Alluring Promises Box Set (Books 1-3) Read online

  “Okay.” I heard myself saying before really thinking it all through. Just seeing her head raise and noticing her take a deep breath helped my decision. “I’ll try to get some IDs made up. Any particular name you want or can I go with something slutty for fun,” I joked. I swear I saw something spark in her eyes as if a joke came to mind, but it seemed to go just as quickly. A vacant look took its place.

  “Um, whatever you feel like picking, I’m fine with,” Izzy said with a meek smile. I glanced at Mel, who was staring at her like she wasn’t sure who she was.

  “I’ll get your uniform so you can try it on.” I grabbed some different sizes of tops and skirts and handed them to her. “Bathroom is down the hall to the left.” Mel and I both watched her disappear into the ladies room. I swung my head to Mel. “What’s up with all that?”

  Mel exhaled and slumped. “I don’t really know.” She flung her hand at the direction of the ladies room. “I’m still trying to figure it all out. Izzy dated this guy right after graduation. She started this great job and he kept coming around and calling. Sending her tons of flowers, expensive clothes, trips here and there to Europe, out of the blue. We started fighting more and more because he seemed to be controlling everything she did.” She stopped and thought some more and then said, “I think he was into some crazy controlling type of shit, but I haven’t figured it all out just yet. She had trouble just ordering lunch today. She’s definitely not the same Izzy I knew. My old Izzy would have had a great come back for the slutty name comment.”

  “Look, I want to help out and all, but I don’t want her flaking out or something behind the bar. I really need to keep my bar and staff running well.” I said halfheartedly. I didn’t want Izzy out of the picture, but I still had a business to run.

  “No, I don’t think she’ll flake out. I think she’s anxious to return to some sort of normalcy. She’s living with us, so I’ll try to find out more and keep an eye on her.”

  Wow…well at least if things don’t work out here, I still get to see more of her since we hang out all the time. Sheila would hate that, but we haven’t been getting along at all lately anyway. So, Flynn had this woman staying with them. Shit, the thought came to me way too quickly—this meant Clark was just a door down from her room if she was in Lucy’s old room.

  “What’s wrong?” Mel asked. She must have seen the thought dawn on me.

  “Umm, has Clark met her yet?” I asked, hoping he hadn’t already tapped her.

  Laughing, Mel said, “Yes, he has and yes, he’s already trying. Both Flynn and I warned him to keep his dick to himself.”

  The clicking of heels against the wood floors alerted us our talk time was over. I licked my lips watching her hips sway as she walked back to us wearing her same knockout dress. “How’d they fit?” I asked.

  “Great actually. I really love the uniform,” she said smiling brightly, handing me the clothes that didn’t fit.

  “Good, then I guess I’ll see you tonight. Come by a little early around six so I can introduce you to the other bartenders and waitresses,” I said and gave her a quick wink. Why did I wink at her? Crap, I was acting stupid already. What was tonight going to be like in front of my staff? Or in front of Sheila? She’d start up her jealousy crap again. She was doing that more and more lately. Well, when I saw her.

  Mel hugged me and gave me a quick kiss on my cheek and said she and Flynn would stop by later for some drinks since Clark was working the door tonight.

  Clark. Shit. She was living there with him. I bet he’ll walk her here and back home tonight. Unless he scores some tonight. Maybe I’ll have to make sure that happens so he doesn’t try anything with Izzy. Shit, how am I going to make that happen all the time? Wait. Why the fuck am I thinking about this? It shouldn’t matter since I’m with Sheila.

  I had a strange urge to call Sheila. The instant connection I got from Izzy made me feel like I cheated on Sheila or something. I shook my head and realized I didn’t cheat or anything stupid like that. I get chicks hitting on me all the time, why would this feeling I got from Izzy be any different?

  Figuring out what to do next, I made a call to Mick for Izzy’s fake ID. I just need to make sure it’s not a slutty name since she didn’t seem thrilled about that. As the phone rang, I reminded myself not to sound too urgent so I wouldn’t owe him too much. The guy could smell need and it usually doubled the cost of whatever I needed. Thankfully, I hadn’t had to call him in a long time. Too long. Until now.

  After finishing with Mick, the books were next. At least Mary was good at bookkeeping because obviously that wasn’t the case in her choice of whom she fucked.

  CHAPTER THREE

  Izzy

  AS WE WALKED BACK to the townhouse, my mind wandered to my new boss, Z. I knew I shouldn’t have romantic thoughts about him, nor any man right now for that matter, but I couldn’t help it. The connection we seemed to have from just looking at each other was incredibly intense. Just thinking about him made my heart feel like it was going to burst out of my chest. Gorgeous was the word that came to mind. Wait, maybe it was handsome. Hot. Amazing. It was hard to pick one word to describe him. He towered over me in height; even with my heels. There was no denying he worked out a lot. It was obvious the way his t-shirt was tight enough, not to be obnoxious, but definitely hinted to his well-defined abs. His hair color seemed to be the same sandy blonde color as mine, maybe a bit darker, but I’m sure his wasn’t highlighted by a hairdresser every three weeks to be the perfect shade. His strong jaw line and masculine cheekbones seemed to be carved by the best sculptor. And then his eyes, piercing grey blue that seemed to look into my soul, but at the same time were so caring and warm. My mind felt dizzy just thinking about him and the way his hand felt in mine. And those lips.

  I sighed and tried to remind myself that I don’t need to be consumed by another man right now. He still consumed my thoughts, but there was something about Z that was so different, almost completely opposite of him. The caring attraction that he exuded from our quick introduction seemed so sincere. Or was that my imagination? I just felt an electric current between us, especially when we shook hands. But then again, it could be my mind running wild; too much has happened in the past 24 hours and I was sure I wasn’t thinking straight.

  Hoping he might be a jerk who slept around so I could stop thinking about him, I asked Melanie, “So, Z seems pretty nice. Do you think he’ll be a good boss like Ron was?” I mentioned Ron, my former manager from Smith’s because he slept with any girl that walked, well, except his staff. He made sure to treat us all with respect. I was hoping Melanie got my hint of what I was implying.

  She frowned and shook her head. “Sort of. I see the way he treats his staff. He’s great with them and very courteous like Ron was, but he’s nothing like the dog Ron was. Z seems to try to find steady girls and treats them well. Too bad he just winds up with girls who either cheat on him or are just plain crazy. He’s living with this girl Sheila right now.” My heart sank at hearing he was living with his girlfriend, but I tried not to show any reaction. “But, ugh, she’s such a bitch. I can’t stand her. And lately she’s been playing way too many head games with him. I really think she’s cheating on him or something.”

  “What makes you think that?” I was curious—not that it mattered because I really needed to get my head straight before thinking about any guy at all.

  “I don’t know. Remember how Frank’s girlfriend used to call him, making excuses about where she was and stuff? Then she would accuse him of cheating all the time, when actually she was screwing that creepy stalker-type guy at Smith’s?” She asked, laughing. We had given him that name because he would sit at the back of the bar and stare at all the girls dancing, but wouldn’t make a move until they were drunk and ready to leave.

  “Gross. Yes, I totally remember that whole deal. Poor Frank. He was so sweet too. So you think Z’s girlfriend is doing that to him?”

  “Yeah, I just get that impression. Flynn thinks
so too, but Z seems oblivious. They’re always fighting though and she never hangs out with us, which is fine with me. As I said, she’s annoying.” Melanie said, scrunching her nose.

  “That’s not good.” I really felt sorry for Z.

  She nodded in agreement. “Yeah, he’s like a brother type to me. We have a lot of fun. You’ll see how it is with all of us. It’s just like Brad and Mack. We hang out, drink, play cards, and pool, but we’re all just good friends.”

  I nodded, thinking about Brad and Mack. Mack was a friend of Brad’s from college, but Brad I’ve known since my first foster home. We somehow were able to stay together and even made sure we went to college together. There were many times he backed me up and saved me, especially when I used to hustle pool. Although, he had reason to do that since I would always split my winnings with him.

  I missed Brad so much, especially lately. We used to be so close until he married Missy. She was constantly jealous of our relationship. It was around the same time that Melanie started dating Allen. “How are they? Have you heard from them lately?” She answered that she hears from them every once in a while, but now that they’re married and working, she doesn’t talk to them that much.

  “I’ll have to give them a call and let ‘em know you’re back in town,” Melanie exclaimed excitedly.

  I shook my head, looking down at the pavement as we walked. “I’m sure Missy and Donna don’t really want us calling them. Maybe we shouldn’t bother.” I still felt sad about the last time I had spoken with Brad. Missy yelled at him to choose between her and me, he had given me a sorry look and chased after her, obviously wanting Missy. My stomach churned just thinking back to that day.

  “Well, maybe just the guys will come to town for a night of fun. I’m sure they can get away for one night of walking down memory lane,” Melanie said in a hopeful manner.

  “I doubt it. We should probably just leave it alone. I don’t think I want to face Brad again after our last exchange.” I’d rather just leave that door closed.

  Melanie rubbed my back and gave me a sad nod, knowing how I had broken down after that had happened. She took a deep breath. “Are you nervous about tonight?” Melanie asked. I noticed her subject changing abilities hadn’t changed much.

  “A little. But I’ve kept up on all my bartender skills.” I left out about the parties and that I had to serve drinks in certain outfits to appease him for different fantasy scenes. Some of those were pretty fun, but I was trying not to think about anything having to do with him.

  After returning home, I washed my new clothes and put them away. I took a shower and sat at the kitchen island to eat a quick dinner before heading over to Allure. As I was eating my salad, Clark came down the stairs wearing a red shirt with the logo for Allure on it. I couldn’t help but graze over his incredible chest. The red shirt was obviously part of Allure’s standard uniform, but he definitely picked one a bit tighter that would emphasize his broad shoulders. It was snug enough to show every chest and ab muscle he had. It reminded me of Z, but Clark’s shirt was much tighter.

  He smiled smugly noticing my gaze. “You like this, don’t ya babe?” He asked, gesturing to his chest.

  I had a couple of witty things come to mind but stopped. Why did I stop? Just like in front of Z and his slutty name comment. I wanted to tease back with him. I used to have really fun comments that would get a quick laugh in a guy’s eyes…but since him, I squashed it. Why? Easy. Punishment for speaking out, and not usually the good kind. At first he seemed to like my quick wit and comebacks. But after the punishments increased the past several months, I began to think he might not be as into them as I had thought.

  Instead, I just smirked at Clark, rolled my eyes and shook my head. Safer. Although what did I have to lose now? He isn’t around. I still refrained.

  “Wow, look at you. Loving the uniform on you, babe.” His eyes lit up with excitement, which also lingered a bit too long on my chest. “Are you going in early? I need to get over there and discuss some things with Z. I’ll walk with you.”

  I didn’t think I really had a choice. I didn’t see any harm in that, just as long as he kept his hands to himself. “Yeah, that sounds good. I’m supposed to be there around six,” I told him as I put my dish in the dishwasher.

  We headed out to Allure, which was only a couple blocks away. Clark was nice and a bit chatty as he joked about the girls that try to get in and some of the douchebags (as he called them) that would flash cash attempting to get in. He had some fun stories and before I knew it, we were at Allure.

  I was laughing about one of Clark’s stories as we walked in and turned the corner to the bar area. Z sat at the bar chatting with a beautiful blonde woman behind the bar who was wearing the same uniform I was. Z looked fabulous wearing a red button-down shirt under a black jacket with dark jeans. I followed his gaze pinned on Clark; his grey-blue eyes turned to stormy. I was pretty sure whatever Clark needed to discuss with Z wasn’t something good.

  The moment Z’s eyes met mine the hard glare softened at once. I felt his gaze sweep over me. “Wow, the uniform looks fantastic on you.” I blushed and thanked him. He introduced me to the woman behind the bar. “This is Sandy. Sandy—Izzy.”

  She smiled wide and held out her hand. “Any friend of Mel’s is a friend of mine. We’re gonna have some fun.”

  “I’ll let Sandy get you familiar with the place and behind the bar.” He turned to Clark. “You—come with me.” They walked off and I went behind the bar with Sandy.

  “I hear it’s been awhile since you’ve tended bar.”

  I swallowed and nodded, unsure if she was going to turn evil now that Z wasn’t around. Instead she smiled even brighter than before. “Good. That means you won’t have any bad habits. It’ll be much easier to train you my way.” With that, she showed me around the back of the bar and how to handle the register which was really easy since it was all computerized, unlike what I used at Smith’s.

  Then she took me on a tour. Allure was basically an old converted warehouse with high exposed ceilings. Starting from the front entrance, the long bar was located to the right, the remainder of the area was a dance floor with scattered high bar tables. To the back were several steps leading up to the VIP area and behind the VIP area were three pool tables. It was a very open concept and seemed to allow for a lot of dancing and mingling.

  Sandy explained that Allure gets a varied crowd, but most are upscale, young business types, who are great tippers and she mentioned that the design of the uniform also helps. “Mark, our other bartender, should be in shortly,” Sandy told me. My stomach churned just hearing that name.

  Fortunately, Mark came in and was nothing like the Mark I knew. Thank God, because I would have seriously had to spend the night in the bathroom dry heaving if he were. This Mark was blonde and had a sweet smile. Not devilish. I realized how panicked I had become just from hearing Mark’s name. I gathered all my strength and pushed any thoughts of him or Mark away. I was going to enjoy my new life and any thoughts of them needed to stop.

  Z came out just as I was getting a rundown of beers on tap and going over the drink menu. Clark walked out shortly after, looking agitated and grabbed his bar stool to start setting up at the door. Z called out to me asking if I’d follow him to the office. I excused myself from Sandy and Mark then followed Z.

  I stood in his office facing him and felt that same instant attraction I felt earlier when we first met. My body felt like it was on fire and my heart raced. The temperature in the room had to be above eighty, I was convinced of that, especially as I watched him remove his jacket and place it over the back of his chair. He didn’t say anything at first, but his eyes grazed my body from head to toe as if he were drinking every inch of me in. When his hungry eyes met mine, his intense gaze made me want to melt into his arms. Immediately I lowered my gaze to the floor like I was supposed to do. He cleared his throat and from the corner of my eyes could see the flash of red as he rolled up his sleeves. “I hav
e your paperwork here. I contacted a friend and got a new ID for you so your ex won’t be able to trace you here.”

  Still feeling flushed from being in his presence, I stammered, “Thank you, I really appreciate you doing this for me.” My training came in handy as I kept my eyes averted.

  He seemed like he was trying to figure out what to say next. The silence allowed me to clear my thinking. I wasn’t with him anymore. I could look Z in the eyes. The moment I lifted my gaze, I watched as he pulled his brows together and a slight frown appeared on his lips. “I hope you don’t take this the wrong way, but I really don’t want any trouble starting here. So I kind of need to know if your ex,” he seemed to spit that word out, “will be violent or cause any other trouble.”

  The thought made me question how well I really knew him. “I really don’t think he would be violent, but I did leave without speaking to him first.” Z walked around his desk, leaned on it and then crossed his arms over his chest. My breath hitched as I gazed at his forearms. The flex of his biceps under the fabric of his shirt stirred thrilling swirls in my core. The sincerity and caring in his blue eyes made my heart melt and my pulse quicken. The mixture of all these emotions was overwhelming.

  “If you see him come in, I need to know immediately—is that a deal?” he asked as his eyes continued to gaze into mine. I bit my lip as I nodded. “Was he violent with you?”

  Thinking of my ‘bad’ punishments, I glanced away and swallowed. “It was more head games than anything else.” I wasn’t sure how to explain our sexual relationship; seeing there were times I couldn’t understand it myself.