he greets excitedly. "You made it."

The room comes back to life as I snap out of my daze. My eyes bulge as my head swivels between the two. When my dad gives me a strange look before going to greet his friend, I fix my face.

When Alek disengages from the handshake with my dad, he glances at me before clearing his throat. "Uh, Calvin, I wasn't aware your son would be joining us. I'm not sure it's right that we have drinks together, considering he works for me."

My father laughs. "Oh, Alek. Who's gonna fire you? You're the boss. You're not getting in trouble, and don't forget, I work for you, too."

Dad takes his seat next to me, all smiles. Alek runs a palm over the center of his suit jacket in what appears to be a nervous gesture.

"I don't want anybody to think I'm giving any intern special treatment. That's all."

I almost snort, but instead take a sip of my beer.

"Just stay for one drink," my dad says. "Come on, nobody from work is coming to some small corner bar in a hotel."

Alek looks like he wants to bolt, but he gives in with a nod. "Okay."

Dad grabs his drink and nods toward an open table. "Let's head over here."

Swiping the beer from the counter, I study Alek for a few seconds while he waits to order a drink, then I follow my dad to the table.

With Dad to my left and Alek to my right, I find myself trapped in the middle while they talk about what's going on in the Chicago office, what's been happening here, and only minor things about people I don't know.

What was only supposed to be one beer turns into two. After a while, Dad seems to remember I'm here.

"Sorry, son. Just doing a little catching up. Alek's a good man, right? I told you you'd learn a lot from him. You enjoying your internship?"

My eyes cut to Alek before I answer. "Yeah, learning a whole lot."

"He's a good kid," my dad tells Alek. "A bit more social than I ever was, but he's got a great work ethic, too."

I want to curl up and die hearing my dad describe me as a good kid to the man who railed me on his balcony, bed, and in the shower.

Alek presses his lips together in a forced smile and nods. "Yeah, he's doing well."

"Can we not talk about work?" I ask. "Probably not the best idea, considering."

"Sure, sure," Dad says. "How's school?"

"I'm passing."

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