Page 62 of Conquering Oz

He tapped in his number and handed the phone back to her. “It’s my direct line. You can reach me at any time.”

Elodie smiled. “If I wasn’t opening tomorrow, I’d stay.”

Oz gestured to the bar. “You haven’t touched your drink.”

“I know.”

Oz smirked. “Ordering top shelf knowing you had no intention of drinking it?”

Her lips twitched, and she shrugged. “You insisted.”

Oz respected the move.

“What time do you close?”

“Eight.”

“I’ll pick you up tomorrow after ten.”

She raised her brows. “What makes you think I’m available?”

He darkened his gaze and growled. “Make yourself available.”

The corner of her mouth curled. She leaned closer, brushed her lips against his cheek, and whispered in his ear. “Maybe I’ll be there. Maybe I won’t.”

You’ll be there.If she wasn’t, he’d find her.

She straightened, and walked to the front door. Oz watched her through the window until she disappeared.

He reached into his pocket, pulled out his wallet, flipped it open, and stilled. Peeking out from one of the sleeves was a pastel pink business card. Elodie’s. He wasn’t sure why he’d kept it. But he had.

He grabbed two large bills, tossed them on the bar, and turned, heading to the back. Nash was lined up with security. He always used the back door when he came in alone or to meet someone. As he passed the group, he stopped in front of Ridge.

“You make sure she gets home. Safely.”

“Yes, sir.”

Chapter Eleven

When she heard the door jingle, she snapped under her breath, “Shit.”

Elodie would’ve sworn she’d locked the door after the last customer a few hours ago. She jumped up from her desk and rushed down the hallway to the sales floor. A figure passed by the large display, and she rounded the bend.

“I’m sorry, we’re…” Her voice caught in her throat, and a simmering fire raced through her veins.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

Julian was the last person she wanted to see. Ever. If she could rid the earth of him without any repercussions, she might do it. Her hate was strong and warranted.Fucking asshole!Her lawyer handling the lawsuit gave her strict instructions after her last run in with Julian. Under no circumstances were they to interact without counsel.

“You didn’t return my calls.”

Elodie balled her fists. “Because I have nothing to say to you, Julian. If you want to correspond, we do it through our lawyers.”

“C’mon, Elle.” He stalked toward her.

She groaned, dodging his advances and making her way to the door.

“I thought I locked the door.” she muttered, cursing her absentmindedness.

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