Chapter 41

CHAPTER 41

RYLEE

T he familiar clinking of glasses and the hum of conversation filled the bar as I went about my shift. It felt good to be back behind the bar, though I couldn't deny that I was still basking in the afterglow of my trip. My coworkers and boss had been relentless with their questions since I arrived. I didn't mind at all. Talking about the trip brought a smile to my face and made me relive those incredible moments.

I didn't want to be obnoxious and show them every single picture, but I couldn't help but show them a couple of the best ones.

I wiped down the bar, my mind drifting back to Edinburgh, to the charm of that cozy bookstore where Simon and I had shared such an intimate moment. I could still smell the faint aroma of old books and polish in the air. The memory of the bath with Simon, the gentle touch of his hand, and the warmth of the water made my heart flutter. That man had given me some of the best memories of my life. I didn't know what our future held, but even if things fell apart, we would always have Edinburgh.

As I was drying a highball glass, the bell over the door jingled. I looked up to see Simon walking in. My heart skipped a beat, and I couldn't help the grin that spread across my face.

"Speak of the devil," I said, setting down the glass and heading over to him. I poured him a drink. My fingers brushed against his as I passed him the glass. He looked very handsome—as usual. He was wearing a crisp button-up shirt with the sleeves rolled up and charcoal gray slacks that made him look effortlessly handsome.

It was so unfair that someone could look that good without trying. He had shaved and looked like he had just stepped out of the shower.

"Hi," Simon said, sliding onto one of the barstools. I couldn't help but notice a bit of weariness in the corners of his eyes. It was subtle, but it was there.

"Is everything okay?" I asked, leaning on the bar and looking at him with concern. I inhaled, the familiar scent of his cologne took me right back to Scotland.

He sighed, taking a sip of his drink. "It's been a long day. Dealing with lawyers, reporters, and the whole mess with the oil spill. It's been exhausting."

I nodded sympathetically. "I can only imagine. If there's anything I can do, just let me know."

He smiled, a genuine smile that made his eyes crinkle at the corners. "You're already doing it. Just being here is a relief. I'm counting on you to be the bouncer if any of your customers starts harassing me."

I laughed. "I've got your back."

Before I could say anything else, Mike sauntered out with a basket of wings for a customer. My fellow bartender, Janie, suddenly needed a bottle from right where I was talking to Simon.

"So, Simon, we've heard all about Rylee's adventures," Janie said. "Tell us, what's it like to be the hero in this story?"

I noticed her checking him out. I wasn't jealous. Not really. I trusted him. That might be na?ve and downright stupid to trust a man I didn't really know all that well, but I was going with my gut instinct. If he turned out to be a disaster, it was my own fault.

Simon chuckled and took a sip of his drink. "Well, I wouldn't exactly call myself a hero. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time."

"Right place at the right time?" Mike joined in, leaning against the bar. "Sounds like a pretty heroic move to me. What's it like being a knight in shining armor?"

Simon grinned, clearly enjoying some praise after all the shit he'd been dealing with. "It's not as glamorous as it sounds but I was glad I could help."

"Did she really make you stay in a hostel?" Janie asked.

He looked at me, flashing me a soft smile. I hoped he wasn't upset that I had told everyone our story.

"She did." Simon nodded. "I felt like a jolly green giant. She didn't even give me the courtesy of giving me the bottom bunk."

I rolled my eyes playfully at Simon's exaggeration. "You're just lucky I didn't make you sleep on the floor," I teased, leaning in closer to him.

"The floor would have given me more room," he retorted. "But when you're sharing a room with twenty people, that's risky."

"It wasn't twenty people." I laughed.

"It was close enough. And the showers?" Simon shivered theatrically. "I'm still trying to forget about those."

Mike laughed. "You went from five-star hotels to hostel showers? That's commitment right there."

Simon just shrugged, his eyes on me. "It was worth it."

The casual and sincere tone in which he said that simple phrase caused my heart to flutter. He was looking at me with an intensity that made my cheeks heat up. I turned away to hide my blush.

"Rylee made it sound like you guys had a good time with lots of adventure," Janie said.

"It was a wild trip, that's for sure." Simon nodded.

"Did anyone recognize you?" Mike asked.

Simon shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe."

"He's hard to miss," Janie quipped.

"True, but I did my best to blend in," Simon said, his smirk pulling up the corners of his mouth. "Besides, it's surprising how often people look without really seeing."

"That's a good point," I chimed in. "You know he's so easy to miss."

"Oh, for sure," Janie said with a heavy dose of sarcasm. "When you see a dude that ugly, it's easier just not to look."

"I feel like I'm doing community service by being seen with him," I teased.

Simon chuckled, his eyes full of a warmth that made my knees weak. "Such flattery," he said, raising his glass in a mock toast. "I feel truly blessed."

We all laughed. It all felt so simple and uncomplicated. I hated to admit it, but the fear of change had been gnawing at me since we returned home. I was afraid that our little bubble of happiness might burst, that the real world would seep in and take away the blissful ignorance we had enjoyed on our trip.

But right now, teasing him with my coworkers bantering good-naturedly with him, I realized something—he was fun. I moved away to take care of another customer. Janie and Mike were still talking to Simon. I overheard them teasing Simon with him dishing it out. I wasn't sure anyone had ever teased him like that, but he was taking it all in stride.

My heart swelled with happiness as I watched Simon engage with everyone. It was fascinating to see him in this light. He wasn't just the wealthy businessman I had first met. He was charming, funny, and had this way of making people feel seen and valued. It was like he breathed life into the bar, lighting up faces that had been dull for ages. The regulars, who usually came in and moped around, were now smiling, laughing, and genuinely enjoying themselves.

He was like a magnet. I didn't think it was just because he was the richest man to ever walk through the doors, people were genuinely interested in him.

As the night went on, Simon's good humor and generous spirit were on full display. He bought rounds for the entire bar, turning the atmosphere from casual and laidback to lively and festive. The place was buzzing with energy. I couldn't remember the last time it had been this much fun without being on a weekend. It was an older crowd that could appreciate good conversation. There wasn't any bumping and grinding or loud music on the jukebox. It was just people enjoying a drink after a long day of work. Oddly enough, they all seemed to empathize with Simon, and he them.

"Here's to Rylee," Simon said, raising his glass and toasting to me. "For giving me an unforgettable trip. For showing me that a man can sleep on a bed meant for toddlers and eat food a dog shouldn't be fed."

The bar erupted in cheers. I felt my cheeks burning. I caught Simon's eye, just as he winked at me. He was enjoying himself. To put this man up against the man that first walked through those doors, it would be hard to recognize him.

As my shift came to a close, I began to clean up, feeling a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration. Simon stayed close by, chatting with the remaining customers. It was clear he was enjoying himself. His presence had turned a routine night into something special.

When the last of the customers had left and the bar was finally quiet, Simon leaned forward. "Ready to go?" he asked, his voice low and inviting.

I looked around, noting that the bar was clean and ready for the next day. "Sure. Let me just finish up here."

Simon waited patiently as I wrapped up my tasks. When I was done, we headed to the back where the employees parked. The night air was cool and crisp, a welcome change from the heat of the bar.

We made our way to the back alley, where the dim lighting created a more intimate setting. A stray cat ran by. It felt like we were the only two people in the city at that moment.

I leaned against the wall, feeling a sense of calm settle over me. "Thanks for coming by tonight. It was good to see you."

Simon's eyes softened as he stepped closer, his gaze locked on mine. "I've been thinking about this all night," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

Before I could respond, he pressed me gently against the wall, his body close to mine. I could feel the heat of him, the warmth of his breath. His hands cupped my face a moment before his lips met mine in a kiss that was both tender and passionate. He practically devoured my mouth.

When he pulled away, his eyes were filled with a mix of affection and desire. "I'm glad I could be here tonight," he said softly.

I smiled, feeling a flutter in my chest. "Me too. It's been fun."

Simon's gaze lingered on mine for a moment longer before he leaned in for another kiss, a little deeper, a little more urgent. My hands snaked up his back, tugging the hair at the back of his neck while his hands held my hips. I felt ravenous. I couldn't get enough of him. By the way he was kissing me, I had a feeling he felt the same way.

We finally parted, both breathless. "Come to my place," he murmured.

"What?"

"Come to my place," he said again, his forehead resting gently against mine. "I want you to see the house."

"Your new, fancy house?" I teased.

"Yes."

I thought about it for a second. Seeing his house felt like another step in our relationship. It felt intimate. "Okay." I smiled. "I'll follow you."

He grabbed my face and kissed me again. He dropped his hands and pulled away just as quickly as he grabbed me. I knew what we were going to be doing at his house and could hardly wait. I had missed him.