Page 5 of Aria

"Okay, first of all, that was not flirting. That was—"

"Eye-fucking.We established this."

“No.” My voice was laced with playful teasing. "Please stop incorrectly finishing my sentences.”

Julia sighed in resignation."Fine, whatever.You were completely unaffected by his charms."

My eyes lowered as a small smile slipped out."I never saidunaffected."

Well, I supposed I was a little more than unaffected.

Perhaps, maybe… I was utterly and completely under the spell of Devon Sawyer.

Damnit.

Lisa came barreling into the kitchen, tossing her empty tray onto the counter with a clatter. "Chelsie, I hate you!" she squealed."Oh, but I love you. Tell me everything!"

Our giggles intermingled as I began to speak, but I was cut short when Jerry stormed through the doors.

"What the hell is this?" he blared. All three of us flinched. "There are customers out there waiting.This is our busiest goddamn day, and you three are having a hormone-infused pow-wow in the kitchen? I should fire you all on the spot."

We shuffled to collect our orders.

"Sorry, sir," I muttered.

Lisa and Julia squeaked out an apology and hurried out of the kitchen.

"Hey."Jerry blocked my path before I could make a swift exit."I expect a little more professionalism in the future,” he said before storming away and pushing through the kitchen doors, muttering profanities under his breath.

I loathed the sting of tears threatening my eyes.Jerry was never lacking in the insult department, but he had never once called me unprofessional. In fact, I prided myself on my responsible nature, and everyone around me knew it. They respected me for it.

Taking in a deep breath, I lifted my head and went back out there to do my job.

It wasn’t long before ten o'clock rolled around and Freeze Frame was on their final song.I’d never worked so hard in my life. My swollen ankles throbbed, and my ears were ringing with reverb from the bass guitar. I had spent the evening carrying heavy trays over my head and cleaning spilled drinks and barbecue drippings, while simultaneously trying to dodge the lusty looks Devon Sawyer had been throwing in my direction. The first time our eyes had locked, I thought my knees would give out and my drink orders would topple onto table number four. Why had this superstar set his sights on me when the room was filled with glamorous women?What mademeso special?

Once upon a time, I might have considered myself special. Pretty, desirable. Unfortunately, Ian Masterson had successfully crushed my spirit and self-esteem a long time ago.

Glancing at my silver watch, I passed out a round of martinis to a crowded table and handed them the bill.When I turned around, I almost collided with a beefy security guard.

"Oh! I'm sorry, sir," I apologized.

"Miss Chelsie?"

I crossed my arms over my chest with a quizzical frown."Am I in trouble?"

The guard let out a hearty laugh, his authoritative demeanor quickly dissolving. "Quite the contrary.Mr. Sawyer sent me over here to give you a private invitation to a V.I.P. event tonight with the band."

Um…what?

My eyes widened. "Mr. Sawyer?As in…" The words trailed off as I looked over at the stage. Devon’s t-shirt was currently plastered to his sweaty torso, his well-defined abs undoubtedly taunting me.

I gulped.

"Yes, ma'am—thatMr. Sawyer. They’ll be at Marley's tonight after the show. He'd like you to be there."

I was speechless. How was I supposed to respond?

"We'll be there!"

---