Page 31 of Dance for Me
Money greases palms, blackmail serves a purpose, andsometimesnice words don’t get you what you want. None of my methods need to be captured for viewing pleasure.
I look up into the camera, giving it the middle finger as I press a button on my phone to turn it off.
My phone buzzes again.
Sadie: Rude
I chuckle, but don’t turn the camera back on right away. I have always been the responsible one when we were growing up, making sure the bills were paid when our dad disappeared for days, that she got on and off the bus every day for school,helping with homework until her big brain outgrew my own capabilities. I may have been a makeshift mom in many ways, but Sadie has always been the more nurturing of us, always wanting to make those around herhappyinstead of merely content.
When my laptop was dented, I came in to find a replacement a few days later, brand new and exactly copied over so everything was right where it was before. When I’m sick but insist on coming in to check on things, she makes sure the temperature in my office is turned up and I’m given a rotating schedule of tea and water throughout the day. She is thoughtful in every way that counts, and I know if she keeps seeing how I react to Colton she is going to want to talk about it. The only thing worse thanhavingfeelings is having to talk about them.
Nope, I’m all set.
Nothing has happened since the night of the bachelorette event after Colton stole that kiss.And watched me cum on my own fingers while he moaned my name.A fact he’s sure to remind me every chance he can, not with words but with every touch and gesture. Every glance and caress of his eyes on my curves. That he knows how my lips feel and what my breathing sounds like when I shatter. How I moan when I hit that spot inside mejustright.
Yesterday he leaned over my shoulder when bringing in reports and order slips for me to sign, bringing his face close enough that I was forced to breathe him in. Teak and sandalwood, a hint of spice I couldn’t place. I want to bottle it up and bring it to Bath & Body Works and have them brand it as a candle so I can pack my apartment full. An exclusive release only for me.
They have made weirder scents before. If they can make a scent called Moonlit Goddess, then they can make me aSultry SandalwoodorTake me Teak.
Just last night, he blatantly eye fucked me when escortingthe Mayor and his son into my office for a meeting, not a care in the world if anyone recognized the way his eyes clouded over, memory clashing with reality as his eyes raked over my curves.
He touches me as often as he can, with whatever excuse he can find. A hand pressed to the small of my back when we walk through the club, an arm slung over my shoulder as we walk in and out, his body leaning into mine to show me something on his tablet. Brushing a loose strand of hair behind my ear…
A knock sounds at the door, bringing me out of my reverie.
“Come in,” I call out, lightly fanning myself at the memory.
Tinsley, one of my bartenders, pops her head through the door frame, only opening it a crack before I motion for her to come in.
“Sorry to bother you, but there is someone here for a shipment and I can’t find Tessa,” she says, looking apologetic.
I maneuver around my laptop screen to check the schedule and don’t see that anything should be coming in today.
“Do you know what they are delivering?” I ask her, trying to piece together if I missed an email or text about an order being placed. It’s not like I haven’t been a teensy bit distracted.
“He says it’s liquor, but I didn’t see anything for today on the schedule,” Tinsley throws a thumb over her shoulder back to where she came in. “I think it’s only a few crates though, but when I asked him for the invoice sheet or what I needed to sign, he just stared at me. He’s either new or just hates his job, I haven’t decided. But I told him to wait while I asked the boss.”
Our shipments typically run like clockwork, always on the same days of the month, so I can make sure we have extra hands on deck to bring the crates in. I don’t remember placing an additional alcohol shipment, but it would make sense to replace the bottles ruined during Colton’s fight with whoever broke into my office.
“Okay, just grab Colton and he can pull people to help you with it,” I instruct.
Tinsley looks around the space, avoiding eye contact and twisting her hands together before finally she word vomits, getting it out in a rush, “I can’t find Colton either. That’s why I had to come get you. I thought I saw him a few minutes ago, but now I can’t find him. I’m really, very sorry to bother you with this.” Tinsley looks like she feels guilty, but I don’t think it's for asking me to perform a duty they all think is below my station. Everyone knows I have no problem rolling up my sleeves when it’s needed, or oftentimes, warranted. The look of guilt marring her pretty face is for fear she is getting her manager and fellow employee in trouble for being unreachable when needed.
“Colton is probably helping Marcus with something, and Tessa is most likely in the back rooms somewhere. It’s no problem at all.” I start to stand from my desk when Wade opens the door behind where Tinsley waits, essentially blocking the entire doorway. Tinsley turns when he enters, looking up…and up…and up, tentatively smiling at Wade.
He gives her a curt nod before fixing his stare on me. “I’m happy to help, Ms. Mathers.” I appreciate that he doesn’t try to pretend he wasn’t eavesdropping. It’s refreshing.
“Are you just saying that because you want me to stay in my office where Sadie can keep an eye on me? Instead of me wandering around to unload crates and interact with strangers.”
“Sure am,” he replies. His broad grin lights up his entire face, knowing he’s been caught and has no shame about it whatsoever. I shake my head and gesture to the door.
“Have at it, Wade,” I laugh, sitting back down. Tinsley takes the lead, shuffling around the immobile Wade to slink out the office door.
I lean back and cross my arms. “I thought you were going to go help?” I ask him when he makes no move to follow her. Standing stock-still, hands clasped behind his back, legs braced a shoulder-width apart, he is a soldier standing at attention. Inotice the earpiece then and realize I’m probably not the only Mathers giving him directives. I listen closely for a few more seconds, seeing if I can concentrate enough to hear Sadie nagging him from across the room. Wade rolls his eyes before he nods his head at the camera mounted over the door.
Looks like our little defiance to him being my shadow the other night had us both punished by the drillmaster. I would take a camera over Sadie yapping in my ear all day without question. Though from his amused expression, I would guess her chattering throughout the day has been nothing, if not the highest form of entertainment.
“Sadie would like me to inform you it’s the little button on the app that says ‘On’. I will go help Tinsley once the camera is activated and Sadieallowsit.” He looks pointedly at my phone, where it sits on the edge of the desk. Sighing, I reach over to unlock my phone and turn on the camera. The little green light blinks to life, and Wade lifts a hand to the small earpiece, listening for his permission before nodding once and turning to leave the office.
