Total pages in book: 106
Estimated words: 102394 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 512(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102394 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 512(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
“Anytime.”
“Even if I could carry a tune, I’d still sound like shit compared to you. You sing like that American Idol woman—Kelly something. Where’d you learn to belt like that?”
“My mom.” Hiccup. She giggled again and covered her mouth. “She was a lounge singer. That’s how she met my dad.”
“A slinger, huh?” I smiled. “Not a singer?”
My comment sent her into another fit of giggles. The sound made my chest feel warm. “How are you not slurring your words?” she asked. “You drank as many margs as I did.”
“Mine were virgin. I can’t drink and do my job.”
“Oh. Virgin.” She picked up her glass and held it out with a goofy smile. “That means more tequila for me!”
“I don’t know about that. I think you might’ve reached your limit.”
She pouted. “Pleeaassssse.”
I shook my head, unable to contain my own smile. “One more, lightweight.”
Juliette flopped back on the couch. “I’ll just wait right here.”
“You do that…”
In the kitchen, I dumped the old mix into the sink and added fresh ice for a new batch. This time, I only added enough tequila to make it smell like alcohol before blending.
When I came back with a practically virgin margarita, I found Juliette fast asleep.
I grabbed the blanket draped over the back of the couch and covered her up. For a moment, I stood watching her. A tiny smile threatened at the corner of her lips, making me smile too.
I thought I’d understood the dangers of this job. But standing here, looking down at Juliette Ginocassi’s beautiful face, I realized she was the real threat.
And God help me, I wanted her anyway.
CHAPTER 7
* * *
Juliette
I rubbed my tired head the next morning. “Who called?”
“It was your father.” Wes sighed. “He said the threat is over. I guess Altieri and his people were in town for a wedding. It’s been confirmed that they’ve left LA.”
I yawned. “Good riddance.”
Although, there were certainly worse things than being holed up with Wes. Despite having too much to drink last night, I’d actually had fun. Wes had made it fun.
In fact, the more time I spent with the guy, the more I saw good in him. What he’d done for me last night had taken not only creativity, but heart. And it wasn’t anything I’d soon forget.
But alas, I really should try to forget the feelings that seemed to be brewing for Wes. The last thing I needed was to let my little crush on him grow any bigger.
After I had my coffee, I decided to text Jett to confirm our date tonight.
Juliette: Hey! Still on for tonight?
The little dots moved around as he typed.
Jett: Absolutely. Looking forward to it.
Juliette: Where should we meet?
Jett: How about Rosa’s on Sunset at 7?
Juliette: Sounds perfect. Love that place.
Jett: See you then.
Juliette: Looking forward to it.
Jett: See you soon. xo
I exhaled. Well, that was that.
Wes startled me as he came up from behind. “What’s the plan for later today?”
I hated having to admit where I was going. But I couldn’t lie. “I have a date tonight, remember? With Jett.”
His expression fell a bit. Or was that my imagination? He definitely didn’t look happy.
“I guess that’s happening, huh?” Wes cocked his head. “Where are you headed?”
“Rosa’s on Sunset.”
He nodded. “Okay. I’ll go in with you and sit at the opposite end of the restaurant.”
“You can’t go in with me.” I frowned. “He’ll recognize you.”
“Not if I wear my shades and sit far enough away. I’ll stay out of your way.”
I placed my hands on my hips. “No, Wes. I’m putting my foot down. You can’t come in.”
He gritted his teeth and fell silent.
“You wait outside when I’m at work,” I pointed out. “How is this different?”
After a long hesitation, he finally conceded. “I’ll wait outside, but if I can’t find parking right across the street, I’m coming in. So you’d better hope I find a spot.”
From there, Wes gave me the silent treatment for most of the day—a stark contrast to last night’s jovial mood. I guess I’d pissed him off by asking for space.
That evening, after I got all dolled up in a sexy yellow sundress and matching shoes, I announced to Wes that I was ready to leave. He grabbed his keys but said nothing as he followed me out the door.
The tension lingered the entire ride over to the restaurant as Wes said nothing.
Leaving him waiting in the car, I headed inside Rosa’s. There was no sign of Jett. That surprised me, since I was a couple of minutes late and assumed he’d be waiting. I was pretty sure Wes had taken his sweet time getting here on purpose in order to make me late. Hopefully, Jett wouldn’t be too much longer. I hated when dates were late. It showed apathy, although I couldn’t be sure he hadn’t hit LA traffic. That would be the only acceptable excuse.