Page 42 of Conquering Oz

“Is there an issue?”

This should’ve been her cue to keep her thoughts to herself. After all, they were his employees, this was his club, and it wasn’t her business how he ran it. Elodie wouldn’t appreciate an outside opinion on what she did with her store. Still…

“Nash mentioned the guy and girl at the door were being terminated.”

Oz didn’t even hesitate. “Yes.”

She sighed. “Don’t you think that might be a little harsh?”

Oz slowly raised his brows. She may have overstepped. Before she could say another word, he angled his head toward Nash. They looked like they were having a silent conversation. Nash lowered his chin and stepped back.

“Let me know when you’re ready to leave, and I’ll have your car waiting.” Nash said and walked out the door, closing it behind him.

Oz turned back to her but remained silent. He’d clearly mastered the art of intimidation. She stepped closer and watched his gaze narrow.

“I’m just saying, it was an innocent mistake. In all fairness, I may have played a part.”

“From what I understand, you did. Had you given them your name, they’d still be employed.”

Was he putting this on her?

Elodie scoffed. “It was a small technicality. Nobody calls me Elodie.”

“But it is your name, correct?”

“Elle is my name!” she blurted.

“Is it on your birth certificate?”

She squinted. “Is Oz on yours?”

His gaze sharpened. This was not how she’d envisioned their date going. In fact, according to him it wasn’t even a formal date. This night was going to end before it even got started.

She held up her hands. “I’m just asking for a favor.”

Oz scanned her face and folded his arms. Just his stare had Elodie forcing herself not to react. She’d been around powerful, strong, and authoritarian men in the past, but Oz was on a level of his own.

“I wasn’t aware I owed you one.”

Gah, this man.He had an argumentative answer for everything. It should’ve been annoying, but she found herself enjoying the back and forth banter.

Elodie laughed, shaking her head. “You always have the last word, don’t you?”

Cold would’ve been a good description for him if his eyes hadn’t softened and the corner of his mouth hiked slightly. She had no doubt—this was no façade, and Oz was this intent and focused daily, but she saw a small crack. She was going to work that angle.

“Let’s make a deal.” She smiled. “If you allow them to keep their jobs, I’ll buy you dinner.”

His gaze narrowed. “You’re already buying me dinner. Isn’t that what you offered the other night?”

Technically, she’d offered drinks, but she’d pay for his meal. It was the least she could do knowing he’d comped her entire birthday night. And if she could keep the staff from getting fired, it was worth it.

“You’re right.” She stepped closer. “How about I throw in dessert?”

His stare went right through her, and she had to force herself not to fidget. It was like a game of chess, anticipating her opponent’s next move.There lies the problem. Elodie had no idea what he was thinking. Oz reached behind him, grabbing his glass from his desk. He swirled the whiskey, then lifted it to his mouth, his eyes focused on her over the rim.

“Choose one.”

“One what?”

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