Page 20 of Whispered Sins

“It wasn’t my fault the redhead wanted me.” He shrugged. “Plus, I’m pretty sure the bet wasyouridea.”

Could be. I couldn’t remember.

“You’re lucky, you know,” I commented.

“How’s that?”

“The press doesn’t go after you like they do me.”

He finally wiped the grin off his face and looked at me seriously.

“You’re CEO. I’m COO. I’m the less interesting younger brother. That’s not really fun either.”

I never really thought about it like that. I may have all eyes on me, but I also got all the recognition.

“It was the life we signed up for, big bro,” he said, swinging his feet from my desk and standing up.

I nodded solemnly.

“You’ll be old news tomorrow,” he remarked, heading out the door.

I better be.

I checked the time and realized it was just after five. Thank God.

**

I arrived at Bemelmans at 5:15. I chose to walk, sneaking out the back door of the building to avoid the paparazzi. I had Armand trail me in case I needed a fast exit. Thankfully, I was left alone. I needed that time to clear my head. Sometimes the noise of the city helped.

I pushed my way through the doors and walked into the dimly lit lounge. I didn’t see Freddy yet, so I took a seat at the bar. The soft sounds of the piano trickled through the place, along with the hushed conversations of other patrons. The bartender spotted me and made her way over. Her honey blonde hair fell in loose curls at her shoulders and she moved with confidence in her black and white cocktail dress. She had waited on me before.

“Mr. Jacobs, it’s nice to see you again,” she said, leaning against the bar in a carefully crafted way that was not only casual, but also gave me a bird’s eye view down her low-cut dress. An immediate way to get twenty percent more of a tip.

“Danielle, is it?” I asked, giving her a smile that lifted one side of my mouth.

“That’s right. Daniel. Danielle. Remember?” she said, pointing between the two of us.

“Of course,” I replied. I was surprised I remembered that.

“What can I get you?” she asked, her blue eyes intent on mine.

“Double whiskey. Neat.”

“Long day?” she asked, reaching for a bottle above her, so her breasts were at my eye level. I didn’t even hide my stare. On her way back down, she noticed, but didn’t mind. In fact, she smiled. She knew what she was doing.

“Very,” I answered as she slid the drink toward me.

“Well, I feel privileged you chose to spend the last of it here at Bemelmans. Hopefully, I can make it better.”

“You already are,” I said before taking a sip of my drink, not breaking eye contact.

“Are you already harassing the staff?” I heard Freddy ask as he took the seat beside me.

“Hi, Freddy,” said Danielle, shaking her head.

I guessed we came here often.

“Danielle.” He nodded. “The usual, please.”

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