Chrissie didn’t see it as an enviable job. Sure, she got to see professional athletes up close and mostly stripped down, but it didn’t do anything for her. They were just clients, and the majority of them were decent guys. It was like working with older brothers.
Now there was someone she wouldn’t mind getting her hands on, but that was not going to happen.
As they settled in the booth, Chrissie began aware of someone watching her. The awareness prickled along her skin. Looking around, her eyes landed on the huge solid muscle at the bar. The guy was pretty much all muscle, something Chrissie could attest to when he had been pleasant enough to let her work without being inappropriate. He was leaning against the bar, his focus completely on her.
Oh, God. Why did he have to be here?
“Fuck.”
“What?” Rita frowned at her. “What is it?”
“Drake is here.”
Rita stiffened, and she started to look around. Talia stared.
“Drake? As in Drake Benton, the quarterback?”
“Yes.”
Chrissie shifted in her seat. Drake was staring at her intently. Even with her focus elsewhere, she could still feel him watching her. It was unnerving. Carys sighed.
“You are so lucky to be that close to Drake. He’s a hunk. I’d give anything to get my hands on him.”
“Don’t let his smoldering looks and fit body get in the way,” Rita warned. “He’s a creep. He’s been harassing Chrissie for a while now.”
“Harassing?” Carys laughed. “You’re turning him down? Are you mad?”
Chrissie frowned.
“This isn’t funny, Carys. Drake doesn’t care if you’re single, dating or married, as long as he gets his woman. And he’s really crude about it. He tries to make me perform…special rubson him while I’m working.”
Carys’ mouth dropped open. Maisie stared.
“He’s propositioned you?”
“Too many times to count. I’d love to smack him, but I would lose my job.” Chrissie shook her head. “Trust me, he’s not a guy you want to be around. There’s something about him that makes me really uncomfortable.”
“I can attest to that,” Rita added. “I’ve met him as well. He might seem charming, but there’s also something a bit off about him. It’s best you keep your distance, Carys.”
Carys pouted.
“You guys are no fun. And I thought we were going to be here to pull men.”
“If you want to pull him, go ahead. But don’t say we didn’t warn you.” Rita glanced across the bar. “Although from the way he’s staring at Chrissie, I don’t think he’s interested in anyone else.”
Chrissie wished that wasn’t the case. Drake’s focus on her was unnerving. It had gotten to the point where he was starting to put his hands on her, and Chrissie had lost her temper. She couldn’t begin to describe how embarrassed she felt screaming at him for touching her. And that was with other people in the room. Who knew what would happen if they were alone? Compared to Drake, Chrissie was tiny.
She didn’t want to think about it. Not tonight. This was meant to be for fun.
And that looked like it was going to be anything but now, because Drake had pushed away from the bar and was sauntering over to them. He looked like a prowling tiger ready to pounce. Chrissie felt the hairs stand up on her arms, and goosebumps were appearing. Now she was wishing that she wasn’t sitting at the edge of the booth.
“Can we switch places, Rita?” Chrissie whispered. “I don’t really want to give him an opportunity to grab me.”
“Sure.”
Slipping out of the booth, Chrissie waited as Rita slid out. She was about to take her friend’s place when an arm snagged around her waist and yanked her back against a solid body. Then she froze when Drake whispered in her ear.
“Hey, Chrissie. Fancy seeing you here.”