In the Billionaires Club by Anne Burroughs Page B

bargaining over sex and love here, Gin.” He ran his hand through his hair, and all Gin could think about was that the best-looking guy in the room was the loser alcoholic bartender. “So I’m probably not the best guy to ask about Billy or Lisa or how the two of them will work out.” He grabbed his drink and turned away. “I’m perhaps too cynical to be good long-term company either.”  
    “Okay, I’m going to leave, but it’s not because you’re not good long-term company. You shouldn’t talk that way. You’re the nicest and most real guy in the entire room.” She stood up and leaned toward him. “I’m going to tell Lisa that I’m abandoning her. That will make Billy have to take care of her in some way.”
    “Remind me not to share with you that I’m single. I’d be afraid of what nefarious matchmaking plans you’d have for me.”  
    “Don’t worry. Your secret is safe with me.” Gin grabbed Vin’s drink and emptied it. The bourbon burned her mouth and throat, and she coughed. Vin looked at her, his eyes wide, but before he could say anything, Gin raised her voice. “Rich, Vinnie’s drink is empty yet again. Do you actually do anything back there?”
    Rich looked down, smiled widely, and gave her the finger.  
    “Gin. I think I may have just fallen in love with you.”
    “I bet you say that to every girl who fills your empty glass.”
    Vin smiled but didn’t look back at her. “Yeah, you’re probably right.”  
    Gin glanced over at Phillip. She didn’t know if he had seen her at all, and she didn’t care. The blonde woman was his next conquest, but she didn’t seem to mind.
    You’re smarter than me , Gin thought. But I’m learning. Oh yes, I’m learning.
    Gin said goodbye to Lisa and Billy. Neither seemed to mind that Lisa was now Billy’s responsibility.

chapter thirteen

    Gin had a half day due to an offsite meeting at work, so she decided to visit Vin at the Billionaires Club in the early afternoon. She planned on relentlessly abusing him while he worked behind the bar, the same way that he abused Rich at night. It would be hilarious, and she was certain Vin would love it.  
    It was a different man up front, but he was similarly huge, imposingly tall, and all muscle. He was bald and scowled at Gin. He wasn’t reading a book. She handed him the card, and he peered at it a long time before waving her in. He didn’t say a word, and Gin didn’t bother asking his name.
    She stared at the bar as she entered, but Vin wasn’t bartending. It was an old man wearing an outfit that wouldn’t have been out of place at a saloon in the 1800s. She paused trying to make sense of what was going on, but then it clicked. Of course. He’s the overnight bartender. I assumed he was hanging out after his shift ended. He was hanging out before his shift started.
    Taking a deep breath, Gin looked around the room. She was certain that Phillip wouldn’t be there, but she wanted to make sure. The room was fairly empty, with a few groups of men chatting over drinks, and a couple sitting in a booth having an intimate conversation. A few lone men sat at the bar.  
    Gin walked over and sat in the seat next to the one Vin normally used. It just wouldn’t have felt right sitting in his seat. The bartender approached with a big smile.
    “You’re new.” He said it emphatically. “I never forget a face, especially one as pretty as yours.” He winked. “I’m Martin.” Martin held out his hand.
    “Hi Martin. I’m Gin. I’m actually not that new. I just usually come at night. Rich takes care of me.” She shook his hand.
    “Gin. Now that’s a name any bartender would love.” Gin suppressed the desire to roll her eyes. “I’m glad Rich takes care of you. He’s a fine young man. So what can I get for you?”
    “A rum and Coke would be great.”
    “Coming right up.”
    As Martin prepared her drink, Gin said, “I guess Vin works late.”
    “Vin?”
    “I’m sorry. Vinnie. I usually see him