Page 34 of Undercover Desires

Hazel and Summer sashay up to the bar, both dressed to the nines. Shelby, her eyes twinkling mischievously, leans in andasks, “How was the fashion show? Tell me, style gurus, what should I be rocking this winter?”

Xavier theatrically rolls her eyes in my direction, clearly conveying that fashion isn't her cup of tea. The exasperation on her face is so vivid that it's almost comical. I can't help but burst into laughter at her reaction. I enjoy how she keeps our time together behind the bar so real.

“It was amazing,” Hazel says dreamily, her eyes sparkling with joy. “I can't believe some of my designs were in the collection. Someone pinch me so I know today is real.”

Summer pinches her. “It's real.”

Hazel laughs, her voice filled with delight.

“What can I get you ladies? Something to celebrate with?” I ask them, my tone reflecting my eagerness to share in their happiness, our little girl gang feeling so comfortable already. It’s nice to be a part of something.

“Yeah, I could go for a cocktail of some sort. What about you, Hazel?” Summer answers.

“Sure, how about a Long Island iced tea.” She smiles, and Summer nods in agreement.

I go about making their drinks, then slide them over the bar in their direction.

Shelby joins me at my side. “Hey, have either of you seen anyone sneaking around steeling clothes in the neighborhood? You two live close to Bella. She's lost all her underwear,” Shelby asks them, a touch of concern in her voice.

“Shelby,” I mutter, annoyed she's sharing something I told her in private. My irritation is clear. She better keep the rest of the stuff we talked about to herself like she said she would.

“Well, they live in the same area, they might know something,” she defends herself, her voice tinged with defensiveness. “I’m worried about you.”

“Did someone really take all your stuff?” Hazel asks, her concern palpable as she locks her eyes on mine.

I shrug. “That's the only explanation I can come up with, either from the drying rack on my back porch or from my house. I really hope it was the line,” I say, my voice filled with a mix of worry and hope.

“That’s creepy,” agrees Summer.

“I know. I have video surveillance, so they shouldn’t have been able to get in the house without me knowing, but I don’t have anything on the yard.”

“Maybe you need to. I could get Jett to hook you up with one of his systems, he’s the best in the business.”

“Let me think about it,” I say, not really wanting Jett to know where I live, much like his brother. I want to keep them as far away from me as possible.

“Do you ever think it could be Kobe taking them?” Shelby suggests.

“Why would he do that?”

“Because he can? Why do guys do anything?” She shrugs.

“No. There is no way. For a start, he doesn’t know where I live.” Unless he’s worked it out, and this is just another of his mind-fuck games to tell me he knows I have been lying to him. I feel like he would be more obvious, though.

“Yeah, I have to agree. This doesn’t sound like Kobe. I really think you need to get Jett’s help. He’s not as scary as he looks, I promise,” Hazel tries to convince me.

A young guy comes to join the line at the bar, and I go to serve him. The girls take their drinks and offer a wave. “Catch up with you later,” they say.

I plaster on my best fake smile, still feeling shaken up. I have a job to do, so that will all have to wait till later. Even though the thought of going home alone tonight freaks me out now.

CHAPTER 14

KOBE

Relaxing back at mydesk, feet up, I watch her buzzing around the bar like a bee. Something about her looks off-kilter tonight. She’s lost her normal sparkle. That killer smile is nowhere to be seen. Hope it wasn’t my stunt last night that dimmed it.

I’m contemplating my next move. I want to mess with her, payback for what she’s trying to do to us, but after what I saw last night with the freak watching her through her bathroom window, I’m concerned she has other enemies I should be focusing on first. There is more to this girl, and I want to know what it is. You don’t end up in the dire financial situation she’s in without a good reason.

I watch Hazel leave the bar where she has been chatting with the other girls, including Bella. She’s had enough time to get to know her this week. It’s time to find out what she’s dug up. I head for Jett’s office andknock once before opening the door. Hazel is sitting on Jett’s lap, the two of them locked in a kiss.

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