Niki

I really should have thought this through better. Alone, in a car with a total stranger, heading into Chicago to meet another total stranger.

Real smart, Nik.

“So, where we going?”

Nothing.

“We going downtown?”

Still nothing.

“Do you like your job? It seems to me that you wish you were somewhere else.”

Finally. He stares me down through the rearview mirror.

“It’s okay if you don’t. I mean, I get it. Driving around all day, picking up total strangers. Hey, do you remember that show ‘Taxi Cab Confessions’?”

Nothing.

“No? That’s a shame. That was pure entertainment right there. The things some people did in the back of those cabs…” I turn toward the window, watching the city lights pass us by. “I’m sure your typical day isn’t exactly like that since you drive this baby, but I’m thinking you see your share of crazy adventures.”

Finally locking eyes with me once again, he speaks. “I’m missing my daughter’s dance recital tonight.”

“Oh, no. I’m so sorry. What time was her recital?”

“Seven-thirty,” he grumbles.

“Well, then…let’s go.” There was no way I was going to let this man miss his daughter’s recital.

I have seen plenty of disappointed faces since working for the school district. Children who just want to see their mom or dad show up for their talent show or a classroom party, but work keeps them away.

“Ma’am, I wish I could, but I have strict orders to bring you straight to the restaurant.”

“Well, just pull over, tell me where I need to go, and I’ll call for an Uber.” I lean forward, trying to talk some sense into my nameless driver.

“Not possible.”

“Well, that’s crazy. Your boss apparently didn’t know who he was dealing with. Just wait until I get ahold of him tonight,” I say as I type out a new text to Aiden before deleting it.

We will be there soon enough. That man is going to get an earful.

“Sir?”

“Yes, Miss Sanders?”

“What’s your name?”

“Tony.”

“Tony?” I repeat wondering if I heard him right.

“Yes, Miss Sanders, but you may call me Mr. Stewart if you wish.”

“No way! You’re telling me that you are a car driver and your name is Tony Stewart?”

He sighs, rolling his eyes. “It’s not the first time I’ve heard that before, but yes, my name is Tony Stewart. Not the race car driver who makes millions of dollars but the Tony Stewart who drives for a car service to make ends meet while I put my oldest daughter through art school.”

“Huh.”

“Yeah. I know.”

“I’m going to call you Stewie,” I joke, flashing him a mega-watt smile. “You know, so I don’t get confused.”

“Tony is fine, Miss Sanders.”

“Call me Niki.”

“I’m sorry, but I have strict orders to address you as Miss Sanders.”

“We will see about that. Are you my driver after dinner?”

“I’m on stand-by.”

“What does that even mean? I have to get home right after dinner.”

“Just my orders Miss…”

“Niki, Stewie. My name is Niki.”

“Miss Sanders, I believe we are here. Please stay seated until I walk around to let you out. When I open the door, you need to head toward that door over there on your left. Knock three times, pause, then knock two more times.”

Looking out the window, I notice we are in an alley somewhere in downtown Chicago.

“Umm, Stewie…I’m thinking ‘Taxi Cab Confessions’ would be better than this.”

Shaking his head, he hops out of the car and heads back to let me out. “The door on your left is the entrance to the Backyard Grill.”

“Shut up! You mean the secret restaurant that everyone raves about? I mean, I’ve heard of tiny restaurants behind kitchens in existing ones, but I’ve never been to one.”

“Yes, that is the one and only. Hurry along, or you are going to be late.”

“Stewie, you’re alright.”

“Have a good night, Miss Sanders.” He nods toward the door. “Go.”

“Peace out!”

A couple knocks, secret password and contract signed before I’m allowed to enter through the metal doors and into the Backyard Grill, which is vacant except for one chef and him.

Standing at the bar, talking to the chef, he notices me walk in. Looking down at his watch, he says, “You made it on time.” He seems pleased.

“Yes, I did, but before we continue, I want to let you know something,” I say without giving him a chance to stop me. “Your driver has a daughter who has a dance recital at seven-thirty. There is no reason for him to stay and wait for me and miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime moment.”

“When he took this job he knew—”

“I don’t care. He has a family. Why can’t he leave? Staying here until I’m finished is absurd, don’t you agree?”

Pulling out his phone, he types out a message, ignoring me.

“Don’t you dare ignore me! You are the one who invited me here tonight.”

Holding up his finger, he just smirks.

“Don’t you do that! Don’t smirk at me.” I turn to head toward the door, pulling out my phone to call Gavin.

“I was just texting Mr. Stewart to let him know he was dismissed for the evening,” Aiden shouts after me, halting me in my tracks.

Swinging around, I ask, “You did what?”

“I gave him the night off to go see his daughter perform. That’s what you wanted, correct?” He’s in front of me in a matter of seconds, his stride long and quick.

“Okay then.”

“You ready for dinner?” He guides me to the only table set up in the corner.

All seating is located at the bar. Thirty stools for the easy in and out.

“Yes, I’m starving. I haven’t had anything since breakfast.”

“Wonderful.” He slides the chair out, waiting for me to sit before he takes the seat across from me.

“Thank you for inviting me, but how in the world did you get us reservations for tonight and, on top of it, rent out the whole place?” I look around, wondering if this is the same one Aubrey was telling me about that had the three-year wait list.

“I’m a silent partner,” he says, as if it’s no big deal.

“Interesting.” I bob my head up and down. Feeling a tad out of place.

“What’s so interesting?”

“This place has a three-year wait list, correct?”

“I believe that is correct, yes.”

“So, you renting it out for the evening cost someone their spot. It could have been their anniversary, a proposal or birthday, and you ruined that for them.”

“Actually, there is always an open spot, each night, for special occasions. What I did was just book the bonus spot for the next thirty nights.” He shrugs his shoulders.

“What you think you did and what actually happened are totally two different things.”

“Maybe so.” His eyes study mine, a silent interrogation.

“You don’t care?”

“Nope.”

“You’re used to getting what you what.”

He leans across the table, his lips slowly parting, his breathing steady. Mine is out of control. “Always.”

Gaining my composure, I lean back in my seat, giving myself the distance I need. “That makes two of us. Now, if you want me to stay here, you have to do something for me.” I mirror his cockiness.

“That so?”

“Yep. Let’s play a little game of Niki Says. It’s a little like Simon Says, but instead of doing what I say, you answer my questions. Got it?”

“We’ll see. Ask away.”

“What’s your last name?”

“Alexander.”

“Aiden Edward Alexander. I feel like you should follow that up with the II or III.” I burst out laughing. Everything about him screams old money.

“The III, but it’s already a mouthful, and since both my father and grandfather have passed, it’s safe to say, I’m the only one out there.”

“Well, shit. Open mouth, insert foot.”

“I’d pay to see that.” He winks as the waiter comes over, refilling Aiden’s scotch.

“And for you? Mr. Alexander has chosen a bottle of our 2007 Domaine de la Romanee-Conti La Tache to go with our first course.” The waiter reaches over for my glass.

“Actually, I’ll just have what he’s having.”

The waiter’s eyes go wide looking over to Aiden, seeking approval.

“That’s fine, James. Give the lady what she wants. Just cork it and we will take it to go.”

“Very well.” He turns and leaves.

“I never pegged you for a scotch girl.”

“There are a lot of things you don’t know about me, Mr. Alexander.”

“I see that.” He raises his hand, signaling for the waiter.

Soon my scotch and first course are in front of us.

“I’m allergic to blueberries.” I give the waiter an apologetic look and whisper, “I’m so sorry.”

“Anything else?”

“Sesame seeds, bananas and latex.”

“Sir? The buns have seeds and the dessert, bananas.” He picks up the plates to remove them. “I’ll talk to chef.”

“No need James, looks like dinner is on me tonight. Just clean up and take the night off.” Aiden is already up and rounding the table, helping me out of my chair and guiding me out the back.

“You know what? I’ll just take an Uber. I told my friend I would come by tonight for movies and wine.” I dig in my purse for my phone.

“Nonsense. You need to eat. How does pizza sound to you?”

“Meh.” I waver my hand back and forth. “You know what sounds good? There is this food truck that serves the best fish tacos.” I head down the alley in the direction of the truck.

“Get back here,” Aiden yells after me.

“What are you waiting on? It’s right down the alley and around the corner.” I march back, grabbing his arm only for him to break free.

“Uh, okay.” I’m a little taken aback by his actions. If I recall, I didn’t ask him to meet me; he found me.

“Sorry, just give me a second.” He holds up a finger while he makes a call. “Pick us up around back.”

“Who was that?”

“Car service. There is no way I’m letting you walk around this city at night and especially not down that dark alley.” He reaches for my hand and gives it a tiny squeeze but drops it when the car rounds the corner.

“You ready to taste the best fish tacos of your life?” I’m practically bouncing from foot to foot, excited to eat. It’s almost eight now, and I told Aubrey I would be there between eight and nine.

Not saying a word, he holds his hand up to the driver and opens the door for me. Sliding in, I don’t bother to buckle up since it’s right around the corner.

Climbing in after me, he buckles up and then looks over at me, letting out a huff. “You know these things.” He reaches across me, pausing for a moment. Lips hovering, body humming. “Saves lives.” He pulls the belt across my body, his hands leaving a heated path until I’m safe and tucked in. “There, now we can go.”

“Y-yeah.” I gulp. Not from the hunger but from the desire of wanting to reach across and grab him by the collar and pull him in. Smash my lips to his, taste the memories of last night.

Instead, I sit, looking straight ahead, hands between my knees, waiting. It feels like hours when it is literally around the corner.

“How many tacos?” He takes off his belt, turning, giving me his full attention.

“I’ll go with.” I begin to unbuckle my seatbelt, but he grabs my arm.

“The driver will go.” He leans up, talking to the driver as he gets his billfold out, flipping through the bills. “Get us four tacos and two waters.” He turns to look at me. “Is that good, or you want something else?”

“Nah, that’s good. Get a lot of napkins. They’re kind of messy.”

“You get that?” He hands the driver a hundred. “No change.”

“Yes, sir.” The new driver responds. Aiden was true to his word and gave Stewie the night off.

“So, how about we just sit in the car and eat while Louis drives us around. We can talk…”

“And chill?”

A laugh barrels through the sedan. “Sure…and chill.”

Before we know it, Louis is back with a bag of tacos and a couple bottled waters. Handing me the tacos and water, Aiden reaches over and slides up the divider.

“Is this soundproof?” I pretend that it doesn’t bother me as I unwrap my taco, taking a bite of the yummy goodness.

“Yes, I would like to talk to you alone, and apparently, this is all I can offer you tonight.” He unwraps his taco, taking a bite. “Wow! That is amazing.” He moans, trying to cover his mouth while holding and pointing to the taco.

“Told you.” I wipe my mouth, noticing he has a little sauce on the side of his mouth. “Let me get that for you.” I reach over and wipe it off with my thumb.

Before I can get away he grabs my hand, darting out his tongue, tasting my thumb. “Damn good.” He winks.

Holy shit!

I need to distract myself with conversation, and fast, before I throw the food out the window and climb aboard.

“So, why am I here tonight? You mentioned something about a proposition?”

“Well, I was hoping to have a little more time with you before I offered you the job.” He wads up the wrappers, putting them in the bag. “But, it seems like both of our schedules got in the way.” He reaches for the water and takes a sip.

“What kind of job offer?” I ask, not understanding where this is going. He barely knows me. If he did, he would know I already have a job, and the kids are my top priority.

“Well, I don’t know if you remember or not, but I was in Spotlight…”

“Oh I remember.” I flash him a cheesy grin.

“Not that time, babe. I brought in a few clients for dinner one night. You were working the bar, and I couldn’t help but notice how you worked the crowd and not in the usual barmaid way.”

“Barmaid? Seriously, what century do you live in?” I interject.

“It’s a compliment, just take it.” He folds his hands in his lap, plotting what he wants to say. “You have this special quality about you.”

“What’s that? I know how to pour shots and keep a beer cold? Pretty sure all us barmaids can do that. Nothing special here.”

“Will you just listen?” He waits for me to chime in again, but I’m quiet, curious as to what he’ll say next. “This summer is going to be busier than normal, especially since it’s an election year. My company, Xandros Pharmaceuticals, has a lot riding on getting FDA approval for its new weight-loss drug. I have meetings, banquets, events and so much more. I need someone with me who can help me. Keep me straight while attending the social events.”

“Whoa! Hold up. Are you saying you want to hire me to be your fucking escort?” I’m about to come unglued. “I don’t know who you think I am, but I’m not just a barmaid or bar fly or whatever you think I am. I’m a preschool teacher who happens to work at a club during the summer.”

“Calm down. That isn’t at all what I was trying to say.”

Leaning forward, I pound on the divider, “Stop the car!”

“Niki! Please just hear me out.” He tries to plead with me, but I’ll be damned if I’m going to listen.

“Just let me out; I can find my own way home. If you need an escort, call Heidi Fleiss. I’m sure she can find you a dandy. A real winner.”

“For starters, Heidi was shut down years ago, and let’s not forget the fact I don’t need a prostitute. I need a PA who sometimes escorts me to functions.”

“Seriously, Aiden, what did you think you were going to do? Go to the club, flash your panty dropping smile, whisper a few sweet things and then…” His words finally sink in. “Wait…what? A PA?” I sit back and quickly gather my thoughts. “As in personal assistant?”

“Yes, I saw the way you worked the crowd. How you interacted with a few of my potential investors. You really have this way about you. I knew that there was more than Niki the barmaid.”

“Bartender, mixologist…hell, I’ll even settle for waitress, but for Pete’s sake, whoever the hell he is, don’t call me a barmaid.”

“As I was saying. I did some investigating, I found out that you are a preschool teacher who just so happens to work at Spotlight during the summer. I figured someone who can control a room full of three- to five-year-olds can keep a thirty-five-year-old man in line.”

“I can’t even begin to process this.”

“Niki, I know you are more than what you seem. I came to the club last night, hoping I could catch you at work, but was disappointed to find out it was your night off.” Reaching over, he takes my hand into his. “I saw you. I came to you, and when I approached you, I wasn’t expecting to have the reaction I did.”

“So you don’t like me then. I thought…”

“Yes, I do. Maybe, if you take this job and we get to know each other a little better.” His thumb rubs circles in the palm of my hand, calming me.

“I can’t believe this is happening. Aiden, I can’t work and sleep with you. I’m not that girl. Plus, I refuse to give up my job at Spotlight.” I twist my hand free and turn to look out the window. “Please, just take me home.”

“Okay.” He secures his seatbelt. “Buckle up.” He gives me a sideward glance. “It saves lives.”

“Fine.” I click it into place.

Neither of us speaks the rest of the ride home. Silence fills the space, suffocating my thoughts.