like most celebrities. It only took meeting the guy one time to realize that. Just seeing how he’d manipulated everyone on television was proof.
I wasn’t sure how much Dakota had told them, so I decided to be somewhat careful. “He needs more help than Jonah has time to give. With the club opening, you guys are all going to get busier and I can step in and take a lot off Dakota’s plate.”
The big guy nodded. “And the sexual chemistry?”
“A fun bonus?” I raised an eyebrow and shrugged. “I’m not going to pretend I’m not interested in him. Shit. I had a thing for him before I even met him. The chemistry between us and the fact that he thinks I’m hot is a bonus.”
“And if he says he wants to work with you but not have anything personal going on?” The guy was still staring at me like a thug, but the wording made me grin.
“So I’ve got the job?” That just made him roll his eyes. “No, I get it. I’m not going to be a dick if he doesn’t want to explore anything personal with me. But I’m also not going to lie and say it won’t be difficult. There’s a spark there, but it’s going to depend on him.”
Backing down from what I wanted had never been my style, but I also wasn’t a creepy asshole.
“If he starts to offer me the job, we’ll talk and lay everything out on the table. If I think I’ll make him uncomfortable, or if it just feels weird, I’ll turn it down.” Chemistry was not the be-all and end-all. We had to be on the same page or it would make it impossible for Dakota to work.
“Fine.” With that, my talkative, still unnamed new friend walked off.
Well, that had gone fairly well.
“You’re meeting everyone tonight.” The teasing voice made me smile as I turned.
“Unfortunately, I’m not making a favorable impression on some people.” Leaning against a couch on the edge of the crowd, I smiled at Rowan. “But you’ll never guess who I met here.”
His grin widened. “Big alphas who aren’t shy about flirting? ’Cause that’s who I met.”
Chuckling, I shook my head and dropped my voice low. “No, I met your favorite erotica author who’s here as his alter ego, so don’t give it away.”
“No!” His gaze bounced around the room as he stretched up to see over the crowd. “Really?”
I nodded, searching the room for Dakota but not seeing him. “Yeah, he’s one of the guys who are putting the club together.”
“Did you ask if you got the job?” Rowan was searching the room but finally gave up and turned back to me. “Well?”
I shrugged. “He was vague, but from what his rough-looking buddy said, I think I have the job. He just doesn’t like the fact that he’s got the hots for me.”
Rowan laughed. “He didn’t say that.”
“Not in so many words, but the way he was watching me and licking his lips like I was a lamb chop said enough.” Knowing his imagination, that was one omega who’d been having some sexy fantasies.
Rowan giggled. “But finding you hot isn’t the same thing as wanting to work around you or date you.”
Sighing, I nodded. “I don’t need logic right now.”
More giggles escaped as he tried to look sympathetic. “Sorry.”
Rowan had been bouncing between reality and waiting for us both to find our Mr. Rights since we’d first met several years ago. Initially, we both thought we might have been perfect for one another, but it soon became clear that we were meant to be friends.
“Do you want me to tell you it’s all going to work out perfectly?” He grinned when I rolled my eyes.
“I’m good, thanks.” I shrugged as I looked around the room, searching for Dakota again. I just couldn’t seem to stop myself. “I have a feeling it will work out, you know?”
When he nodded, I grinned at him, ready to change the subject. “And how about you? Any fabulous options?”
It was his turn to shrug, but when he blushed, it ruined the casual movement. “Possibly. I met a few guys who are curious about that kind of stuff, so we’ll see.”
“I told you that you needed to get out and meet more people.” I laughed when he snorted.
“This is different. In regular dating, it’s hard to tell what people are into. But with this, everyone’s kinky in some way, so even if they’re not into age play or puppy play then it’s