Page 61 of Blood and Bonbons

“Don’t you dare. We serve people food and drinks.”

She heaved a sigh. “Fine. I’ll wait until after closing. Then we’re testing his sense of smell.”

If worry over her treasure hunting didn’t drive me into an early grave, working with her probably would.

She caught my look and grinned at me as she pulled off her top to exchange it for the uniform one.

“Just remember that you love me.”

“Vena, please don’t make this awkward for me. I’m already second-guessing everything Shepard does, and it’s your fault.”

She smirked. “And exactly what did Shepard do that has you second-guessing?”

“He didn’t sniff my hand, that’s for sure.”

“Sniffing elsewhere?”

“Vena!”

She snickered. “Lighten up. This is a cocktail lounge, not Wall Street.”

After Vena buttoned her shirt and slipped on her tie, she pointed to it. “Do the knot thing.”

I tucked her charm inside her shirt and hurriedly fixed her tie as she glanced at her phone.

“You can’t have that on the floor.”

“That’s why I’m looking at messages now. I replied to the mystery texter for more information.”

I adjusted the finished tie and stepped back. “Anything?”

She shook her head and tied on her apron, slipping her phone into the apron’s pocket. “Nothing.”

“We’ll have a plan tomorrow after we talk to Cross.”

“I know. But no matter how much I flirt with Anchor, I can’t stop the worry.”

I gave her a hug that she partly resisted then double-checked my hair while she gave her hands another wash.

The DJ was welcoming the early birds when we headed back out to the lounge. I watched Anchor’s attention drift from the patrons entering to us.

While I knew why Shepard assigned Vena and me the station closest to Anchor and I appreciated the added security, Anchor would now need his own safety detail.

Vena winked at him as we walked past, proving I was right.

When I realized her eyes were fixated on Anchor’sanchor, I poked her in the ribs.

“Focus.”

“Aye-aye, Captain.”

It was going to be a long night.

CHAPTERELEVEN

The first fewtables of the night were heavy drinkers who kept Vena and me running. They also tipped really well. Vena grinned as she shoved money into her apron pocket.

Technically, they were my tips since I was the trainer, but if she loved this part of the job, maybe she’d take it seriously.

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