Rural Romance by Alexa Riley
Chapter Five
Lux
Was I flirting with him? What the heck has gotten into me? I’m working at a job that I need to keep. This one is paying out the ass, which it should be since we have to wear these ridiculous outfits.
Bastian caught me completely off guard when I fell into his arms and even more so by how charming he was. For one brief moment I thought the world stopped and it was only the two of us staring at each other in that dark hallway.
I hurry to the back because I need a moment of space to get it together. These freaking heels don’t make it easy, and on top of that my heart is racing. The feel of his hands on me still lingers. There was no way he was just being polite, not with that smile. Excitement bubbles up inside of me at the possibility, but I shake the thought.
He was only being nice, and I’m sure part of him felt sorry for me. Compared to all the other women, I stand out and not only because I’m wobbling around in heels. Still, he is different from the rest of the men I’ve seen here tonight. The biggest difference being he isn't old enough to be my grandpa. He also didn’t have a bunny in his lap until I threw myself at him.
“Again?” I come up short before pushing open the back door to the kitchen. Matthew is staring at my empty tray with a look of irritation on his face.
“I’m sorry. I’m normally great with a tray, but these shoes are throwing me off.” The outfit too, but I don’t say it because I don’t want him to hear me complain. Or draw attention to it. I’m still surprised they were able to get the thing on me, but it did take two of the girls to zip me up. And if that wasn’t embarrassing enough, everyone keeps looking at me like they’re just as shocked as I am it hasn’t burst open.
“If it happens again, you’re out for the night.” I nod in understanding as he steps out of the way so I can go into the kitchen.
“He’s a dick.” Ella winks at me as she walks by, obviously having heard Matthew and me.
I’m jealous of how easily she can walk in her heels. She was one of the girls to help me get into my uniform when almost everyone else turned their noses up at me. I heard one call me a country bumpkin.
“Hey, new girl,” one of the other bunnies calls. She’s leaning up against the counter as one of the cooks fills her tray with appetizers. “Let me give you some free advice. Stick to the older ones.” Her eyes sharpen as she raises her chin. “But stay clear of mine.”
I’m not sure which one was hers, but that’s not going to be a problem at all. “Thanks,” I say, because I have no idea how else to respond to that. I don’t want to step on anyone’s toes, and speaking of toes, mine might fall off.
This night is never going to be over, and my feet are throbbing. I set my tray down in front of the cooks like they showed us earlier and wait for it to be filled again.
I knew this was a bad idea when we were lined up for inspection and told to flirt with the clients. If we’re invited to sit or have a drink, we’re to do it and make sure they enjoy our company. I haven’t been able to make a full circle on the floor because of my awful heels so I guess that’s lucky for me. It would be nice to sit down for a few minutes, so I wouldn’t mind if Bastian asked.
He must have shown up late because I hadn’t seen him before my fall. But once I took in his appearance I could tell he was different from the rest of them. The air around him felt charged, and I was drawn to him. They don’t make men like Bastian where I’m from. He’s not rough and gritty, but more like sharpened stone. His suit was polished and put together, but I could feel there was something hard and solid underneath.
“Yo, chubby bunny. Your tray’s done.”
“Fuck off, Jeremy,” one of the other bunnies says before I can even respond to the prick. I’d like to tell him to fuck off too, but he’s honestly not worth the time.
When I take the tray and walk out of the kitchen, I can’t help looking around hopefully to see if Bastian is still there. When he’s not, I’m disappointed but try to shake it off.
With my shoulders back, I circle around the room slowly, trying to keep my balance. Out of the corner of my eye I see him again, but the excitement dies when I see he’s already had his attention captured. I should have known, but my dumb heart sinks when I see he’s got two bunnies next to him. They’re both beautiful, but all of the bunnies working are.
So much for him being my safety net. A man is nice to me for two seconds and I think he might be hitting on me. I’m such a dumbass. This place is crawling with beautiful women, why would he really settle for me when he could have the whole room?
“What do we have here?” An older gentleman walks up beside me and I try not to be startled by his surprise appearance.
It’s then that I notice his eyes aren’t on my tray but all over me. I know I’m practically naked, but he makes me feel like I actually am. When he licks his lips my stomach tightens, and I wish I could take a step back. I also wish I could grab the front of my outfit and pull it up, but I know this skintight costume isn't going to move an inch. At this point it’s fused with my skin, and I’ll have to be buried in it.
“King crab rolls,” I tell him brightly and hold the tray between us. My smile stretches tight, and I pray he takes the hint. What the heck is wrong with these men? Don’t they have granddaughters my age? If my brothers saw me right now they’d burn this place down.
“I was thinking of something sweeter.” He licks his lip again and this time I stand there like a deer caught in headlights.
I want to smack him and my palm is tingling for me to do it. But I’m sure there is some law about assaulting old people that is harsher than a normal assault. I know they said we should be chatty if approached, but I don’t think I can fake the kind of interest they want me to display.
“I’ll take this off your hands, Lux. Why don’t you get this man a drink?” Matthew says, taking the tray from my hand. He’s such a dick.
“I think that’s a great idea,” Old Guy says as he goes to put his arm around me.
Before I can step out of the contact, someone grabs his attention by calling his name loudly. We both turn, and I see Bastian heading our way. His smile is broad, but it doesn’t reach his eyes as he walks over to us with the two bunnies trailing close behind. I try to feign indifference, but I’m praying he needs to have a private chat with the old dude right this second.
“Bastian.” The man stands up straighter, but it doesn’t help. He’s the same height as me with these heels on. “I didn't see you come in.”
“I got here a while ago.” His eyes flick to me, and I fidget a little under his stare. “Hey George, have you met Mindy and Cora?” Bastian motions to the two bunnies.
“Cindy,” one of the girls corrects, and I bite the inside of my cheek so that I don’t laugh.
“No, I don’t think I have.” His wrinkled face creases as he smiles, and both of the girls giggle.
“We should change that then,” Cindy suggests, running her fingers up his chest. How can she manage to do that without her skin crawling?
“He needs a drink,” I encourage the bunnies, wanting him as far away from me as possible.
“We can do that.” They sidle up next to him, and George looks at me for a long second. Crap on a stick. “Why don’t you come with us?” Both the girls scrunch their faces, not liking that idea, but the feeling is mutual.
“I think I’ll take this one.” Bastian puts his arm around me, and I force myself to pretend I’m not relieved.
“It’s about time you loosen up, Bastian.” George slaps him on the arm before he slides his arms around Cindy and Cora, and they make their way to the bar.
“Thank you.” I glance up at my savior, but he’s staring a hole into the back of George’s head.
“You were supposed to come back to me.” He guides me over to the side of the room.
“You were busy,” I try to say casually.
“That seems unfair. I saved you from George, but you couldn't save me from the bunny twins?”
I snort and then inwardly cringe. Why can’t I have a sexy laugh or do one of those cute giggles I’ve heard the other bunnies do tonight? Bastian smiles down at me and I see a dimple appear in his cheek that makes him even more handsome.
“I thought maybe you were having a good time. Everyone seems to want to catch a bunny.” As I glance around the room, I can see they’re all cozied up to every available man in here. No one is up serving food anymore, but I don’t think anyone really cares.
“I only have eyes for one bunny.” He guides me back over to where he was sitting before, and I like that the area is more private. The couch has curtains around it and a low table for drinks, but there’s only one opening and not everyone can see inside. It seems as though he was back here hiding, and I wonder if he wants to be here any more than I do.
“Keep me company,” he says as he takes my hand.
He doesn't really ask, which should annoy me, but I’m feeling something different altogether. I try to hide my blush, not wanting to be the shy virgin country girl, but if he judges me based on my outfit, he probably thinks I’m older and more experienced.
“I think I can do that.” When I sit down on the plush couch, I let out a small moan when the pressure leaves my feet. Bastian stills for a moment, and I see a flash of heat in his eyes. It’s then I realize the sounds I just made, and I shrug. “Sorry.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for, Lux.” He sits down next to me. “I’m happy to hear that sound anytime you want to make it.” He leans back against the couch that curves around the booth. He puts one arm over the back and grabs his drink, then waits expectantly. “Now, tell me everything.”
“Everything?” I laugh, but he doesn't. He waits, and I realize he’s actually serious.
So I think to myself, Why not? and tell him all about me. After that, the night no longer drags on, and at one point I feel like it’s going to be over far too soon.
