Bad Rep (Bad Rep, #1)(19)

“Hey, Maysie,” he called out.  I grudgingly looked up and our eyes met.  And just like that first time I saw him, the air hummed with electricity.  The chemistry between us was palpable.  I jerked my eyes away from him and lifted a hand in greeting, not trusting my voice at that moment.

I felt him watch me for a few seconds longer and then turn away.  I snuck another look in his direction but he was talking to Lyla and pulling the rack of glasses off the counter to put them away.  I busied myself with finishing up my prep work.

By the time I was done, it was 5:15 and I had my first table.  And then another one and another one until all five of my tables were full.  I ran around like crazy.  But at least tonight I got to keep the tips.  And so far they were fat.  By 7:30, I had $60.  I was glowing, I was so happy.

I had just scooped up a 20 dollar tip left by some older business guys who I had flirted shamelessly with while they checked out my chest.  I practically skipped to the back to have a quick smoke before my next table was sat.

I pushed open the outside door and almost collided with Jordan, who was coming inside.  “Sorry,” I mumbled, my good mood evaporating instantly.  It sucked that when I looked at him, lust warred with embarrassment in my mind.  Embarrassment over what might have been had I not found out how close I came to being “the other woman.”

“Hey, Mays.  How's it goin'?” he asked, holding the door open for me so I could step out.  I really needed the nicotine, so I ignored my discomfort and stepped around him to get to the milk crate and have a seat.

“It's going good,” I replied shortly.

I could see Jordan out of my peripheral as he hesitated.  He still held the door open, as if unsure whether to go inside or not.  Go inside.  Please, just go inside. I pleaded silently.  My Jedi mind trick clearly wasn't working, because Jordan let the door close and sat down on the stoop beside me.

He watched me as I smoked my cigarette.  Finally I looked at him and arched my eyebrow.  “Can I help you with something?” I asked snidely.  Jordan smirked, as if amused by my bitchiness.

“Is this how it's going to be between us now?” he asked.  I looked at him, refusing to drop my eyes.  No sense in him seeing how much he had screwed with my head in the short time I had known him.

“Well, how do you expect me to act?  I mean, it's not every day the guy you may or may not be interested in, asks you out, but conveniently forgets to inform you that he has a girlfriend.  It puts a bit of damper on things, don't you think?”

Jordan raised his eyebrows at me and smiled.  “May or may not be interested in, huh?” he teased and I could smack myself for my monumental slip up.

“It doesn't matter how I feel.  This...” I gestured between us with my hand,  “is off limits.” I finished, not liking how this conversation was going.  Jordan looked down at the ground and kicked a rock.

“Why does it have to be off limits?” he asked quietly.  It was my turn to smirk.

“Do you even need to ask?'  I questioned in disbelief.  How could he be so dense?

Jordan cleared his throat.  “What if it wasn't?  Off limits, I mean. What if...”  He was cut off by the kitchen door opening and Jaz and Leo came out, immediately lighting up their cigarettes.

“Maysie, you just got sat,” Leo told me, taking my seat as I stood up.

Jordan got to his feet as well and he was still watching me as I picked up my lighter.  It annoyed me that I was curious by what he had been about to say.  What did he mean about not being off limits?  I met Jordan's eyes again but dropped his gaze a second later.  Without another word, I turned and went back to my section.



Chapter Five



I successfully avoided any further contact with Jordan for the rest of the night.  I was proud of the fact that I had resisted the urge to check him out behind the bar.  Which, was a feat unto itself because I hadn't been sure I was capable of such self-restraint.

The crowd in Barton's started to thicken as the night wore on.  Devil's Stone started playing at 8:00.  They were clearly a local favorite, though I didn't really enjoy their screaming rock.  The noise volume was deafening and I was fighting a killer headache but my tips had been stellar!  Jaz and I did a little happy dance as we stood waiting for drinks at the bar.

“I've made $250 already!  And I still have another two hours on the clock!” Jaz yelled over the music. I grinned at her, pushing back my sweaty bangs.

“I know!  I've made almost $300!  It's insane!”  Jaz gave me a pout.

“That's not fair.  The new girl should not be getting more tips than me!” She tried to come across like she was teasing, but I knew her well enough to see the irritation on her face.

“Well, when you look like Maysie, guys will throw money at you.” Jordan said as he brought our drinks over to us.  He smiled at me but I quickly looked away.  Jaz did not like his comment at all.  She huffed.

“Well, thanks Jordan.  You sure do know how to make a girl feel good,” she sulked.

Jordan reached over the bar and squeezed her arm.  “You know I think you're pretty, Jaz.”  He grinned at her and Jaz instantly melted.  She wore a goofy smile as she turned back to her tables.  I rolled my eyes to try and cover the flash of jealousy I felt at the compliment Jordan had given her.