Free Always (New Adult Erotic Romance) (The Tryst Series #3) by Marie York Page A

“Perfect.”
    “Don’t bullshit me. What’s going on in that head of yours?”
    “Nothing.”
    Dee arched an eyebrow. “Really?”
    I wasn’t about to dump on her ten minutes after I pulled in the driveway. So I forced a smile. “I just can’t believe I’m here.”
    Dee wrapped her arm around my shoulder. “Finally! Took you long enough.”
    “Are you sure I’m not intruding?” I asked for the hundredth time. Ever since Dee volunteered her house, her guest room, and her life to me, I wondered if it was just out of obligation. I hated that I couldn’t afford to get my own place. But most of all, I hated that I was imposing on Dee and Cole when they’d only been married a month.
    “I’m only going to say this one more time. Family doesn’t intrude. Okay?”
    I nodded.
    “Good. Now, come on. Let’s get you settled.”
    I followed Dee to the house, and, as we walked through the front door, she turned to me and said, “Welcome home.” And for the first time in a long time, I actually felt like I was home.

Chapter 2
    Job hunting was never fun. I spent the entire first three days sending out resumes to every marketing position within a fifty-mile radius, which weren’t many. I needed another plan, and I needed it soon, because I was down to my last couple hundred bucks.
    Three hours after Dee and Cole left for work, and no luck searching the internet, I decided to take my search to the street. I remembered Grand River Avenue, and the strip of bars and restaurants from my last visit, so I figured someone had to be hiring.
    I didn’t exactly have experience as a waitress, but I brought coffee to many marketing execs—it couldn’t be much different than that.
    I found a spot on the street, and parallel parked. There were quite a few places, and I didn’t know where to start. My eyes settled on a wood sign above a glass storefront. In what looked to be old Celtic font, it said “Baile.”
    Dee had gone on and on about that place the last time I was here. She made it seem like it was the hot spot. If that was the case, there’d be a steady flow of customers and tips. And exactly what I needed. I adjusted my low cut green top, and ran a hand down my skinny jeans, looking at my tan wedges. I’d hire me.
    The door clinked above my head as I walked in. To the right was a large bar stocked with hundreds of bottles of liquor, and at least twenty taps of craft beer. Booths and tables sat to the left, and there was a stage at the far back, along with dartboards, and a pool table.
    This was the type of place I could hang out in. It had all the amenities for a fun time. Working here suddenly became a mission.
    “Hey. Hi. Can I get you something?” A young guy who couldn’t be a day over twenty-one with brown hair and hazel eyes asked.
    I moved toward the bar. “I was actually hoping to speak with the manager.”
    “He’s busy at the moment. Was there something I could help you with?”
    “I was wondering if you were hiring.”
    “Oh. Yes. I think. Hang on. Hey, boss?” the guy called out, and disappeared into a back area. “Boss,” I heard him call again, and I laughed. Though, I’m sure if his boss was really busy, he wasn’t going to be happy to be interrupted.
    Crap. This might’ve been a bad thing. I hoped it wouldn’t ruin my chances at getting this job.
    I took out my compact, checked my makeup, and slid it back into my bag. A couple minutes passed, and I hoped the guy wasn’t pissing off my ticket to a paycheck. I decided to take a seat on a stool when the guy reappeared.
    He smiled proudly, and pointed over his shoulder. “My boss will be out in a minute.”
    “I hope I’m not disturbing him.”
    “Not at all.” He stuck his hand out to me. “I’m Gary by the way. What’s your name?”
    I shook his hand, but before I could answer him, a silky smooth voice said my name. I jumped up from the barstool, almost knocking it over in the process.
    My eyes widened, and my pulse raced, as I