Page 52 of Catching the Captain

Kaiden tugs me in and lays a kiss on me. For a moment, I forget I’m at work and shouldn’t be kissing him back. Once reality intrudes, I place a hand on his chest, pushing him back.

“Hi.” He smiles at me. “How’s your night been?”

“Pretty good. There’s been a steady stream of customers. I didn’t know you guys were coming in. This is a nice surprise,” I say.

He tips his head toward his friends. “These two wanted to go out, so I suggested coming here.”

“I’m glad you did. What can I get for you?” I jot down the drinks and food they order before I cross the room to the bar area and type it into the system.

Their drinks come up quickly. I bring them over and set them down on the table.

“So, Rori, how long have you been working here?” Murphy asks.

“A few years. I started while I was in college, and until I can get another job, I’m staying here.”

“Where would you want to work?” Ryder asks.

“My degree is in sports management.”

“Like an agent?” he asks.

“Yep, at least that’s the goal. I’m most likely going to have to work my way up to that position, but it’s tough to get a foot in the door at any agency.”

“Why don’t you introduce her to Nadia?” Ryder asks, directing his question at Kaiden.

He nods. “That’s a great idea.” He turns my way. “Nadia is the agent we all use. She owns the agency. I can put in a good word for you if you want.”

“That’s really nice of you, but I don’t want to be hired because my boyfriend is a professional hockey player.”

“Dude, take advantage of his connections,” Murphy tells me.

I shake my head. “I want to be proud of myself. If I only get the job because of my connections, how can I feel good about it?”

Kaiden puts his arm around me and presses a kiss to my temple. “She’s amazing, right?”

“I’m going to grab your food,” I say and scurry off before he can embarrass me more. I put in two orders for refills, then drop off the appetizers the guys ordered.

Kaiden bites a chicken tender in half and holds out the remainder for me. I bite off a chunk and hum. I always forget how good the food is at My Alibi.

“Do you guys need anything else?” I ask.

Kaiden leans closer, whispering, “You, naked in my bed.”

I shift closer to his ear. “Or it could be in my bed.” I back up, grinning mischievously.

“Are we really going there again?” he asks. I shrug, trying to look innocent. “Remember how last night’s discussion ended? I’ll throw you over my shoulder here just as well as at home. Makes no difference to me.”

I see the determination in his eyes and I’m not willing to risk him following through. I need this job, and I don’t want unnecessary attention.

“Anyone need a refill yet?” I ask, changing the subject.

Kaiden smirks knowingly but, to his credit, he doesn’t openly gloat.

* * *

My chest rises and falls at a rapid pace as I walk through my cool down process.

“Damn, this beach running is going to whip my ass into shape,” I say.

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