Page 5 of Boss Daddy

“Is that all you’re looking for? Just making money?”

She casually shrugs a shoulder, but her eyes stay locked on mine. “That and I need a job where the boss isn’t a sleaze and the customers know better than to cross the line. This place has a reputation for fun, but also for not tolerating bullshit.”

“Your last boss was a sleaze?”

She tenses. For the first time since I sat down next to her, she appears uncomfortable.

“Yeah, he was. I didn’t care for it one bit, either.”

I don’t doubt it. There’s an edge to her voice, a toughness that’s been earned the hard way. It stirs my dark, protective nature in me.

Whatever she’s been through, I want to know. More than that, I want to make damn sure no one ever puts her through it again.

“Tell me about this last boss of yours.”

“Is it any of your business?”

“Yeah, actually it is. If you want to work here, I need to know your work history.”

She shifts in her seat, taking a sip of water. “You’re right. Sorry.”

Apologies don’t come easy to her.

“It’s fine. I don’t need the gory details, just a little bit about why it didn’t work out.”

Erin nods, glancing away for a moment, as if trying to find the right words. “My last boss was pushy with girls. Tried to get them to do things they hadn’t been hired to do. And he didn’t like it when women told him no.”

My jaw clenches, rage simmering low in my gut at the possibilities of what that could mean. The thought of anyone putting their hands on her in anger, or any woman for that matter, makes my blood boil.

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Yeah, well, it is what it is. Orwaswhat itwas.”

“That’s not the kind of operation we run here. This is a bar, which means there’s a certain level of bullshit that comes with it, but we treat our staff with respect. And we expect our customers to do the same.”

“Good to hear.”

Before the interview can go on any further, Jerry stumbles out of the restroom, weaving toward the bar. He flags down Ben. “Yo, Benny-boy! How about a little Southern Comfort for your favorite customer?”

Ben flicks his eyes at me. I shake my head.

“The only thing you’re getting here is a ride home. Consider it a courtesy,” I tell him.

Jerry sighs, annoyed by that response. “Come on, Sam. I just want a little sip before I head back out into the cold. Sending me out on my ass thirsty… is that any way to treat one of your best customers?”

“You take a shot here,” I explain, “then head out and crash your car, or god forbid something worse, I’m on the hook for it. You want to get fucked up, do it at your place.”

“Yeah, yeah.” His eyes land on Erin, and a drunken grin spreads across his face. “Well, hello there, sweetheart.”

Every muscle in my body begins to tense. Erin’s gaze remains steady, but I notice her fingers twitch slightly on the bar. I’m actually glad this is happening. I want to see how she handles herself with a drunk regular. If he pulls anything, I’m right here. In the meantime, I consider it a test.

“Not interested,” she says flatly.

Jerry scoffs. “Come on. I can’t get a drink from Samora little smile from a pretty girl like you? What’s this world coming to?”

Erin’s posture remains straight and sure, her reply hard but professional. “If I were you,” she says, “I’d listen to Sam before you end up getting banned.”

Jerry sways closer, eyes glazed, lips curling into a sneer that makes my skin crawl.“Just being friendly, miss. No need to get all uptight,” he says as he reaches for her arm.

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