Page 15 of Sins

I slowed my walk to make sure I’d show up after the others, more just to make Jenelle think for a moment that I wasn’t going to show. Her face as Grim pulled out my chair said it all.

“Yesterday was a one-time thing,” Grim growled in my ear. “I’m pent-up, hard, and won’t be responsible for my actions.”

“I’m feeling quite relaxed,” I whispered back and settled in my chair. I pulled my napkin onto my lap when I caught sight of the others watching me. Grim made quick introductions andscowled when he saw Jenelle’s father stare shamelessly at the girls.

We jumped right into business, as Grim took the lead. He was impressive to watch. These dealings came easily to him, and in no time, they’d worked out a contract so they’d stay at Secrets whenever they were in Vegas. It also helped that Grim had contacts at a high-end marina in Malibu. It just so happened to be a place the clients had been looking at as a possible site to build one of their vacation homes. I showed off my knowledge, thanks to Zara, and everyone seemed to be impressed except Jenelle, who only seemed annoyed that Grim wasn’t paying attention to her.

“Kenna, do you sail?” one of the brothers asked me after our meal arrived.

“Grim just took me out on his sailboat last week,” Jenelle cooed loudly. “That man just loves a fast boat.”

I had to refrain from rolling my eyes. She sounded like a twat.

The brother closest to me perked up. “What kind of boat do you have, Mr. Gates?”

“It was one of those boats with the two sails,” Jenelle interrupted again as she beamed at him. I swallowed a chuckle. “He calls it the Escape.”Yup a total twat.

“She’s a ninety-foot Oyster,” Grim corrected and went on to describe the boat in more detail.

As the guys dug deeper into their world of boating, I noticed Jenelle’s father’s eyes had glazed over. I decided to chat him up a little.

“So, Lloyd,” I smiled warmly, but it quickly faded when his gazed dropped to my chest again, “what do you think of Secrets? Pretty impressive.”

“I think it fits my clientele better than Indulge. Not to downplay Jim’s hotel, of course,” he quickly added. Then heleaned over and draped an arm over the back of my chair. “Indulge is a little subdued, shall we say, for the younger taste.”

“I see. Well, I’m glad Grim will be able to provide that for you at Secrets. I think you’ll find DJ Clay an excellent choice. He’s been a huge hit on the nightclub scene. Plus, Cajun Cat will be here, and they offer a unique taste of the south.”

“Oh, yes,” Jenelle blurted again, “Grim and I already planned coordinating outfits for their debut this week.” When her father didn’t look over, she cleared her throat. “Daddy, when are you going to show Grim your new Corvette?”

That caught his attention. “Maybe after dinner.” He nodded at her then turned back to me. “Have you ever ridden in a Corvette before?”

“Yes,” Grim said over my shoulder, “she had the pleasure of riding in mine the other night when we attended the midnight party at the Encore.” He gave me a look, and I caught his drift. Lloyd had creep vibes, and I didn’t need another person giving me trouble.

Lloyd squinted then looked at Jenelle. “I thought you two were supposed to go to that party.” She glared at me and shrugged. “You know,” her father moved in too close, and I dug my knee into his as if to say back off, “these two have been dating on and off for years. It’s only a matter of time before Grim gives in and asks my little Nelly to marry him.”

“I’m sureNellywill make an excellent wife.” I nearly gagged. “I know how Mr. Gates loves a woman who submits.” I eyed Grim, and he moved a hand to my bare thigh and gave it a tight squeeze.

Jenelle sucked on her straw. “A man like Grim has many challenges in his business. He doesn’t need that at home as well.”

“Like I said,” I smiled wide and pushed Grim’s hand away, “you’d make an excellent wife for him.”

Grim chatted with the others as I followed and texted Minnie that I was about to head over.

“Want to see Daddy’s car, Grim? We’re heading over to the Bellagio for a game. Join us.” Jenelle’s voice was like someone “bagpiping” a cat.

Grim pulled out his phone and tapped the screen. “I have to meet Dad, but I’ll touch base later.” She pouted as the valet rolled up with Lloyd’s car. He opened her door for her, and she leaned up to kiss his cheek. He didn’t move away, just gave her a pat.

I hoped she’d trip and dent Daddy’s car with her pointy chin.

She didn’t.

Once they drove out of sight, Grim turned his hungry eyes on me, but I strolled over to where Shore, my driver, waited for me.

“Where are you going?” His mood dipped, and mine lightened.

I tossed my hair over my shoulder and looked back. “Girls’ night!” I slipped inside and watched him hit the screen on his phone.

“Jesse,” I heard him say, “we’re heading out.”

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