His Dirty Secret(2)

When she saw the man who was sat on the other side, however, her smile faltered. He looked to be in his early thirties, which was older than she typically liked, and he had a sullen look on his face that would have curdled milk if they actually sold any. But, his looks made her forget all of that, if she’d even noticed in the first place.



He had a chiseled jawline that made him look strong, even if you couldn’t see that he was broad in the shoulders and tapered at the waist, indicating a muscled physique. His eyes were of the most piercing dark green that Isobel had ever seen, and the way they were looking at her right now made her feel as though he could see into her very soul. And those lips; oh man, what she wouldn’t give to have those lusciously full lips on her.



Of course, another added attraction was that he was obviously filthy rich, if his designer suit and expensive masculine jewelry were anything to go by. Always an added bonus, she thought. She gave herself a mental shake and put her smile back on; although this time it was definitely not a fake one.



“And what’s your pleasure, Sir?” Her voice was sultry and she knew that her double entendre had not gone unnoticed by the way he raised one eyebrow at her.



“I don’t think it’s legal to serve my pleasure in a place like this, so I’ll have a cognac instead, please.” His voice was as sexy as she’d been expecting and Isobel actually felt shivers run down her spine as he spoke. I wonder what he does like for pleasure, she thought briefly. His sour expression had been replaced by a slightly more amicable one, but he still looked fed up and Isobel made her mind up there and then to make sure that she did everything she could to make him smile before he left.



She poured the man his drink and added a little extra to the measure. She’d discovered very early on in her job that men were always more talkative when they drank more alcohol. And she really wanted to get this guy talking.



She placed the glass on the counter in front of him and smiled as he opened his wallet to pay her. Holding her finger up to her lips in a shushing motion, she leaned slightly over the bar to talk in a hushed tone. “The first one’s on me. Just don’t tell the boss.” She winked at him mischievously. She was allowed to give the occasional free drink at her discretion, but hardly ever did so she wasn’t abusing the boss or his profit margin.



She’d expected him to be grateful, or at the very least to crack a smile, but she was disappointed when she got a totally unexpected response. With a look that could only be described as scathing, the man took a bill out of his wallet and threw it on the bar anyway.



“If all employees had that attitude there would be a lot more businesses closing down, prices consistently going up on items and services, and wages being reduced to less than they already are.” Even the scowl he shot her way was sexy, and Isobel chastised herself for finding such an obnoxious man so appealing.



“I’m sorry sir, but you misunderstood me.” She was quick to try and put things right, knowing that if she didn’t then she wouldn’t get very much further with him. “The staff here are allowed to offer a free beverage at their discretion. I’m in no way abusing the trust placed upon me by my employer.” She knew that her tone sounded haughty, but she hated for anyone to think that she was dishonest in any way.



He had the grace to at least look a little contrite as he apologized to her. “I guess I’m just a little touchy today. I’m sorry about that.” He grinned sheepishly. “Is it too late to accept your generosity?”



Isobel smiled warmly. “Not too late at all.” She handed his money back to him and breathed a sigh of relief. “I haven’t seen you in here before.” She made sure that she didn’t sound too interested and that she was just making idle conversation.



“It’s my first time here. I’m trying to make sure that I don’t go anywhere that a certain someone goes to.” He took a swig of his drink. “It’s easier that way.”



Isobel’s curiosity peaked again. She had a feeling that he could be talking about a woman, but he didn’t wear a wedding band, and he sure as hell wasn’t happy with whoever it may be or he wouldn’t be trying to avoid her, so in Isobel’s book it was all good.



“It sounds like you’ve had a bad day.” She took his glass off him when he wiggled it in front of her, charging him for the alcohol this time.



He laughed sardonically. “Lady, if you had to live with what I have to live with, your day would pretty much suck too.” He took a sip of his drink and gave an appreciative sigh.