Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 36177 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 145(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36177 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 145(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
The three of them had a drink while I made myself a cup of tea. Too soon, it was time for them to go. I hugged Conor again before he went, though this time I didn’t hold on for quite so long even though I wanted to. When I went to bed that night, my dreams were all of him.
***
Later that week I was busy in my office working out the roster for next month. December was always a crazy time, not to mention New Years’ Eve was our biggest night of the year. I had a headache just thinking of all the logistics that lay ahead of me. Ev and I hadn’t made any plans yet, but I suspected we’d be having a quiet Christmas at home in the apartment.
The club was closed on Christmas day and I was taking a few days off afterwards and allowing my floor manager, Kylie, to runs things in my absence. I couldn’t wait to laze around the apartment in comfy lounge clothes, not wash my hair and eat all the food I could get my hands on.
The club had been open for an hour or two when there was a soft knock on my office door. I thought it might be Ev popping in to say hello but then remembered she wasn’t on shift tonight.
“Come in,” I called and Kylie appeared, her short, plum coloured hair tucked neatly behind ears that featured large silver hoops.
“Hey Yvonne. Sorry to interrupt but there’s a guy out front asking for you.”
I quirked an eyebrow at this. “Is it a vendor?”
She shook her head. “I don’t think so. He said he’s a friend of yours. Wearing an expensive looking suit. Super hot. Uh…” she scratched her chin. “He told me his name but I instantly forgot it because like I said he’s hot and you know how distracted I get with hot men.”
I lifted a hand. “That’s okay, Kylie. I think I know who it is.” Rubbing at the tense spot on my neck, I stood from my desk and followed her out the door. From her description I suspected it was Dylan. Perhaps he’d come to see Ev and when he heard she wasn’t on shift he asked for me instead. However, when I emerged into the main part of the club, which wasn’t as busy yet since we’d only just opened, I spotted a familiar head of dark hair and broad shoulders sitting by the bar. My steps faltered.
It was Conor.
What was he doing here? I remembered that night when I’d told him he should stop by some time to check out the club. I hadn’t expected he’d take me up on the offer, not after I’d fobbed off his invite to the charity gala. I mean, we made up about the whole thing but I’d still expected I wouldn’t be seeing much of him. You didn’t lie to a person like that and keep their favour.
“Conor. How nice to see you,” I greeted politely, placing my hand on the bar as I reached him.
His eyes found mine and my heart skipped a beat just like it always did when he looked at me. Why did he have such a profound effect on me? Was it merely his physical attractiveness or something more?
“Yvonne. I was at a loose end tonight and thought I’d drop by. Finally check this place out.” He pulled me into a friendly hug and I was momentarily dumbstruck by his overwhelming presence. There was just something so warm and appealing about Conor. His light, happy aura drew you in. “How has your week been?” he asked.
“Busy,” I replied, “but that’s nothing new.” Reaching up I rubbed my neck again as I took the empty stool next to him. Thankfully, the music wasn’t too loud yet so we could converse without having to shout. “How about yours?”
“Not too bad. Can I buy you a drink?” He motioned to the bar.
I hesitated. I really should be getting back to my office, although I hadn’t taken a break in hours. I could spare twenty minutes for Conor.
“The drinks are on me,” I replied. “There has to be some perk to managing this place.” I motioned over Oscar, one of the bartenders, and ordered a glass of white wine while Conor asked for a beer.
A moment of quiet fell. I was distracted by the ache in my neck caused by too many hours sitting in front of a screen. Then I felt Conor’s eyes wander over me. I wore a black pencil skirt and a cream blouse, my hair down and brushing my shoulders. Suddenly, everything was too tight, my skin too hot.
“Are you okay?” he asked, studying me with an intensity that made me self-conscious. No person had any right to be so singularly focused.