I turn in his arms and fail at a smile. “Just a bad day. I could really use a drink.”
“Let’s get you one, then.” Bobby takes my elbow in that take-charge way of his and leads me toward the bar. The moment we arrive, the bartender is there. “The usual, Mr. Manghini?”
“Yeah, and whatever Lexi wants. She’s on my tab for the night. I want you to take very good care of her, understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Two shots of Cazadores,” I order.
Bobby raises his brows. “That bad?”
I try to wipe the misery from my face but probably don’t manage.
“Listen, no strings with the drinks, baby,” Bobby says in a low voice to me. “I had a great time last night, but there’s no pressure. I get the feeling you didn’t come here to see me tonight.”
“No. I mean–”
“It’s all right.” His eyes crinkle. The bartender appears with our drinks, and he picks his up. “I’ll give you some space.”
“No, it’s okay.” I grab one shot and down it, biting into the lime to quench the shudder. “I just have to talk to Gina.” I pick up the second shot, but Bobby places his hand over mine to stop me from downing it. “And then I would love to talk to you. I mean, if you wanted to talk. Oh.” My face heats. “Maybe you don’t want to talk.” Maybe he just wants sex.
“Slow down, doll. Take a breath.” He looks around. “Here comes your friend now.”
Gina struts over, carrying her empty cocktail tray. It never ceases to amaze me that she can stand all night in three-inch heels, but as usual, she’s rocking them with a short skirt.
“I’ll let you two talk,” Bobby says smoothly, leaving before I can answer.
“Hey, what are you doing here? I thought you were headed home.”
Even in my crappy mood, I have to admire her new hairstyle. I did a kick-ass job with it, and she looks great. Hopefully, the photos will get me that job.
“I got evicted,” I blurt as soon as I check to make sure Bobby’s out of earshot. “I’m locked out. I feel like such a loser.”
“Shit.” She gives me a hug. “I’m sorry. Well, you can definitely crash on my couch.”
“Thanks.”
“Do you want the key now?”
I find myself searching the lounge for Bobby’s broad shoulders. He’s gone back to the high-top near the door where he must’ve been when I came in. There are a couple of younger guys there who also look like they belong in the Family with a capital F.
Our gazes lock across the club like he’d been waiting for me to look over. I raise my hand and give a shy wave.
“Mm...maybe after I’ve had a drink or two,” I answer Gina without looking away from Bobby, who is now headed toward me. My entire body turns on like he’s the electrical current, and I just got plugged in.
“Of course. Or maybe you’ll find a better offer.”
“I…That’s not why I came here,” I sputter like I’m defending myself to some invisible person judging me right now. Of course, that invisible person is me.
“Let him take care of you. Is that so hard?”
“Shhh. He’s coming over.”
Bobby arrives, and Gina starts selling me again. “Lexi just gave me this cut and color.” She shakes out her hair. “She did it for her portfolio.”
Bobby raises his eyebrows as if he’s genuinely interested. But he can’t be. No guy ever gives a crap about what I do. “Oh yeah? What’s the portfolio for?”
I nibble my lower lip. “I’m applying for this training job. It’s posted nationally, so I probably don’t have much of a chance, but it’s worth a shot.”