chapter 3: He Is Offlimit

Chapter 3: He Is Offlimit

Brianna

Of course he does, he met me a few years ago, I am an idiot. I was just frozen on the bottom step, not knowing how to proceed with this.

“T.. thanks for letting us stay here.” I muttered.

I know I sounded ridiculous, I was kind of panicking because he was the hottest man I have ever seen. All he was doing was looking at me without speaking and my body was reacting to that in so many ways. He nodded curtly at my words and suddenly turned his back on me, making his way to what I now realized was his bar. He pulled out a fancy bottle and poured himself some liquor. He didn't offer me anything nor did he pay more attention to me. Really, that is it?

Callan was so intimidating in his silence and powerful presence that it had me pressing my thighs together to avoid my wet wetness from leaking. It got to the point that I couldn't take it anymore and I had to scurry up to my room to hide and rub myself off the sexual frustration. I only came down again when I heard my brother calling, he was in a more relaxed version of his suit.

“Are we not going out for dinner?” I asked, looking at how I was now overdressed.

“I figured it would be quieter to catch up here, in this building, we have an in-house chef and I had ordered some food for us.” He muttered and I nodded.

I could still feel Callan's stares somewhere behind my brother but I refused to look at him, I stayed focused on Bryce.

“Do you have a problem with that? Do you want to go out?” He asked as he took my quiet demeanor as being upset but I wasn't. I was just overwhelmed by his best friend.

“No, it is good, we have a lot to talk about.” I agreed, following him to the dining room that already had all the dishes spread down on the table.

I saw three plates setting and my heartbeat quickened. He is going to eat with us? It was no surprise as he sat at the head of the table, Bryce and I were more towards the middle of the table on either side. The elegant drop light here had me staring upwards for a few seconds before I realized my brother said something.

“Eat,” he muttered, already trying to dish out foods he wants me to try.

Callan stayed entirely silent, he gathered his steak and sides and he cut his meat like it was butter, all while he seemingly ignored our conversation like I wasn't even here.

“Kiddo, what is your plan here? Are you going to take some time off to relax or do more school? Or get a job, it is up to you and I can financially support the both of us. You don't need to feel obligated to do anything.” My brother surprised me by saying that.

“You are going to let me slack off?’ I arched a brow at him.

“I would call it that, you have been working hard for a long time and I think it is time to call it off.” He reminded me, again feeling guilty when he shouldn't.

“I am definitely not going to find a fashion designer gift any time soon but I would like to work to make some of my own money.” I said slowly without looking up from my plate. I felt like I was asking permission and I didn't like it.

“Like”? He asked, lifting his glass of wine. Wow, he drinks wine now.

“I was hoping you would let me work at one of your businesses but you have yet to tell me what kind of busine….” I trailed off.

My heart shattered when I noticed Callan's eyes came up to mine, I almost forgot he was there because he had been ignoring me. I guess he heard that part and it was his business not my brother's. Bryce scowled.

“I don't want you working for us.” He shut those ideas off quickly.

I bite my lips, trying to decide how to pursue this further without pushing anyone's buttons. I was too afraid to, so I backed out of saying anything and in my silence, my brother huffed.

“I can talk to some friends and see if anyone is looking to hire somebody.” He said and I shrugged okay.

“I feel like I don't even know what to ask you, yes, we talk but not nearly enough for me to know what has been going on in your day to day life.” I muttered and he gave me that guilty expression again.

“But I have a little experience, I was working as a bartender while in school.” I said, again I didn't look at him.

I kept myself busy with my food, if Callan was looking at me, I wouldn't know because I have completely cut myself off from glancing towards that side of the table. I don't want to be a hot mess again in the presence of my brother.

“If she had bartending experience, she can work at The Emerald Lounge.” A deep voice cut in and when I looked up, Callan was looking at my brother and not me. Bryce shoved at his already rolled up sleeves and shook his head.

“No, I don't want her working at any of our places.” He snapped.

Why? Are they bad places? Damnit, I want to know what he was hiding.

Is it like in the realm of porn or something weird like that? And I would be highly disgusted if it was but he mentioned bartending, so it may not be.

I watched Callan rub his hand and down his dark five o'clock shadow, those tattoos and man rings were enough to make me clench my legs together. He is so attractive, just his hands alone made me dripping wet.