Fire and Ice: Book One: Burned (The Fire and Ice Series 1) Page 5
And the only way I could describe her luscious, lean legs, attached to a sexy pair of red stilettos, was that they needed to be wrapped around my head...stat! Fuck, she smelled so goddamn good. Pears, or some shit, I think. I can still smell her and I've been in this sweat ridden, filthy bar for the last hour, now, watching her ass every time she bends over. Jordan is still giving me dirty looks from earlier, but he can suck a dick for all I care. I have more important things on my mind. I'll deal with him later.
As much as I'd love to ogle Miss Priss' ass all night, there's work to be done and the crowd is starting to roll in. Tonight's band, The Cherished, always brings in a big crowd. Since I got the Princess's car back up and running and we got back to the bar, all three of us had been hopping. Thankfully she'd paid attention last night and to my surprise, actually got her shots ready with plenty of time to spare. Jordan and I were setting up for the heavy crowd as she came up behind me and tapped me gingerly on the shoulder, asking, "Kellan, can I get into the office for a few minutes?"
"For what?" I retorted with a bit of annoyance. She was great to look at, but she was like a fucking gnat.
"I just want to take these shoes off for a few minutes before I have to start." She looked to me with her big blue doe eyes and I rolled mine, irritated that she figured she could just blow off helping me and Jordan out to go rest her pretty little toes. Fucking chicks, man. Always bitching and moaning.
"Five minutes," I said blandly, pushing past her as I grabbed my keys while she trailed behind me, trying to keep up in her high heels. I inwardly snickered at the thought of her having to endure an entire shift on the despicable torture devices. I ushered her in, closed the door, and shook my head as I headed back to the bar.
Jordan finally broke his hours long silence, asking, "What was that all about?"
I decided not to make any more waves and just drop what had happened earlier. That's generally how I roll. I get fucked off at him, we go at it, he sulks, he drops it, I drop it, end of story. We've been doing this since high school. I know the drill. Answering him, I said, "I don't know...her feet fuckin' hurt or some shit. Boo-fuckin'-hoo." I threw my hands up in the air. "I can't work like this!" I blurted out, feigning mortification in an attempt at comic relief. Luckily it worked, as after a moment, Jordan and I both cracked up laughing. I held my hand up and he clasped it, as we brought it in for a for a manly shoulder slap.
Noticing the tables were filling up, and it was approaching 8:00, I thumbed towards the back office and said, "I'm gonna go get her, be right back." I stopped for a beat, then asked, "We good, man?" Jordan smiled and nodded his head. "Cool."
******
Hailey
I knew I shouldn't have worn these stupid heels. My feet were killing me, and I'd decided to ask Kellan if I could take a few minutes to relax my feet before my shift began. I took a few moments to prop my feet up on the couch in the office and must have dozed off, because the next thing I knew, I awoke in a hazy state to Kellan standing over me barking out, "What in the fuck do you think you're doing, Sleeping Beauty? This isn't a fucking rest home!" I startled and shot straight forward, pulling my skirt down that had risen up. Kellan's eyes followed my movements and traveled the length of my legs slowly before making their way back to my eyes, staring at me intently, a blazing desire behind his angry gaze. He was confounding to say the least. "Don't," he stated harshly.
I stilled, questioning, "Don't what?" in a hushed tone.
"Leave it," he demanded. "Open your legs," he continued, his eyes never leaving mine. Shit, this is beyond hot. Oh, shit, oh shit, oh shit...I can't do this! I lay there dumbfounded, until he came over to stand in front of me, a hint of a smirk playing on his face, and nudged my knees apart, leaning his head down to peer under my skirt. My whole body flushed and I was instantly wet. Was it so wrong that I felt honored to be displaying myself for his pleasure? After he'd seemingly gotten his fill, he glanced at me from underneath his dark lashes, not bothering to raise his head, and said, "Good girl. You've redeemed yourself, Sleeping Beauty."
He gave me a devilish smile and pushed my knees together just as Jordan turned the corner, surprising the daylights out me, asking, "What's going on?" with a quizzical look upon his face.
Unfazed, Kellan chuckled and brushed past him, as I feigned innocence, replying, "Nothing! I mean...I fell asleep. Kellan caught me and scared me, that's all." I gathered my shoes, hopping into them quickly and walked past Jordan before he could ask anymore questions. I was in one hell of a jam.
******
Hailey
Thankfully, the rest of the night had gone off without a hitch. The band was great, the crowd was insane, and I made a ton of money. Thanks to Jordan being kind enough to take over mopping for me, I quickly washed off the tables and chairs, and we were able to get out of there at a reasonable hour. I managed to stay as far away from Kellan as I could for the rest of the night, saying goodbye quickly to Jordan and dashing off to my car while Kellan was in the back.
Sunday and Monday had me busy with the football games, but I'm off tonight since Jim is back and they usually don't need a shooter girl on Tuesdays. Honestly, my feet can use the break, even if my wallet desperately needs the cash. No sense wasting my time only to make a few bucks, if any.
After our...exchange, Kellan basically gave me the cold shoulder, leaving me doubting myself. Had I done something wrong? But Jordan and I had been getting along great. Unfortunately, my mom hasn't been feeling the best, so I haven't been able to meet up with him outside of work the last couple of days. But we've been texting each other, and he makes me laugh, sometimes until my sides hurt.
I asked him why he puts up with Kellan's bullshit all the time and he gave me Kellan's story. As I lay in my bed re reading the texts, I'm amazed at what they both went through.
Me: So, like why do you deal with his shit? Why don't you tell him to go fly a kite...he's not your boss, you know.
Jordan: It's not that simple. I've known the kid half my life. We grew up together.
Me: So? If someone was a jerk to me all the time, I don't think I would want to hang around with him, regardless of how long I've known him.
Jordan: He had it rough. He has...issues.
Me: Wow! Thanks Captain Obvious! I never would've figured that one out on my own. Lol.
Jordan: You wouldn't get it.
Me: You know, Jordan, a lot of people have rough childhoods...they don't grow up to be assholes, especially to the people who care about them.
Jordan: It's not like that...I mean, yeah...he can be a royal asshole, but he's got my back, too. He'd never do anything to hurt me.
Me: Why do you say that? You two don't even seem that close.
Jordan: When he was a kid, about 12, his mom, Shirley, died of lung cancer. His parents were always dirt poor, and without his mom around to control his dad...or at least help keep him at bay, his dad went haywire...binge drinking, staying out all night, spending what little money they did have on booze. His dad, Chuck, eventually lost his job. Chuck started coming home and taking it out on Kellan. Eventually Kellan hit a growth spurt...he was 15, and man I remember that day like it was yesterday. He showed up at my door with a fist full of bloody knuckles and a huge grin on his face.
Me: Holy shit! What happened?
Jordan: Kellan knocked Chuck's front teeth out, left, and never went back.
Me: Jesus! Did your parents let him move in with you?
Jordan: HA! I couldn't pay Kellan to move in with me. I begged him to. My parents even threatened to call the social workers. He told my dad to fuck off. Lol.
Me: So what happened? He just lived on the streets?
Jordan: Well, sort of. I mean, I helped him out. It took us forever, but he got a paper route, lawn mowing jobs, shit like that, and we finally scraped enough money together to get him a piece of shit car...it didn't run...he just slept in it.
Me: He bought a car? To sleep in? WOW!
Jordan: Yeah, technically he li
ved at my house, since he parked it in our driveway. After a while, he at least started coming in for dinner. Kellan accepting a handout is a pretty rare thing. Everything he has, he earned.
Me: What about his attitude?
Jordan: He earned that, too.
Chapter Eight
Kellan
When I got to work today, Jim told me we were supposed to getting another shooter girl. Great. I hope this one can walk and chew bubble gum at the same time! I can't say Hailey wasn't picking up her own slack, but I'd seen better. I'll say she isn't the best at working the room, if ya know what I mean. It sure as hell doesn't stop the horny fuckers from ogling her, but if she shook her ass a little more, she'd probably double her tips. At the thought, a pang of jealousy hits me in the gut, and my chest tightens. Yeah, I get a little jacked up when those stupid- drunk assholes are gawking at her, but I can't say I'm much different. I'm probably thinking of doing the same things to her as they are, if given the chance. The only reason I haven't pulled the trigger is because I know she'll want more than I can commit to; which is nada.
The front door opens with flourish, and in walks every man's fantasy. A pair of long legs in fishnet stockings, short ass shorts, and a half shirt nearly showing off her perfect double D's. My jaw nearly hits the floor as I scan her body, my eyes slowly landing on her angelic face, featured exquisitely by her sultry makeup, and cropped platinum blond hair. I do another once over on her body, and my eyes take in her black patent leather stilettos. Jesus, thank you! Finally a perfect angel bestowed upon me. All she's missing is a fucking halo. Then again, a naughty little pair of horns and pitchfork would work, too.
She sauntered over to the bar, her face impassive, and placed her hands against the rail, asking, "I'm here to see the manager."
I gulped and leaned in, trying to do my best to put my moves on her. If she had a complaint, maybe I could keep her talking long enough to forget it altogether. With a wicked smirk on my face, I answered, "I'm sort of the manager...I mean I run the place when Jim's not around."
She quirked a brow and asked, "So is he around, or what?"
Damn! She was feisty...I could see I had my work cut out for me. Then again, I loved a good challenge. Putting on the charm, I retorted, "Don't worry, sweetheart, you're in good hands...very good hands."
She actually rolled her eyes, and said, "I'm not here to see Jim's lackey. I have an appointment. If he's not here, I'll sit and wait." She plopped her pert ass on the bar stool and folded her hands on the bar top, while she looked around, taking in the surroundings, effectively ignoring me. Okaay. Try being...nice. Women love that shit.
"My name's Kellan," I proffered my hand, as she turned her attention to me with an annoyed regard, looked down at it, looked back to my face, and gave me a half-hearted smile. I retreated my hand, coughed into my fist, and asked, "What's your name?" This chick had me intrigued. Women didn't usually blow me off...and by usually, I mean never.
Brusquely she answered, "Georgia," before looking away towards the back office, and then continuing, "Hey, is that the back? I'd rather wait for Jim in his office, if it's back there," she nodded her head towards it.
Fuck, I just could not break through this girl's defenses...what the fuck, man? Was I losing my mojo? "Uh...yeah," I responded flatly, but then I remembered Jim had just come off of being sick as dog, and if this queen bee was here to bitch him out, she could come back when he felt better. He was still getting his bearings, and if she refused to talk to me, she could fuck off. I continued, "Is there a problem I can help you with honey?" flashing her a hard stare.
She flashed me her own, before quirking her lips into a devious smile, answering, "I think I can handle it, honey."
Alright, now the bitch was pissing me off. "What's your problem, lady? Jim isn't here...if you have a complaint, let me know, and I'll pass it onto him, otherwise, why don't you take your little ass, turn around, and let me watch it wiggle as you walk the fuck out that door, got it?"
As I finished my rant, I heard the heavy steel door open from the back, and her expression never wavered as Jim rounded the corner, beaming, "Oh, hey, Georgia! I see you've met Kellan, my right hand man. Kellan, this is Georgia, our newest shooter girl." Fuck my life.
******
Hailey
My few days off went way too fast, but helping my mom out while she wasn't feeling well kept me busy in my down time. It was hard seeing her on days she was suffering. I was glad I could be around to be of some use to her, even if she did hate the attention. Luckily she was having a good day, as I'd have to get back to work tonight, and Jordan told me Jim had hired another shooter girl, due to the fact that business had kicked up in the last few weeks, and the bar had been short staffed. Frankly, I wasn't upset about it, or bitter about the possibility of losing out on tips...it was all I could do to keep up my first week. Who knows, giving better service to a smaller section may earn me the same amount of tips, if not more. Time will tell. At any rate, I'm anxious to meet her, as Jordan has had nothing but good things to say about her; Georgia I think her name is.
I shower and get dressed for work, putting on a skin tight royal blue spandex dress, low cut, so a hint of my black lacy bra peeks out, completing the outfit with high heeled boots that end just above my knees. I leave my hair down, though it usually begins to stick to my neck, as I work up a sweat within the first half hour of my shift; but the sassy look brings in more money, though I feel like a tramp. Mom, of course, shoots me the stink eye every time I leave the house. I'm convinced she thinks I work at a strip club, but holds her tongue nonetheless. I give my dark hair one more flip and fluff, apply a glossy sheen to my lips, and grab my purse to make my way downstairs to say goodnight to Mom.
As usual, she's lying on the couch, remote in hand, flipping through channels. Her favorite show doesn't start until 8:00, so she'll channel surf until then. I stand a bit behind her and off to the side, hoping she's disinterested enough not to bother looking my way, as I say, "Well, I'm off to work Mom. Do you need anything before I go?" My ploy works, as she doesn't bother to take her eyes from the television, and merely shakes her head back and forth. "Ok, then," I add, continuing, "I'll see you in the morning." I want to give her a peck on the cheek, but know she'll pull away, as she's not the 'touchy-feely' type. I head out the door, climb into my car, and take off towards work. Hopefully tonight will run smoothly.
******
Hailey
Arriving at work forty-five minutes before my shift starts, I now have plenty of time to get my shots ready, as I've pretty well gotten the hang of things. Tonight I'm making a layered shot, so I'll have to get half of it ready before I go out, and pour the rest at the table. I'll be up charging for it, so it should make up for any lost tips I would have to split with Georgia.
As soon as Jordan spots me, he drags me into the kitchen, where I am immediately met with the most gorgeous woman I have ever laid eyes on. She must be almost six foot tall, and has curves in all the right places. Wearing short shorts, faded and fringes hanging off the bottoms, a country themed plaid shirt, tied at her midriff, showing off her perfect waist, and cowboy boots, I'm not sure I can compete with her, or her ensemble.
She gives me a radiating smile, sticking out her hand, as Jordan begins to introduce her, "Hailey, this is..."
She abruptly cuts Jordan off, finishing his sentence, "...Georgia. It's lovely to me you, hon. I've heard nothing but great things about you from Jordan, here," she says, as she playfully slaps him in the gut with the back of her hand. She drapes her arms around his shoulders, as she walks behind him, saying, "We'll catch up later, girlfriend...gotta get ready for the rush."
I nod, squeaking out, "Ok, nice to meet you, Georgia," as my mind wanders to just how friendly she seems to have become with Jordan in the few days since my absence. Is he now interested in her, and not me? If so, why would he keep texting me, and stringing me along? Maybe I had Jordan all wrong from the beginning and he's just been playing me this whole
time. I decide to play it cool, and distance myself from him for the evening. I'd stay busy, and keep an eye on the two of them to see how they interact before I make any rash decisions.
Georgia stops short before exiting the kitchen and turns to face me, giving me a quick once over before pulling out her phone from her apron. "What's your number?" she asks brusquely. I stare at her, wide eyed until she goes on, "You need some new digs, chica," as she approaches me and slaps me on the butt while I stare at her dumbfounded. She continues to look at me expectantly with a bright smile on her face until I rattle off my number, while she types it into her phone. Once again I am reminded that my attire is lacking. If my skirts get much shorter, I may as not wear any at all, and I'm beginning to believe these tight dresses are cutting off the oxygen supply to my brain. She bumps her hip against mine as she squeals out, "Ow, baby! We are gonna have you lookin' like sin dipped in honey." She gives me a seductive smile and wink before she disappeares through the kitchen doors.