Whipped (Hitched #2)(6)

Darrel nods. "It's not you, Lach. You're meant for the stage. And besides, the guys need you."

"The guys will be fine. They've been doing this for years."

"Not without you." He frowns. He doesn't often. Darrel taught me how to dance, meet girls, spend money.

He did more than my father.

I feel my temper rising. I down my glass of ice water, and it cools me down. "I'm done." I stare into his dark eyes and see the disappointment.

He bows his head. "Two million."

"What?"

"We're prepared to offer you two million for the tour."

I can't stop myself. I laugh. "I could have used that last year."

"Last year, I knew you wouldn't leave."

Son of a bitch. I imagine punching him, something I haven't done for years, and it feels good. I want to say, "You can shove that two million up your ass," but I can't. I may need it to open the center. To help kids like Kevin.

So instead I say, "I'll think about it."

I leave my food half-eaten and pay my bill. Darrel flirts with Micky as I walk out and search for a liquor store. On the way, I scroll through my contacts. I land on Jessie. Good with her mouth. Doesn't talk a lot. She's what I need tonight. However, as I pick up a bottle of rum, my mind fixates on images of Vi. But I'm about to sleep with Jessie, so this is… hmm. Strange. The alcohol should fix that.

I grab a second bottle.





CHAPTER 3





VI


I stare at the wad of money sitting on my dresser. What the hell did I just do? I wanted a nice, respectful, quiet roommate. Someone who wouldn't intrude on my life too much. Not the womanizing ass who frequents my sex shop.

I count the money again, just to make sure it's real. It is. And this pile of cash is the answer to my question. At least it's temporary. He'll only be here a few months, just long enough for Zoe and me to get our shop in the green and to recover from our initial investment. How bad can it be?

Famous last words, right?

But I ignore my own trepidation and grab the cash before it disappears. He paid more than twice what I asked, and all up front. My landlord will be happy.

I shove rent money into an envelope and pen a quick note, then sneak out of my condo to stick it into the mail slot next door. At least now I can start entering and exiting my house without fear of confrontation.

I check the time on my cell and grab my purse. I'll have just long enough to get to the bank and keep my utilities on, if I hurry. With a last glance at my unusually clean condo I lock up and head out.

On the drive to the bank I consider what it will mean to have a roommate. I haven't lived with anyone since I moved out of my parents’ house—aside from a very brief stint with Chad, which obviously didn't end well. Even in college I scored a private dorm room. As an only child, it suited me. I guess I was going to have to learn to share my toys.

This ought to be interesting.

I make the bank just in time to get cashier's checks drawn up and taken in person to three different buildings to keep my life from being shut off.

And I still have money left. I feel like splurging but resist the urge. Instead, I set my course for home, ready to curl up with a good book and glass of wine, when my phone rings.

"Vi, hey, I need a huge favor."

"What's up, Zoe?"

"The vendor delivering our new shipment of dildos just got to the store, and I know it's my night to do receiving but Henry and I are in the middle of another… discussion, and I can't leave now. Can you cover for me? I'll close for you for a week if you do. Pretty please with cherries and extra rich whipped cream?"

I can't help but laugh, even though I feel bad for her right now and have to bite my tongue to keep from telling her to leave the ass she's with. He so does not deserve her. "Sure, I got you covered, no problem."

I hear Henry in the background… crying. God.

She sighs. "I gotta go. …Wait, oh shit, how did things go with the roomie? You all set?"

"Girlfriend, you are not going to believe what went down tonight."

Henry calls out to Zoe, a sound of desperation through tears and snot. She sighs again. "You've got me intrigued. I can't wait to hear every detail," she says, adding, "tomorrow?"

"Sure, tomorrow. I hope things settle down for you. If you need me, I'm here." I hang up, turn my car around and drive to Whipped.

The delivery guy is waiting there, stacks of boxes by his feet, when I arrive. I smile big and thank him for his patience.

"No worries. Where do you want them?" The guy is actually pretty sexy. A cross between a younger Brad Pitt and a current Channing Tatum.

I unlock the store and direct him toward the back, where we keep our inventory. "Could you stack them here?"

I can't help but put an extra sway to my hips as I walk, and I see him noticing my ass, which pleases me.

And I know he sees me noticing his bulging muscles under his FedEx uniform. Suddenly, I feel like I'm in a porn, and I can't help but laugh as I concoct a reason to keep him here longer.

"Can I get you something to drink before you go? We have some bottled water in back."

He grins and his chipped front tooth makes him even sexier. The tousled dark hair and bedroom eyes don't hurt either. Am I seriously thinking of seducing the FedEx guy in my own f*cking store? I've clearly lost my mind.