Too Far 01- Fallen Too Far

one would whisper naughty things in his ear. The guy was a playboy and a good one at that.
    Once his shift was over we headed back to the staff breakroom and hung up the long black aprons we had to wear over our uniform. “You’re going to be brilliant, Blaire. The men love you and the women are impressed by you. No offense sugar, but girls with hair as platinum blond as yours normally can’t walk a straight line without giggling.”
    I smiled at him. “Is that so? I take offense to that comment.”
    Jimmy rolled his eyes and reached out to pat my head. “No, you don’t. You know you’re one badass blond bombshell.”
    “Already making a move on the new server, Jim?” Woods’ familiar voice asked. Jimmy gave him a cocky grin.
    “You know better than that. I got a specific taste,” he let his voice drop to a sexy whisper as he trailed his eyes down Woods’ body.
    I glanced back at Woods who was scowling uncomfortably and I couldn’t help but laugh. Jimmy joined me. “Love making the straight boys squirm,” he whispered in my ear, then slapped my butt and walked out the door.
    Woods rolled his eyes and walked further into the room once Jimmy was gone. Apparently, he was aware of Jimmy’s sexual preference.
    “Did you enjoy your day?” he asked politely.
    I had enjoyed my day. Immensely. It was a much easier job than sweating it out in the heat dealing with leering old men all day. “Yes. It was great. Thank you for making it possible for me to work in here.”
    Woods nodded. “You’re welcome. Now, how about we go celebrate your promotion with the best Mexican food on the coast?”
He was asking me out again. I should go. He would be a distraction. He wasn’t exactly the working class type I was looking for but who said I was going to marry him and have his babies?
    An image of Rush flashed in my mind and the tortured expression he’d had last night. I couldn’t bring myself to date someone he knew. If he really meant what he said then I needed to keep his world at arm’s length. I didn’t belong in that world.
    “Can I take a rain check? I didn’t sleep well last night and I’m exhausted.”
    Woods’ face fell some but I knew he would have no problem finding someone to take my place.
    “There is a party tonight at Rush’s, but I guess you knew that,” Woods said, watching me closely for my reaction. I didn’t know about the party but then Rush never warned me about them.
    “I can sleep through it. I’ve gotten used to them.” That was a lie. I wouldn’t go to sleep until the last person stomped up the stairs.
    “What if I come? Could you spend a little time with me before you go to bed?”
    Woods was determined. I would give him that. I started to tell him no when it dawned on me that Rush would be screwing some girl tonight. He’d take her up to his bed and make her feel things he would never allow me to feel. I did need a distraction. He’d probably already have her in his lap by the time I got home.
    “You and Rush don’t seem very close. Maybe we could hang out a bit outside down by the beach? I don’t know if it’s a good idea for you to be in the house where he can see you.”
    Woods nodded. “Okay. I’m good with that. But I have one question, Blaire,” he said watching me closely. I waited. “Why is that? Until the other night at his house, Rush and I have been friends. We’ve grown up together. The same circles. Never had an ounce of trouble. What set him off? Is there something going on between the two of you?”
    How did I answer that? No because he won’t allow it and it is safer for my heart if we keep it only friends?
    “We’re friends. He’s protective.”
    Woods nodded slowly but I could tell he didn’t believe me.
    “I don’t mind the competition. I just like to know what I’m up against.”
    He wasn’t up against anything because all he and I would ever be was friends. I wasn’t looking for a guy in his crowd. “I’m not and will never be part of your crowd. I don’t intend to seriously date anyone that is a part of your elite circle.”
    I didn’t wait for him to argue. Instead, I walked around him and out the door. I needed to get home before the party got too wild. I did not want to see Rush wrapped up with some girl.

    It wasn’t a wild ragger. It was just about twenty people. I walked past several of them on my way to the pantry. A couple of them were in the kitchen fixing drinks and I smiled at them before stepping into the