Page 27 of Greed

She’s also has more patience than anyone I’ve ever met, so when her long-winded client suggested we order dinner, I offered to go out to get it.

The meeting stretched another hour beyond that until we finally adjourned just a few minutes ago.

I had just enough time to brush my teeth, comb my hair, and touch up my make-up before I rushed toward the elevator.

I step off as soon as the lift reaches the lobby.

The bar is close enough that I can walk there, but since I don’t want to waste even a minute, I open the rideshare app on my phone to see if one is close.

“Ms. Duvall!” A male voice calls to me. “Over here!”

My head darts up to see Rygar with his hip propped against one of the large columns that anchor the massive space. Whoever designed this building had a flair for the dramatic.

I breathe a sigh of relief because his presence must mean that Declan is running late too. After the threat (or was it a promise?)of punishment, I’m not sure whether or not I want to tempt fate and arrive late to the bar if he’s already there waiting for me.

Grateful I’ll arrive before him, I shove my phone back into my purse because I know I’ll have time to walk to Tin Anchor.

“Hey, Rygar,” I say as I near him. “How are you tonight?”

“I’m very well, thank you.” He taps the brim of the dark hat on his head. “How are you?”

“Great,” I answer honestly. “It was a busy day, but I’m looking forward to unwinding with a drink.”

“That’s good to hear.” He gestures toward the lobby doors. “I’m here to take you to the bar for that drink.”

I stop in place. “What?”

“Mr. Wells asked me to wait for you.” He starts walking toward the doors. “He’s at Tin Anchor.”

Shit. Double shit.

I breathe out a heavy sigh. “When I saw you, I assumed you were waiting for him.”

“I dropped him off fifteen minutes ago,” he informs me as he tilts his chin toward the doorman. “Let’s get you there now.”

I’d argue that I can find my way there, but I can’t deny that I appreciate the effort he’s put into this. I know he’s being paid, but he could have waited for me in the car. Instead, he made his way to the lobby so I’d see his smiling face once I exited the elevator.

I walk through the open doorway and onto the sidewalk. Breathing in the cool evening air, I finally take a moment to appreciate what’s waiting for me just a few blocks from here.

Or, more precisely, who is waiting for me.

“This way, Miss.” Rygar points to the same car I was in just a few nights ago.

I follow his lead and slide onto the backseat once he’s opened the door. I fold my shaking hands in my lap and give myself a quick pep talk.

“It’s just a drink,” I whisper as Rygar rounds the car’s exterior. “It’s not as though I’m going home with him again tonight.”

* * *

I spothim as soon as I enter the bar, even though the place is packed.

Declan Wells is impossible to miss with his striking blue eyes and the smile on his face that is there just for me.

Two beautiful women wander past him, but he doesn’t break eye contact with me.

That’s a plus in my book, but since I’m not in the market for a relationship, I file it under ‘what could have been.’

I close the distance between us with even steps, even though every part of me is shaking from the inside out.

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