He nods. “Well, if all the styles in your portfolio look as good as yours and Gina’s, I would say you do have a good chance. Not that I’m an expert on women’s hair.”
I like the way his eyes crinkle at the corners, the dark lashes making the brown liquid pools look warm and inviting. The way my belly flutters when he looks at me.
“Well, I’d better get back to work.” Gina tucks her tray under her arm. “Are you both all set on drinks?”
I haven’t touched the second shot yet. Bobby told me to slow down, and for some reason, it seems I want to please him. “I’m good, thanks.”
“Me too.”
I find myself leaning forward, wanting a whiff of Bobby’s cologne. To feel the heat of his body. As if he knows, he steps closer.
“You two talk about the sugar daddy thing. I think it could work.” Gina drops a wink before she departs.
Bobby considers me. “I’m all in, doll. I told you that last night. If you want to be spoiled a little, I’m your guy.”
The flesh between my legs tugs upward. All the shame and despair over getting evicted lifts away, is replaced by heat. Interest. Desire.
What do I have to lose, really? A sugar daddy could solve my immediate problems if this is for real. “What would your expectations be of me?”
His eyes darken, and he steps closer, draping an arm across the back of my barstool. “The mere fact that you asked tells me you’re the right girl for me.”
I try to decipher his meaning as my pulse races at his nearness. I catch the pleasant scent of his cologne, and it takes me back to the pleasure we shared last night.
“It’s pretty simple, Lexi. I would expect you to be at my beck and call, available any time I please. That doesn’t mean you won’t have time to yourself. You will. I’m a busy man.”
I swallow, my panties dampening at the idea of being his sexual servant. “And what exactly would you offer in return?”
Bobby’s thumb lightly traces lines on my shoulder. “I’ve got a nice apartment where you can live. I’ll take you out and treat you right. Give you spending cash. How does that sound?”
Our eyes lock. Heat pools in my core, traveling up until my face grows warm. My breath rises and falls in a rapid rhythm.
“Would I be living with you?”
“No, doll. I have my own place. It would be your pad. It’s luxe–my company renovated the place, so it has all the bells and whistles. Jacuzzi bathtub. Big kitchen. Rooftop pool. Gym.”
I’m getting lightheaded at the mere possibility. This really could solve all my problems. I mean, I’m literally homeless right now, and I may not even have access to any of my things if my ex-landlord is a dick about it.
I swallow. “I-I’d like that.”
“Yeah?” His lids droop, and he slides his hand around my nape, stroking the sensitive skin there. “I’m glad. You seem perfect for me.” He leans closer and speaks in a low, rumbling voice, “But you should know, I would use you however I want, whenever I want. And I demand fidelity. No other men.”
“What about women?” I ask, just to see what he’ll say.
He seems to know I’m testing. He quirks a smile. “Only if I get to watch.”
* * *
Bobby
I kiss Lexi, cupping the back of her head to hold her in place. She responds, her lips soft and supple. When we pull apart, I settle beside her, stroking my hand up and down the curve of her hip. “So, Lexi, are you in some kind of trouble?”
She goes still. “What do you mean?”
“I get the feeling you wouldn’t normally do something like this. Gina introduced us for a reason. I’m hoping it’s not because you’re an informer.” I smirk when her eyes round because I’m already certain she’s not.
She shakes her head.
“Something’s put the pinch on you. What is it?”