Page 76 of Delivered in White

Without realizing it, I have a hand on Britta’s back to getthe hell movingthrough the nookso I can run away.

“I’m not your cane, Misty. Please relearn how to walk,” she scowls at me.

“Sorry,” I say, and rush to the office since going to the bathroom or dressing room would meanpassingGil.

I strut quickly, making sure I’m turned away. Here’s to hoping Gil didn’t memorize my body proportions in a bathing suit.

The private room door swings open. “Misty!” Reggie walks out smelling like Diamond – not the precious stone – with a splash of glitter on his cheek. I guess my smooth approach worked to keep him coming back. The man has balls for showing his face here again, I’ll give him that.

But that’s not important right now.

His arm drapes around my shoulders. “Wait, the boss isn’t around, is he?” He pretends to cower while whisking me toward the bar.

“He’s right behind you actually,” I say, and smile when he flinches. “Just kidding.”

“That was uncalled for.” He puckers his lips. “Can I buy you a drink? I was thinking about yesterday when I sobered up, and I realize how wrong I was.”

“Not right now, Reggie. A little later. Okay?” I’m gently pushing out of his grasp. This time he lets me, which is good. I feel Bruno’s protective eyes on mine, but I nod to tell him it’s fine.

“Oh, hunnie, don’t do me like that.” He holds his hand to his heart like he got shot, raising his drunk-ass volume.

Goddammit.

People start to turn when his laugh carries through the whole width of the bar.

“Okay, Misty, but I’m holding you to it.”

Gil glances my way. Our eyes connect, and my body freezes like a fawn in the woods. Maybe Britta was right about me. His brow furrows for a quick second as he looks me up and down. There’s something registering, but I spin before the dots connect.

Crap, that might’ve been worse. My ass is my best asset. I wish I had a bath towel or something to cover it.

Eeeee.

I shuffle back toward the office.

“Hey,” Gil calls.

“Don’t bother, bud. She’swayoff limits,” Reggie’s voice carries.

My jaw is so tense I wonder if my teeth will crack. Handing in my mental leave suspension to my job, dropping my old number, disappearing on a whim… It must’ve left my old crew with all sorts of questions. Then seeing me here – it’s like I’ve been trafficked or something.

Did he recognize me?

Shit. Shit.Shit.

I grab for the office handle, and an arm grabs mine. I squint my eyes tightly shut, thinking about whether I should flail or scream or what.Anythingbut turning around to show my face.

“Misty,” Bruno’s voice is directly behind me. “You okay? C’mon, let’s go in the office for a second.”

I sigh with relief when we go in. “God that was close.”

“What? That guy, Reggie? I thought Trino set him straight.” Bruno takes off his reading glasses.

“No, the other guy. Gil. He’s from my old law firm,” saying the words out loud makes my breath hitch. “I think he recognized me.”

“No shot, hun. Trino showed me pictures of you in your work attire. Night and day. Plus, the lights are dim like a movie theater in here. You’re safe. We thought about all that.”

Bruno does a good job of calming me down. But still, something doesn’t add up. Gil didnotseem like the type of guy who would show up at Star Dust. Then again, this guy Will at the firm had a tendency to bring him out partying once in a while.

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