Page 15 of Covet (The Red #3)

Chapter Fifteen

Max

Listen to Burning Down

by Alex Warren (with Joe Jonas)

A week had gone by since my last encounter with Gabby.

We’d seen each other at work, of course, but our interactions had none of the tension I expected after the slap. Instead, she acted like things were normal, and nothing had occurred between us.

It was driving me batshit crazy.

I’d never been focused on Gabby when I worked at Red, but now that she was on my radar, I paid attention.

She was a fabulous server. Not only was she hot, but she reminded me a lot of Landon in her ability to own her assets with a confidence that didn’t allow for bullies or assholes to get past her barriers.

She juggled multiple tables without freaking out, and she made the bartenders laugh with her smart-ass quips.

Everyone loved Elle—she was practically an icon at Red—but Gabby had snuck into a close second. I kept my eye out to see if she hooked up with any of the customers, or seemed to have a guy she was particularly into, but she acted single. Unless she was fucking someone in secret.

I poured beers, made Maxtinis, and kept up a steady flow of conversation with the groups at the bar, all while my mind chewed on the idea Gabby had a rich guy behind her.

How else had she really launched The Drip?

That took a shitload of money and time. This past week, I’d met with several banks and I was already running into conflict.

My plan was to try and get the loans without help from my father—it would prove something to both of us.

Plus, I wanted this to be my project. I didn’t want dad to swoop in and take over, so I didn’t put him on any of the papers I signed.

I knew I was super privileged. I could always rely on my parents to get me out of trouble or give me money. Pride was a luxury. I’d learned it was stupid to fight the fact things were easier with money.

Gabby’s bold laugh echoed in my ears, snagging my attention.

Yeah, the more I considered the idea, the more it seemed I had it right.

Some guy was bankrolling Gabby in the background.

I didn’t blame her. I would’ve done the same shit if I could, it was a hell of a lot easier than trying to start something from nothing.

It shouldn’t bother me. It was none of my business.

But I wonder why I didn’t like the idea of her sleeping with someone else.

Jealousy? Maybe. I was known to be the possessive type.

Didn’t like fucking someone who fucked others.

Definitely an ego problem but one I’d made peace with.

I liked to own my women—it made me feel valuable.

The thought made me grin. Bet most of my friends wouldn’t believe I’d know myself that well, to go down the therapy hole and nail exactly what my weak spots were.

It was easier to be truthful, even when it stung. Easier to move past my shame and do the shit anyway, without apology. I had no time for regrets.

Life was too damn short.

And I intended to take advantage of the motto tonight. I needed an inroad to Gabby’s place to figure out her game play. I hoped she knew she was matching wits with a master player. I hoped it was also fun, because God knows, I needed some.

She slid in behind me. “These for my three topper?” she asked. Her hair was pinned up by wild strands escaped and lay against her pale cheek. Tonight, she’d paired a black corset with her tiny skirt and it was pure sin. It was hard not to stare at her perfect ass when she walked.

“Yep. Wait, let me top this one off. So you don’t get shit for a bad pour.”

I tipped more Chardonnay into the glass. Surprise flickered across her face. “Thanks. That was nice.”

“You know what would be even nicer?”

She leveled me with a challenging stare. “You setting me up for this answer?”

I laughed and placed the glass on her tray. “Nope. Just wanted to know if you had time for me to shoot to your place tonight after our shift. Remember that book you mentioned on new business ventures and what makes them fail?”

“Yeah?”

“Can I borrow it?”

She picked up the tray, shifting it against her tits. I kept my gaze on her face, where it belonged. Nothing worse than a guy staring at a woman’s chest. It was rude and cheap and got you nowhere. “Don’t have the money to buy it on Kindle?” she teased.

I grinned back. “Well, I’ll do that if you don’t want me borrow it. Since I’m opening the gym, I figured I’d try to save money.”

She rolled her eyes. “Yeah, that twenty bucks is a game changer.” I waited, knowing her answer would tell me straight-out if she wanted to continue what had started between us, or if I’d been wrong. It could’ve been a one off. If that was the case, I’d step back.

I held my hands up. “Hey, no biggie. I’ll buy it myself.”

She glanced back and met my gaze. “Just kidding. I’m free. Meet you after.”

“Great, thanks.”

She disappeared into the crowd and I tried really hard not to feel smug. It was rare I was wrong about women and what they were after. Gabby definitely wanted me in her own space. The bigger question was finding out why.

The hours flew by. I clocked out and met her outside, where she was smoking a cigarette. “How was your night?”

She gave a half shrug. “Tips were good. How about you?”

“Decent. But I need some damn sleep. Went out the other night and got fucked up.”

She laughed. The sound was smooth and rich. I liked the way it made me think about velvet. “With Coop and Noah?”

“Just Coop. Started out as a business meeting. It was so successful it turned into celebration.”

Another laugh. My chest expanded at the natural pleasure. I rarely spent time with Gabby one on one. It was nice to see she was just as chill outside of the group and Red. “So, the gym is moving forward?”

Our strides matched each other’s rhythms as we made our way down the mostly empty sidewalk.

The wind was crisp and chilled against my face.

Even though summer was a high time, late September was a needed break from the heat and humidity in the city.

“Yep. Once Coop committed, I went all in. We’ve got appointments to see some property so it all hangs on the location. ”

“Definitely. Do you have a preference where you want to be?”

“I’m open but wouldn’t mind something in Chelsea or Midtown. Depends on rent, space, and how much renovation we’d need to put in.” I shook my head with a grin. “We just started and I think Coop may be freaking out.”

“Don’t blame him. There’s a lot on the line and Elle isn’t your best fan. I’m sure you know her and Coop had a blow out about it last Friday night.”

I winced. “Yeah, but Elle can’t control Coop or what will make him happy. He’s been on the photography route for years, and looked more lit than I’d ever seen him when we talk about the gym. I think this may fit him much better.”

She threw the butt on the ground and crushed it with her boot. “Maybe. I think it’s complicated going into business with a friend, though.”

I studied her profile. “You think it’ll be a bust?”

I prepared myself for a snotty answer, already shoring up my defenses.

I didn’t need her approval or her to be nice.

I only needed to fuck her and clear this thing between us.

But I was surprised when she answered thoughtfully.

“No, I think it can be a huge success. I agree you’re both suited for this type of business, and who wants to put their future in someone else’s hand?

At least, if it fails, it’s not because someone else screwed you over. ”

I grinned. She was right. It was the reason I was so pumped. “Coming from a business owner herself. How’s the Drip going? It sounds badass.”

Her brow lifted. “I bet you don’t even know what I do.”

“You consult with fashion. Tell other women what looks good and what to wear. Right?”

“Okay, you managed to surprise me.”

I nudged her shoulder playfully. “You disappoint me, Gabs. I do listen. But I’m sure there’s a lot more than that summary. Tell me about it.”

“You wanna know?”

Of course, I’d say yes, but I actually meant it. Gabby was interesting. “I do.”

“Okay. So, I have these clients I call fashionistas. They pay me a membership fee and I’m on call for them.

I advise and help them put together outfits when they go to a function.

I’ll tell them whether to buy something if they’re out and about in the dressing room, or if they screen shot stuff online.

Plus, I send them curated personal picks that I think they may like. ”

“That’s a lot more than I thought. Fucking cool, Gabs.”

“Thanks. I’m kind of in the weeds now since I’m building clients and trying to get reviews. I had to go in the bathroom at Red to take a consult, because I’m afraid if I wait too long to get back to anyone, I’ll lose clients. But I think once I build trust, I can ease off a little.”

Sirens rang out. I stayed quiet as an ambulance raced by, echoing in the air. “How’d you decide to open up this type of business? Did it cost a shit ton of money to start?”

Gabby glanced over as if she still didn’t trust me to care. Guilt hit. I guess I didn’t seem like the type to be interested in personal back stories. Probably figured my only goal was to get laid.

She was right. Other than Landon, I’d never cared too deeply about struggles, dreams, or challenges. But, in this moment, I really did. So, I waited her out until she decided to answer.

“Since it’s online, my startup costs were nothing like your gym will be.

I had to buy special software, hire a designer for the app, invest in marketing and ads in addition to my usual social media followers.

I began a YouTube channel that caught on, and pushed hard to be featured in some fashion media sites.

The Drip wasn’t something I just launched in a few weeks.

I’ve been planning this for a good two years before I finally took the leap. ”

“Sounds like it was worth the wait. I mean, you’re making money, right?”

Her grin was all confidence and charm. “Hell, yes. I have big dreams, Max. Don’t you?”

My body stiffened as her tone turned. It edged into flirty, just where I wanted it. “You have no idea.”

My answer hung in the air and suddenly, she stopped. “This is me. Ready?”

I practically licked my lips with anticipation. If my plan worked, I’d be waking up in Gabby’s bed, finally satisfied.

“I can’t wait.”

I followed her in.