The men talked to him about the grand opening. Hank planned to be there as backup, as a friend since he was technically out of his jurisdiction in Morehead. Quinten found it interesting that Hank had echoed Ben’s sentiment about keeping the women safe. Hank hated being out of control. Quinten wondered at what point that had begun to eat at Hank, since none of the women whose troubles he’d dealt with lately had been one he could call his own.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Mid-December…
Camilla was relieved as she, Ben, Quinten, and Ethan sat at a table at The Dancing Pony. Her hours had dropped to none at The Pony the last week in November so she could devote all her time to The Twisted Bull. Her workday had been spent sorting out orders for liquor, glassware, and other supplies with Sylvan Anders, her nightclub manager. Sylvan had committed to two years and Camilla was thrilled.
Getting the necessary restaurant equipment had taken more time than they’d planned and inspection approvals had been challenging. They were currently discussing the need to delay the opening of Chantilly’s Steakhouse.
“The last thing we want to do is have a huge grand opening on both sides and wind up understaffed or have problems,” Camilla agreed. “I wanted them to open up at the same time, but logistically, it just can’t happen.”
Ethan smiled, approval in his eyes. “We have to operate within our limitations. So Keller is working out all right?”
“Yes, I’m impressed with him.” Camilla knew Ethan had originally considered hiring Keller to fill her open position at The Dancing Pony. “He doesn’t want to limp through a grand opening any more than we do. What do you think about a Valentine’s Day launch? By then the equipment should be in place and there will be enough qualified waitstaff on hand.”
After discussing the changes in the promotional material, orders, scheduling and training of the new staff members, Quinten kissed her and went to work behind the bar.
She knew they were keeping a close eye on her because of what had happened in her office at The Twisted Bull. It was inconvenient, but Camilla appreciated it. She’d never said anything about it, but in the last couple of weeks there were times when she’d had an odd sensation, as though she was being watched.
She hadn’t said anything because she couldn’t really pinpoint what she felt, and she was already so hormonal on top of it. She had vivid dreams which she woke from in cold sweats. Dreams of being chased, being powerless and unable to defend herself.
Ethan surprised her when he came up behind her and gently rubbed her shoulders and said, “Grace was hoping to have a spa day with you sometime soon, sweetie. I think she’s a little worried about you.”
Camilla turned to this man who, although he’d been her boss, she’d always counted as a trustworthy friend. All he had to do was tell her something like that and she was all ears.
“She is? Why is that, Ethan? You know I’ve been really careful with my hours, and there’s always someone with me, even though it drives me crazy.” She emphasized the last word because she knew he’d been a big proponent of the whole let’s-get-Camilla-a-bodyguard idea.
Ethan chuckled and sat on the edge of the chair next to her. “She said she keeps having weird dreams, and you’re always in them. She thinks it’s women’s intuition, and I don’t doubt it. She has it, and so does my mom. Why don’t you call her sometime and set it up. Pretty soon, you’ll be so busy you probably won’t take the time to do that.” His last words were toned as an admonishment, but she scoffed.
“I will too. I have my priorities right, Ethan, believe me.”
Ethan grinned conspiratorially and said, “I hear that Ben wants to visit Hazelle House for the basic classes.”
Camilla nodded. “Quinten is going, too. He thinks he’s ‘not proper Dom material,’ whatever the hell that is. The man is evil with a feather, that’s all I can say. I’m so happy they decided to, though. Thank you for being an encouragement to him.”
Ethan rose and gave her a hug. “Anything to help an old friend.”
She returned his hug and murmured, “And you’ve been a good friend for a long time.”
“He told you?”
“Yeah, he told me his story.”
“He was a mess.” He looked over to where Ben stood chatting with Adam Davis and Jack Warner, who’d just walked in. “But he’s doing great now. Sort of like someone else I know.”
She cocked her head and smiled at him. “Oh yeah? Who?”
Ethan smirked at her as Ben approached them. “I think you know who, missy. But it all worked out there, too.”