Page 9 of One Taste
“No shit?” she asks surprised. “What’d they offer you?”
Starbucks. Chipotle. Another Starbucks. Ugh. I want a real dinner—like a steak or salmon. “An offer that’s almost impossible to refuse.”
“So, what’s the problem? You don’t sound over the moon about just getting an offer you can’t refuse.”
I sigh as the light turns green and I get stuck at the corner. “It’s temporary.”
“Practically every job you’ve ever taken has been temporary? What’s the big deal now?”
“I want to put down roots,” I tell her crossing the street as the crowd moves with the changing lights. “The offer fromNBCcould do that for me. It’s a permanent position, it’s up to me how long I want to stay there.”
“Okay,” Brielle says. “Then take theNBCjob.”
“CEO, Brielle”
“What about the CEO?”
“No,” I shake my head even though she can’t see me. “They offered me the CEO position.”
“Holy shit!”
“I know. Now, I just have to decide what I want to do. This could be huge for my resumé and help get my foot in at something higher than assistant to a VP or be a big mistake that has me passing upNBC.”
“Listen, my break is almost over, and I need to head back into class.” The sounds of chatter get louder behind her as she must be heading back to her class. “Don’t stress over it tonight. You’re in the city, it’s eight o’clock on a Friday night. Find a bar, have a drink, and pick up a hot guy to blow your mind for the night. We’ll talk more about it tomorrow after you’ve slept on it.”
Before I get a chance to tell her there’s no way I’m picking up a dude at a bar tonight, she’s hung up.
The rest of her plan doesn’t sound half bad though. A nice meal and a drink couldn’t hurt.
Still seeing nothing appetizing, I opt to walk one more block as I pull up the map app on my phone. A few quick taps and I’ve got all the restaurants displayed for me. Passing over all the fast food options, I tap on the first restaurant I see. The Glory House. Despite its name that sounds more like a rent by the hour motel, it has fabulous ratings and is only a block and a half walk.
“What can I get for you, miss?” the very handsome bartender asks with a broad smile as I sit down at The Glory House located just inside the Americana Hotel. Their patriotic-ish name theme is cute.
“I’ll have a gin and tonic and a menu, please.”
I watch as he moves behind the bar in his tight jeans. Damn, his ass looks good.
Brielle’s order to find a hot guy for tonight echoes in my head.
Maybe it’s not such a bad idea. I could use some fun. Something to take my mind off the decision looming over me.
Straightening my spine, I sit taller and lean forward, showcasing the girls. I smile brightly at the man handing me my drink only to catch the glint of something shiny when he lays down a menu for me.
A wedding ring sits on his left ring finger and I feel foolish for even considering trying to pick him up.
Fucking, Brielle.
Her voice infiltrates my mind once again.Eh, all the hot ones are either taken or gay.I gulp down my drink faster than a gin and tonic should be drank, and order another. A few of these drinks could keep my mind off my decision just the same as a hot guy.
Sebastian
The doorman at the hotelgreets me while opening the door. “How are you this evening, sir?”
“Good, thanks,” I reply, keeping my head low.
I don’t need to be noticed right now. In and out—that’s the plan. A few drinks to mellow out before I go home. No small talk. No women.
Entering the lobby of the hotel, I take in my surroundings. A low-lit room creates a relaxing mood. Men and women making small talk occupy the offset seating area, and I watch them for a minute, surveying to see if there’s anytrouble lurking in the corners.
