Page 38 of One Hotlanta Night
And I soak it in, letting him hold my body. And maybe a teensy bit of my heart.
Being with Michael right here, right now, feels so right. It’s crazy how we’ve fallen into step together even though this is only the second time seeing him in person. Maybe it’s all the phone calls we’ve racked up the past few days getting to know each other, but now that he’s here in the flesh, our bodies just move in sync. His skin pressed against mine is warm and tantalizing, and I want nothing more than to feel those lips on my mouth again. I’ve been reliving that kiss all week, but I don’t need to give my co-workers anything more to tease me about. I’ll have to fend off enough questions as it is. But his embrace feels so natural, so instinctive… like I’ve been claimed.
He grins and gives a playful nip to my ear. “Besides, I already know you have impeccable taste. You chose me.”
“Oh, did I now?” I quirk an eyebrow even as my mouth tugs into a grin. His eyes darken as his grip on my arms tightens.Before I can say anything else, Derrick presents us with our drinks.
“Two old-fashioneds for two heroes,” he toasts.
“Thanks, man,” Michael says, and lifts his glass in appreciation. He clinks his glass against mine. “To you, my lady.Me haces feliz.” His eyes never leave mine as he takes a sip. Translations don’t matter because the warmth in Michael’s eyes is hotter than the warmth of the alcohol quickly spreading through my body. His hand lightly caresses my cheek as he whispers, “I’ll show you later.”
Leaning into his touch, I confess, “Thank you for being here. And for not freaking out.”
Michael’s eyebrows raise, but I don’t elaborate. Not yet, anyway.
Turning to Derrick, I raise my glass to him. “To you as well, Derrick. You were great with Raelynn. How did you know how much tea to give her?”
“I’ve watched Claire enough times to know how much the princess needs. At least for the first round.”
“Still, I really appreciate you. Claire has enough going on with this place, and it’s not like she can be here any less.” I stop. Derrick doesn’t need to worry about his job any more than I should be worrying about mine, but the reality is that if this place doesn’t see a bigger profit soon, we might all be looking for new work.
“I want to help her.” He sighs, nodding toward the kitchen and Claire’s office. “But I don’t think she’s open to it.”
“What do you mean?” I ask. “Are you hearing things in back of house?” His charming disposition leads people to confide in him, bartender role notwithstanding. It wouldn’t be surprising for that trust to extend to co-workers. Are people talking? Do they know this place is in trouble?
Derrick’s eyes close for a moment and his forehead wrinkles, making him appear older than his twenty-two years. “I’ve heard some things. A few of the cooks got worried when their hours got cut.” His face tightens. “I also told them to keep their mouths shut if they didn’t want to end up working somewhere else.”
Bold move of him, speaking up like that when he’s the newest person here, but I respect that he didn’t just stand idly by.
“I’ve got some ideas I’d like to share with Claire, but you know how hard it is to get her attention.” Derrick looks at me meaningfully and Michael’s hands tense on my body. If I needed any confirmation of how Derrick feels about Claire, this is it. “Maybe you could help me?” He runs his hand through his hair, making it stick up on end.
I laugh and point out the cowlick that’s sprung up. “Um, Derrick, might wanna smooth that down.” He turns to look in the mirror and laughs at his appearance, and Michael relaxes behind me even as he presses closer. He has nothing to worry about. Better yet, an idea that might work out for both of them just hit me.
“Listen, let me talk to her. I think I can find a way for you to get some one-on-one time.”
Derrick’s smile could light up a small city. “Yeah?”
“She’s my best friend. I’m sure I can twist her arm. Or you can do the twisting, if you can score some NSYNC tickets. They’re coming to Phillips Arena next month.”
Both Derrick and Michael’s faces twist in disgust, and I can’t help the laugh that escapes me. Clearly they are not boy band fans, but that’s okay. Claire is a sucker for Justin Timberlake, and that’s all that matters.
“Are you for real?” Derrick asks.
“As a heart attack.” I smirk at him. “Girl needs a night out, and if you play your cards right,maaaaybeyou can tear her away from her secret crush, aka JT.”
His face blanches. “She actuallylikesthat guy?” Michael’s shoulders shake, barely containing his laughter, and Derrick appeals to me. “Exactly how is this supposed to help me if I take her to a concert with her celebrity crush? I’ll never be able to compete with that,” he says despairingly.
I chuckle as I respond. “Relax, D. The point is to get her somewhere she can chill out and have a good time. She’s been dying to go, but I won’t inflict that kind of pain on my ears for anyone.” I smirk as I recall her begging me. “She doesn’t want to go alone, and honestly I’d rather she have someone around who can protect her.”
At that, his chest puffs out and I smother my giggle.
“Besides, you have nothing to worry about. JT is just a crush. Maybe while her guard is down it’ll be easier to see what’s standing right in front of her.” I level him with a look of my own and he nods. “I’m not sure how you’re gonna get tickets though unless you find a scalper—”
“Not worried about it. I’ve got connections.” Before I can inquire further, he scoops up two menus and leads us to table 23. “Enjoy, friends,” Derrick says as I look back at him in wonder. What in the Sam Hill was he talking about?
Michael waits to sit until I’ve taken my seat opposite him before grabbing my hand and lacing our fingers together. “Well, that was interesting.”
“Yeah,” I muse. “I have no clue what that was about.”
