He's the Boss (Dance with Me #1): Boss-Employee Romance

Chapter 20: Tell Me This Won't End Badly

Linc

I reach for the bourbon bottle on my desk, grabbing a tumbler from the drawer and pouring myself a shot. There's no time to sit in my office and drink, even though my life feels incredibly messed up right now. Tease has already performed once tonight and is due on stage in less than ninety minutes. I should be checking in with the bar team, security, and handling the club's ins and outs. But tonight, I just can't pretend that everything is okay when it clearly isn't.

Dealing with the accounts, the looming prospect of having to marry Claudia, and the fear of losing Brooke are overwhelming me. Brooke and I have spent so much time trying to sort out the books, but now I'm starting to panic.

How long will I be able to keep this club? What if I can't protect my staff?

And what if I have to give up Brooke, never be able to taste her, kiss her, or make love to her again?

I throw back the shot and pour another one, ignoring the vibrating phone on my desk. Claudia has been blowing up my phone for the past hour. When she asked for a job here, I questioned her seriousness, wondering if she might change her mind. Yet, in just two days since our conversation, she already has her RSA.

Even if she's only here for a job, she's made it clear that she thinks we belong together.

A soft knock on the door interrupts my thoughts. I didn't expect anyone, but relief and pleasure wash over me when Brooke pokes her head in and says, "Hey."

I sit back in my chair, gesturing for her to come in. I notice the tray of shots in her hands. She places it on my desk, offering a wry smile. "I know you didn't want me to bring the shots back anymore, but no one else could do it tonight, and I said I would. I've been to see everyone else, but I didn't find you out there. Then again, I see you're keeping your drinks to yourself. Are you okay?"

"Not even close," I reply. "Claudia messaged me. She has her RSA."

Brooke's eyes widen, and she seems taken aback before composing herself. I know the situation with Claudia is causing her as much stress as it is causing me. The last thing I want is to burden Brooke even further, but I need her fresh perspective. Since she entered my life, I've come to understand the phrase 'trouble shared is trouble halved'. Everything about her brings me comfort, even though her presence and beauty make me long for so much more than just her company.

Brooke walks around the desk and leans her butt against it, gazing down at me. "It's going to be okay, Linc."

I stare up into her hazel eyes. "Is it? Can you honestly tell me this won't end badly?"

She sighs. "You're giving her the chance to be independent. It's a risk, but it's one I understand. In your situation, I'd do the same thing."

"I know you would."

Brooke is hands down the best person I know. When I explained what Claudia told me about her parents, Brooke said I made the right decision. Despite the terrible scenario this must be for her, Brooke completely understood my reason for agreeing. I reach up and stroke her face with the backs of my fingers, and she closes her eyes and sighs softly.

"I know being with you is wrong and unfair to you," I whisper. "I hate how much I'm putting you at risk, and yet I can't let you go."

Her eyes open and lock on mine, and I want to live in this moment and drown in her gaze forever. Drown in her.

"Linc, I've told you. I don't want you to let me go. For however long this lasts, you have me."

Her words make my heart race, and urgency fills me. I scoot back in my chair, putting my hands on her hips and sliding her so she's in front of me. I stare up at her as if all the answers to my questions are in her eyes. She places her hands on my shoulders, and I drop my head, resting my forehead against her stomach. I shouldn't be able to hear her heart beating from here, but somehow, it feels like it's in sync with my own.