Page 32 of The Lair

Or did he notice my awkwardness about the hair dye and regret his prize choice?

Both?

As we make our way back toward the front of the bar, Travis stays close. He isn’t touching me but remains a comforting presence by my side.

Charlie spots us then and, to my surprise, doesn’t bat an eye at me and Travis being together.

“Hellooooo,” he drawls. That explains it—he’s drunk out of his mind. “Allie, my favorite girl ever. Are you having fun?”

I can’t help but smirk. “Not more than you.”

“Boop,” he says as he boops my nose. “See? I told you coming was a good idea.” When his smile turns playful and his eyes glaze over, I can almost sense what he’s thinking before he says it. “Coming is always a great idea. Don’t you agree, boss?”

I burst out laughing at how ridiculous this conversation is, which makes Charlie laugh too. I don’t think he knows why we are laughing in the first place, which makes me laugh even harder.

“Did you come today, boss?” Charlie asks next.

But Travis, to no one’s surprise, doesn’t find any of this funny.

“Charlie,” he warns.

“Hey, I’m not working,” he argues. “Am I not allowed to be your friend when I’m off the clock?”

“I don’t befriend my staff.”

If Charlie is affected by Travis’s words, he doesn’t show it.

Me, though? That’s another story.

I don’t befriend my staff. But he plays darts with them?

“Aw, don’t be so mean. We are all friends. Although maybe some more than others.” He wiggles his eyebrows at me, as if there’s an inside joke I’m not privy to.

“All right. Enough.” Travis cuts him off. His hand lands on my back, guiding me forward. “See you tomorrow. Don’t come to work with a hangover.”

Before Charlie can answer, Travis is already directing us toward the exit. A moment later, we are met with the cold night air, and Travis drops his hand from my back. “Do you want to go home or go back inside?”

I don’t befriend my staff. Why am I still so hung up on his words? This isn’t new information. He might act a little less like an asshole to Jude and Sandra, but they aren’t super close either. Making friends at work isn’t his thing, and I get it, but…

“Yeah, I’ll just…” I point to the dark parking lot. “My car is right there. You can go back to your friends. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

I don’t look back to see if he’s following me, but I don’t need to. His heavy footsteps echo behind me until it’s impossible to focus on anything else.

Why is he doing this? Making sure I get in my car safelyevery single timedoesn’t align with his “I don’t befriend my staff” policy, and it only confuses the butterflies in my stomach even further.

Just as I’m about to open the car door, his voice breaks the silence of the parking lot. “Don’t forget my bracelet.”

I give him such a small nod, I don’t think he sees it. “I won’t. See you tomorrow, Travis.”

He will get his bracelet because I don’t break my promises, but when it comes to Travis, I shouldn’t forget where we stand. If he doesn’t befriend his staff, then I shouldn’t try to befriend my boss either.

Chapter Ten

I wake up with a start.

My first thought is that someone is inside my apartment. But after a moment, my eyes adjust to the darkness, and I can’t see any shadows or hear any sounds.

One quick glance at the clock on my nightstand tells me it’s past six in the morning. My head pounds despite having had only one drink last night, and my body feels like someone beat me up in my sleep. I already know it’s going to be a long day.

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