Chances (Mystic Nights #1)(15)
As she left, her thoughts suddenly turned to Jonathan. She smiled fondly remembering last night and his cautious and sincere concern for her when it came to Peter’s attentions. Then later, their lovemaking had been different. Not so rushed. Not so frantic like it was the last time. She had the thought to call and check on him. But what would she say? I just had lunch with Peter and was worried . . . No. That would not go well. Hi. Just calling to see how your day was going? Ugh, this was getting complicated. Why was she worrying about him anyway? Sighing, she shook her head to clear away those thoughts, and continued her trek to her car.
But to her dismay, the man she had just been thinking about was approaching the popular deli she had just left. Jonathan. Bewildered, her head jerked to the side to take in his companion. On his arm was a stunning red head.
The smile on his face froze when he saw her. He saw her look of disappointment. The one she quickly tried to mask. He looked behind him. And his anger came swiftly. Jonathan was fuming. He had just seen Peter leave. Rushing off to his car without even a wave in greeting. And now Aliya. What in the hell was going on, he mused, as he fixed his smile into place. He thought they had an understanding. He’d warned her last night about Peter. He thought she had understood what a lecherous pig the man was. But here she was leaving the same restaurant Peter just left. It definitely wasn’t a coincidence.
He gave her a level stare as he approached closer. He knew she said it was just sex too. But he didn’t like to share his women either. He would have to make that clear. And once again he was thinking of yet another conversation they needed to have sooner, rather than later. He didn’t know where this was going between them, but he wanted exclusivity while it was happening.
“Aliya,” he greeted her and blocked her path as she made to pass right by him without even acknowledging his presence. Like that didn’t send up a red flag.
“Excuse me, Jonathan,” she tried to pass. She couldn’t believe the stab of pain she was feeling as she tried to avoid his questioning glare. His hand on her arm stopped her from passing on by, and a slight shake forced her eyes upwards. He was incredibly tall, but in her heels, she just had a few inches to look up to peer into his eyes.
“What a surprise, Aliya. If I knew you would have been having lunch here, with Peter, no less, I would have suggested we all eat together.” His words surprised her, and she glanced to the red head. She looked bored.
“Oh,” was all she could think to say.
His smile had her pulse pounding as he directed his attention to the stunning red head in the mini skirt. In winter! She rolled her eyes. “Yes, let me introduce you to my guest, darling.” The red head’s eyes showed the first sign of interest. “Fiona, this is my girlfriend, Aliya Chance.”
Aliya’s mouth went dry. He called her darling and claimed her as his girlfriend. Her initial thoughts about who this red head was fled. She forced herself to swallow as the red head put out her hand. She was too dumbfounded by Jonathan’s declaration to form words of her own. “How lovely,” Fiona purred.
“Aliya is a dancer, and one of our choreographers at the casino. Perhaps your client, if we can lure him to our casino, will get a chance to work with her.” He saw Aliya’s suspicious eyes go through a myriad of emotions in the span of a second. Her eyes widened and then looked guilty. She opened her mouth to speak and then closed it. Then she blushed. His heart softened a bit. She too had been shocked to see him. Had made assumptions. He continued to give her more time to recover. “Fiona Healy is the manager of several bands and artists, Aliya. We are trying to lure Lucas Stryker to headline here when the new rooftop club, Spirits in the Sky, is open. Eve should be here soon.” He watched as Aliya gave the band manager a smile, and then a more demure one for him.
Aliya finally found her voice. Hearing that he was not meeting with the gorgeous red head alone helped her recover. The gut stabbing emotion had left her speechless. She looked at Jonathan with new eyes. Turning to Fiona, she replied with enthusiasm to attempt to recover from the awkward situation she had put them in. “Oh, they are fantastic. That would be wonderful.” She had heard of the band, and the lead singer, Lucas Stryker, was incredible. His vocals, musical arrangements were genius. He was bringing soulful rock back to the scene.
“Yes, he would be a great addition here. We know we can fill the club with him performing.” He gave the red head a broad smile. “He can continue to build his fan base here, and we will all benefit.”
“It is tempting. It is something we will consider. If the deal is right.” Fiona wasn’t committing yet. Yes, this casino was getting rave reviews, but her client, and especially this client, who was a shooting star in her opinion, had to be handled just right. The woman then shivered in her short skirt.
“Oh, let’s get you inside,” Jonathan expressed concern. “Will you join us, darling?”
Again an endearment. Aliya had to admit, as she felt a warmth spreading through her, that Jonathan’s declarations felt amazing. Yes, it was true, she had not wanted to place a definition on what they were doing. Her studio was too important to her to risk a relationship with Jonathan Sassacus, her boss. But she had used the term, well somewhat, to get out of a sticky situation with Peter. So the fact he was thinking along those same terms helped to ease her initial shock of seeing him with Fiona. Aliya chanced another glance at the entertainment manager.