Page 2 of Amelia's Daddy

I swallow as I face him, Noah Anthem. The man is a tall drink of water, and he’s even hotter than I’ve ever seen him. He’s wearing a starched white shirt, black slacks, loafers, and a colorful tie.

I know Noah from the Dungeon. I’ve never seen him outside of the club before. I’ve never seen him in work attire. Granted, he’s never seen me outside of the club either. I’m surprised he even recognized me.

He smiles. “I thought that was you.”

I lick my lips. This is awkward. Nodding toward my full tray, I say, “I uh, need to deliver these.”

“Of course.”

As I walk away, my heart is racing. Why does that man have to be so hot and somehow even hotter in street clothes?

My hands are shaking as I deliver the drinks to table five before turning back toward Noah. It would be weird not to at least exchange polite conversation. The restaurant is busy, though, and I have more drink orders to deliver, so I can’t pause for long.

Another man joined Noah at his table while my back was turned. He’s dressed similarly. I don’t recognize him, so it won’t be appropriate to point out where I know Noah from, nor for him to do so.

Noah smiles warmly and stands when I approach. “Good to see you. It’s been a while.” He points to his companion. “Amelia, this is Theo. Theo, Amelia.”

Theo holds out a hand and shakes mine. “Nice to meet you.”

I nod at him, unsure how else to respond.

Damn, Noah looks amazing. I think I like him better in a tie than in his usual black-on-black Dungeon attire. I turn my gaze back to him and stare. I need to get back to work, though.

“Ellie!” the bartender shouts. “A little help here!”

I point over my shoulder. “I have to, uhh...”

Noah nods. “Of course.”

I hesitate another moment and then rush toward the bar. I can’t even remember what order I’m picking up. Noah scrambled my brain with his presence.

After I deliver the next order, I glance in his direction. He’s looking at me. I flush and jerk my gaze away. Why is my face heating? He’s just some guy I know from the club who happens to be having lunch at a bar where I work.

We’re swamped, which is usual for the lunch crowd. My job is strictly as runner from the bar to the tables, but this restaurant has a lot of heavy drinkers during the lunch hour.

The next time I look, Noah and his friend are eating. I can’t stop glancing. I’m aware as they finish eating and get their bills. My heart races because I don’t want him to leave. It’s irrational.He’s nothing to me. I’m certain I’m less than nothing to him. I’m just a brat who throws tantrums at the Dungeon to get attention.

My heart sinks when I glance over to find the table empty. At least seeing him was the highlight of my day.

I’m dragging as I return to the bar with a tray of empty glasses. My breath hitches, and I stop walking when I spot Noah leaning against the bar where he’s seen me come and go dozens of times.

He grins at me. “I’m tired from watching you work,” he says softly.

“We have a lull. Take your break, Ellie,” the bartender calls out.

I blow out a breath and set my tray down next to Noah’s elbow. “How was your lunch?” I ask because I can’t think of anything else to say.

“It was lovely.” He glances toward the bartender. “I guess your friends outside the club call you Ellie?”

I nod. “It’s a nickname. No one calls me Amelia. I figured I would just use Amelia at the club. It sort of divides my personalities.”

“Makes sense. I haven’t seen you in two months.” His tone is odd. I can’t tell what he’s trying to say. I think I hear accusation and disappointment.

I swallow. I’ve been gone from the Dungeon for exactly two months. Either he noticed with great accuracy or he made an accidental guess. I reach up to nervously tuck an errant lock of hair behind my ear. “I, uh, took some time off.”

“Why? Is everything okay?”

I nod. “Yeah, sure. Yes.”