I clear my throat. That was not what I was expecting. I'm not sure what I thought she wanted when she came into my office, but a date? "We have to keep what we have between us quiet," I say.
"I know. I just meant that maybe we could grab a bite to eat after work?"
She wants a repeat of last night. Okay, I can go for that, given that it means I wind up in her bed. "I'd like that," I say. I suppose this isn't a one-night stand. I wasn't sure last night, after we slept together, if she wanted me to leave and just keep things professional between us.
But already, I like being around her, and while I shouldn't have my head in the clouds, it's dangerous. The girl has no idea what I do for a living outside of working at the club.
I glance at the ledger on my desk. I need to review the numbers and follow up on that background check we ran on Savannah as a new hire. It'd be good to reassure myself that she's not mixed up with the Italian Mafia or Colombian Cartel. Both are dangerous organizations, and while we've established a truce with the Italians, the cartel we took down several months ago. It's only a matter of time before they retaliate when a new leader rises.
"Anything else?" I ask.
She shakes her head. "I just wanted to make sure I stole a minute with you alone before the other girls came in. I don't want them to talk."
"I appreciate that," I say, relieved that she, too, wants to keep what is happening between us a secret.
Savannah doesn't get up from the chair. "What are you working on?" she asks. Her tone doesn't show like she's that interested, just trying to make polite conversation.
I don't want to be rude or belittle her by pointing out that it's nothing that she'd understand. "Just going over the numbers. Boring stuff," I say.
"I went to college for accounting," she chimes.
"And you dropped out because you partied more than you went to class," I say, recalling what she told me.
She shrugs, knowing that I'm right. "Yeah, I probably am not much help, but I'd love to learn. I'm more of a hands-on learner than grasping what is read in a textbook. I prefer real-world experience."
"I'll keep that in mind," I say.
Savannah stands and points behind her at the door. "I suppose I should go and start getting ready."
"Good idea."
She stands and heads for the door. "Do you want me to leave your door open or closed?"
"Closed," I say.
The moment the door shuts, I return my attention to the books. I manage to get in two hours of examining the books and working on a separate ledger for our taxes when there's a firm knock at the door, and Nikita strolls in uninvited.
"I didn't expect to see you in the office today." I glance up briefly before returning my attention to my work. "How's the wife?"
"Lucy is fine. She just sprained her ankle. The doctor wrapped it, but she'll be good as new soon enough."
"That's good to hear," I say, my pen poised over the page as I stop and listen to Nikita.
"Thanks again for taking Zion home this afternoon. I realized I forgot to leave you the booster seat. I have a spare in the office closet upstairs if you ever need to pick him up again."
I hope he's not making this a habit or a new part of my job responsibility. "Yeah, sure. As long as you don't mind that I give the kid ice cream on the way home."
"You didn't," Nikita deadpans. He doesn't believe me.
"The kid didn't tell you?" I'm surprised Zion was able to keep a secret. I suppose Hannah had him change out of his school uniform when he got home.
"Zion usually can't keep a secret," Nikita says. "But he forgot to mention the ice cream. Anything else I should know?"
"I swung by the bar and took him for his first beer."
"Now I know you're joking." Nikita folds his arms across his chest defensively, but he doesn't seem angry with me. "Thanks for looking out for him and helping. I know you're not fond of kids."
"I never said that." I put my pen down. "I've never been around kids."
"Are you offering to babysit?" Nikita quips. "Zion had wonderful things to say about you. Gave you five stars."
"Oh, you're rating me now?" It would be like Nikita to try turning this around and convince me to watch the kid while he goes out with Lucy. I don't comment on his question, not wanting to tell my boss no way in hell.
"Zion's words, not mine. I'll let you get back to it but consider my request. We're willing to pay."
I shake my head. "No, thanks. I'd rather be attacked by scorpions and tarantulas."
Nikita grimaces. "Ouch. Well, wear a condom, so you don't have a little scorpion running around."
I snort under my breath. He couldn't know about Savannah. It's only been a day since she was hired. "I'll keep that in mind next time I go out."
"Right, you do that," Nikita says with a smirk.