Present Day

As I pull my car into the lot, I wonder how in the world people find this place. Just an Illusion looks like an industrial building off by its lonesome. The parking lot is huge, and the building is nothing if not unique.

Stepping out of my car, I shield my eyes from the setting sun and get a good look. The entire outside is covered in street art. Most people would call it graffiti, I’m sure, but there is a natural flow from one piece of artistry to the next. It’s actually pretty cool, and I bet it’s what draws people in.

I’m meeting my best friend Sasha here to fill out my new-employee paperwork and observe for a few hours. Sasha is saving my ass with this job. I had to get out of D.C., and Sasha offered me her extra room and the job until I get on my feet. It’s not my first time waitressing, so it shouldn’t be too difficult. I just hope the owner comes in so I can thank him for hiring me solely on Sasha’s recommendation. To hear her tell it, she practically runs this place anyway. If I had to guess, though, I’d say I got the job because Jordan is Sasha’s best friend in L.A. and would do anything to help her out.

I don’t know much about him at all. Sasha has been tight-lipped about her life in L.A., and she doesn’t use any social media. We haven’t seen each other in three years, but we talk almost every single day. Sasha has always been a loner, probably from all the years she spent in foster care, but she’s happy with her life and doesn’t have to worry about what anyone says or thinks of her. Even if she did, she’d tell people to go fuck themselves. It’s one of the things I love most about her.

Sasha lives life on her on terms. I should’ve taken a page from her playbook long ago, but now is my chance to start over. I was hoping I’d be here sooner, but driving cross country took longer than I thought it would, especially with Thanksgiving travelers all over the place. I stopped at Sasha’s apartment and used the key she left under the mat to let myself in, drop off my things, and take a quick shower before coming here to start my new beginning.

With a deep breath, I open the door and let my eyes adjust to the darker interior as I step inside. Calling this place a bar is an understatement. It’s really a large club. There are two bars—one to the left and one to the right—running almost the full length of the building. There are circular tables and chairs in front of the large stage that is front and center of it all. As I take a few steps in, I’m flanked on either side by leather couches and large leather ottomans for those who want to relax and maybe speak a bit more privately. To the left is a small set of steps that leads to what looks like a dining area, and to the right are some steps leading to a few pool tables, darts, and some high-top tables. This place has a great vibe. It’s classy, but in a completely relaxing way. The lighting is bright enough to see but low enough to make you feel right at home. I can already tell I’m going to love it here.

“Allie Baker, as I live and breathe. Get over here, you sexy bitch, and give me a hug!” Sasha calls out as she exits the bar on the left, and I head her way. She’s rocking a red corset and a black leather mini skirt—both accentuating her curvy figure.

I tackle hug her when I’m close enough, practically squeezing her to death. I can’t help it; I’ve missed her something fierce.

“Careful there, Baker. Hug me any harder and you might make me pop a tit.”

Laughing at her ridiculousness, I release her before pulling her back in for another hug. “That might work on some people, but I know those boobs are one hundred percent natural. God knows I’ve been envious of them long enough. Stop trying to get out of expressing your feelings and give me a hug.”

She squeezes me back, and when we part, we look each other over. “Speaking of boobs …” with a raised brow she eyes mine. “Do I need to be worried about popping yours?”

“Ha! You’re hilarious. Victoria’s Secret has their name for a reason. B’s magically become C’s in their bras.”

“This is true.” She pauses and gives me one of her rare, natural smiles. “I’m glad you finally came to your senses and left all the BS behind you. We’ve got a bit before I need to start getting ready to open. Come catch me up. What did the douche do when you left him?”

The douche. That would be Evan, my ex-fiancé.

“Ah, well …”

Sasha’s eyes brighten. “You didn’t tell him, you sneaky bitch. It’s not like he deserved you anyway.”

“I told him … in the letter I left on the counter with my engagement ring before I threw my shit in the car and left.”

“And?” She pulls out a bottle of tequila and pours me a shot.

I pound it down and shrug. “I’ve been in the car for five days. It wasn’t safe to answer my phone while driving, but his messages are interesting. I saved them for you.”

“Oh, this ought to be good.” Sasha takes my phone and hits the voicemail button before putting it on speaker.

“Allie bear, I got your letter. This isn’t okay. Call me.”

“Allie, come on now, be reasonable. You can’t just call off our engagement with a letter. Give me a call.”

“Enough, Bear, she didn’t mean anything to me. You know how it is in D.C., there’s temptation wherever you go. I was having a weak moment, but it’s you I love. Come home and I’ll buy you a new car and we’ll finally put an offer in on that house we were looking at.”

“Allie, I’ve made excuses for you all week, but enough is enough. This is embarrassing for me and your father. You’ve made your point. We have that charity gala next weekend, and I expect you to be back for it.”

“Good lord, Allie, he’s worse than I remember, and that’s saying something. So if you would’ve fallen on some guy’s dick in a moment of weakness, that would have been okay? Thank God you got out when you did. What’s the senator have to say about this?”

“Next message.”

The senator is pissed, but that’s my father for you. The only time we’re close is when I fill the doting daughter role to his liking. Evan and I were both interns in his office one summer, and the only reason Evan asked me out was to kiss my father’s ass. He has huge political aspirations, and I think he figures if he rides my father’s coattails long enough, he’ll get to the White House one way or another.

“Allison, Evan has filled me in on the situation. You need to stop acting like a child and come home. I’ve frozen your trust until you’ve had time to think rationally about this. Discrete affairs happen. They’re not the end of the world. Have one of your own if it will make you feel better. I expect you at the gala, Allison. I won’t be a laughing stock because you’ve decided to have a tantrum.”

“Ugh, he is such a condescending prick. Tell me you’re not letting them get to you?”

I stick my index finger in the shot glass and spin it around. “No chance in hell. I took enough money out of my trust to pay off all my credit cards. My car is already paid for. He can put a hold on the trust all he wants to, but when I’m thirty, it’s mine to do with as I please. I can get by for four more years.”

Sasha leans forward and smacks a big kiss on my forehead. “I love this new version of you. I know you’ve been wanting to stick it to your old man for a while, but I’ve never seen this kind of determination in you. I’m proud of you, Al.”

“Thanks. Can you tell me where the bathroom is?”

Sasha points down a hall in the back. I’m almost to the bathroom when the unmistakable sound of two people getting it on greets my ears.

“Dammit, Ty, I’m going to come!”

As I walk by a partially open door, there’s a man on his knees looking up at someone with lustful eyes. “Give it to me. I want to take it all.”

The man I can’t see lowers his hand and laces his fingers through Ty’s hair. Ty opens his mouth and leans forward. As hot as this is, I shouldn’t be spying and rush past and duck into the bathroom. Watching two coworkers suck each other off makes for an interesting first day, but it’s not my business. The last thing I need is drama before I’ve even filled out my new-employee paperwork.

After I’ve used the facilities, I’m hesitant to walk out, but I’m going to have to get out of the bathroom sometime. The door is closed when I pass by and all is quiet. As I approach the bar, a man waves at Sasha.

“Later, Sasha.”

She nods as she cleans a glass. “See you later, Ty.”

I sit on the barstool with the paperwork in front of it. “Who was that?”

Sasha rolls her eyes. “Ask me later. Too much to explain here.”

With a nod, I turn my attention to my paperwork. Other employees start working around me as people start filling the bar for a fun night out. I pass Sasha my finished paperwork.

“Wait here for me and I’ll file it away in J’s office. It might take a few minutes. I need to pull your application and put it on his desk as a reminder you’re here.”

“I’ll be here.”

Spinning around on my stool so I can familiarize myself with the bar, I catch sight of him. The sexiest man I have ever seen walks down the stairs from the billiards room and stops at the table in front of me.

Barely breathing, I bring my barstool to a halt. Sweet Jesus, he looks absolutely sinful. I’ve never seen anyone make blue jeans and a black t-shirt look so damn good. Men like him aren’t my usual type, in fact the whole tatted down bad boy look—usually turns me off, but there’s something about him that has me looking twice. His arms are layered from top to bottom with colorful tattoos, and even from here, his dark-gray eyes are noticeable. It’s as if there’s a storm brewing in his irises; I can’t tell if he’s pissed or if it’s part of his natural appeal. This man has a darkness about him, an aura that screams he’s untouchable, and I imagine many women have tried to fix him. On second thought, “fix” isn’t the right word. Women would try to save this is man. A man like him doesn’t need saving though; he needs to meet his match.

Turning my attention away from him, I straighten my posture and look around for Sasha. It’s taking her forever to get back to me. Although the guy is incredible to look at, it’s my first day of work and I can’t have any distractions. Sasha is saving my ass with this job. There’s no way I’m going to let her down.

As I continue to wait, I can’t help but glance back at him again just as he brings his booted foot up to the chair across from him and begins lacing up his Doc Martens. He’s got that freshly fucked look, his spiky black locks are all messed up, and I wonder if he just rolled out of some girl’s bed. When he looks up, his eyes catch mine, and a sensual smirk spreads over his lips. He caught me staring and he knows it. A flush creeps into my cheeks, and his smirk almost turns into a smile. Normally, I’d break eye contact out of pure embarrassment, but there is something about him that keeps me laser focused on him.

“Earth to Allie.”

Shit. Sasha caught me staring too.

“Sorry, Sasha. Let me go wash my hands and I’ll be ready to start.”

She grabs my arm and pulls me close.

“Listen, Allie, stay away from Jordan. You are rainbows and sunshine, but he’s fire and brimstone. You know I like bad boys and I don’t even go there. He may be my best friend, but he’s bad news. He looks well-fucked because he is. He’s a hot mess wrapped up in a sinfully delightful package. He gave you this job sight unseen because you’re my other best friend and I vouched for you. Life hasn’t been kind to him, Al. Some days I wonder why he bothers getting up each morning.”

With wide eyes, I glance back at him—he’s not even looking my way anymore. This gorgeous man is my new boss? I’m so fucked.

“Allie, look,” Sasha places her hand on my shoulder and leans closer, “I’m not telling you this to scare you away. You’re a big girl, you can do what you want, and if he fucks anything like his cousin, you’re in for a treat.” She sighs. “Just remember you’re vulnerable right now, and this job is only temporary for you. You’re destined for bigger and better things. Keep your eye on your goals, not Jordan.” She passes me a t-shirt. “Put this on while you’re washing your hands. You don’t have to wear it every day, but you might as well make a good impression tonight.”

Exiting the restroom wearing the new shirt Sasha gave me, I’m ready to work. Jordan wiggles his finger in a “come here” motion and walks into the room I passed earlier. The door to the large office is wide open this time. With an intimidating glare, he looks me over and picks up the paperwork off of his desk and then sets it back down.

“You must be Allie.”

That voice … the tousled hair … Oh my God …

My new boss is gay, and I just watched his boyfriend suck him off. Well, almost. “It was you,” I gasp as my cheeks heat. Shit. I didn’t mean to say that out loud. “I mean, I’m sorry, yes … I’m Allie … Allison, really, but everyone calls me Allie.”

I can’t shut up. His eyes are narrowed, but his lips twitch like he’s trying hard not to laugh.

“What do you mean, it’s me?”

“Oh, uh … It’s nothing, I swear.”

He leans back against his desk and crosses his arms, assessing me. He’s not tall, maybe five foot ten, but the way he carries himself? He might as well be a giant.

“Close the door, Allie, and have a seat.”

Shit. I’m already in trouble. I close the door as he rounds his desk and sits down.

“I don’t typically hire people I’ve never met, but I’m sure Sasha has mentioned how close we are.”

I’m at a loss for words and only answer with a nod. He seems oddly satisfied with my new-found silence.

“I have one rule in the bar that outweighs all the rest. My employees must always tell me the truth. Don’t call in sick if you’re hungover. Tell me you’re hungover. Don’t short the cash register because you need cash. Ask for it. Be honest at all times and we’ll get along fine. Lie to me and we’re going to have a problem. Well, you’ll have a problem because you’ll be looking for a new job. Am I clear?”

Damn, he’s hardcore and kind of cool all at the same time.

“Crystal,” I answer, finding my voice and courage again.

“Good. So … tell me what you meant when you said it was me.”

And that’s a wrap. I admit I saw him getting sucked off, or I lie and get fired because I’m not a good liar.

“I uh … I walked by your office earlier before the bar was open. Your door wasn’t all the way closed. I heard … It doesn’t matter. I really didn’t see much, just him.”

Dropping my eyes to the ground to hide my shame at watching something meant to be private doesn’t help.

“Allie, look at me when I’m speaking to you.”

My eyes meet his stormy ones.

“Are you bothered by what you saw?”

“What? No! Of course not. I don’t care if you’re gay.” I’m just disappointed I’ll never get to experience those eyes boring into me as we fuck.

Jordan cracks a tiny smile. “I’m not gay. I’m bisexual. And not that I owe you any explanations, but this isn’t something that normally happens. My sexual encounters aren’t usually in the bar, but Tyler and I are … complicated.”

“It’s okay. I totally understand complicated. This is your place and you don’t have to explain it.”

“I’m sorry if it freaked you out.”

My mouth drops. “I’m not a prude, Jordan. If you want honesty, it was hot. Not that I watched because I didn’t, I swear, but I heard enough to know that if someone wanted me as much as he wanted you, I’d consider myself lucky.”

TMI, Allie.

Jordan laughs and reaches his hand over the desk to shake mine. As our palms touch, I’m surprised at the warmth radiating from him. I have a feeling Jordan is going to be quite the enigma. I love a good puzzle.

“Keep being honest, Allie, and I think we’ll get along fine.”