“I’m sorry about that. Please stop by the men’s shop and pick out a replacement. Charge it to my account.”
Cleo clasped her hands together. “I can explain—”
“Trust me, you’ll get your chance in my office. I have something to take care of first, but I’ll be there shortly.”
“Yes, sir.”
Cleo’s worried gaze moved from Mr. Burns to Jax. He wanted to reassure her that everything would be all right. That if he had to he would go over this man’s head because he was really starting to dislike her boss and the tone he used when speaking to her.
Not wanting to do anything to make her even more uncomfortable, he decided to wait until she was gone before he had a word with this man. Then he’d set him straight.
* * *
Talk about a long, miserable evening.
Not even the magnificent sunset with its brilliant orange-and-pink glow could lift Cleo’s spirits. She strode along the path to Jax’s bungalow, grateful for its privacy. Her steps picked up speed as she continued contemplating what had just happened.
What made everyone think they knew what was best for her? First her overbearing family. Then her two-timing boyfriend. And now Jax...
She’d been a fool to think Jax was different—that he respected her ability to take care of herself. Even if it was to learn from her mistakes. She could just add him to her ever-growing list of people who’d disappointed her.
Her lips firmed into a line, holding back a string of heated words. She only had herself to blame. When would she learn to be more cautious?
There had only been one other time when she’d been this worked up—the last day she’d argued with her father on the phone. Her stomach churned as the chilling memory surfaced. She recalled how her father had yelled and then the phone had gone dead. Not knowing what had happened to him, she’d practically climbed the walls waiting for him to call her back. Nothing could ever be that bad. And thankfully this day wouldn’t end with someone dying.
But before she was done, Jax would get an earful.
She stopped outside the bungalow and took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. Her tightly clenched fist knocked solidly on the door. She waited. No answer. She once again pounded on the solid wood door.
“I’m not leaving until you talk to me,” she shouted.
The door yanked open just as she raised her clenched hand.
“I think the entire resort heard you.” He glanced both ways. “I’m surprised no one has come running to find out what’s wrong.”
She lowered her hand and marched past him into the bungalow. “Do you know what I just spent the last hour or so doing?” Without even waiting for Jax to respond, she motored on. “I had to justify exactly why I should continue as a part of the player development team. And Mr. Burns wanted to know if there was something going on between the two of us. Otherwise he just couldn’t understand why you’d be so adamant about keeping me on as your host.”
Jax closed the door and turned. “And, gee, I thought you came here to thank me.”
“Thank you? If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be in this mess.”
“Hey, this isn’t my fault. And as I recall, in the beginning I suggested another casino host take over.”
The fact he was making perfect sense was not helping matters. “Still, did you have to threaten my boss? He already dislikes me. Now he outright hates me.”
Jax crossed his arms, his biceps bulging. “I didn’t exactly threaten him.”
She pried her gaze from his muscles and looked into his blue eyes, which were just as disconcerting. “Are you saying you didn’t mention something along the lines of if he fired me, you’d take your business elsewhere? As well as that of your friends?”
Jax shrugged. “Someone needed to put that man in his place. He couldn’t keep treating you like that.”
“But that wasn’t your responsibility. I can take care of myself. Stop acting like one of my overprotective brothers.” She started pacing through the spacious living area. “I know how to handle men like Mr. Burns.”
“Fine. Maybe I did come on a little strong, but that man is annoying. I don’t know how you can stand working for him.” Jax strode out of the room and quickly returned with some water. “Drink this. It’ll cool you off.”
She placed her sunglasses and phone on the table in the entranceway and accepted the tall glass. After a long sip, she said, “I know I should be thanking you.”
“That’s not such a bad idea.”
She drew in a deep breath and leveled her shoulders. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have blown up at you.”
“Apology accepted.”
“But you don’t understand. My entire life my brothers have interfered with everything I do, never letting me stand on my own two feet. And my mother was constantly overriding my decisions. I thought that it was all behind me when I left Wyoming.”
“I remember how your brothers policed every guy who looked in your direction. Did you ever have a date in high school?”
She nodded. “Mama finally put her foot down and made them back off on the couple of boys she approved of.”
“But not the guys you had your eye on.”
She shook her head. “You know how old-fashioned my family can be, and Kurt is no better. He doesn’t understand why I had to get away to try different things and find what makes me happy.”
“I guess I hadn’t thought of it that way.” Jax placed his hand over his heart. “I promise in the future to let you fight your own battles.”
“Thank you. But you do realize once you check out, Mr. Burns will find a way to get rid of me.”
“Are you saying that I have to stay here indefinitely?” Jax smiled, causing her heart flutter.
“Yes. But in order to do that, you’ll have to start winning.”
He rubbed his jaw. “I suppose you’re right. Maybe we should go give it another try. I’m feeling lucky now.”
“Are you serious?” There was still a chance of turning things around if Jax continued to test his luck at the tables.
The light from his smile snuck between the cracks in her dark mood and lightened her spirits. She was drawn to him, but she steeled herself against the desire. There was still so much she didn’t know about him.
She’d never met anyone who could affect her so deeply. She’d come in here ready to tell him what to do with the job he’d secured for her, but instead she was walking out the door with a smile on her face, anxious to prove Mr. Burns wrong.
In the warm evening, the lights along the pathway gave off a soft glow. Jax was just
