Chương 9: Chapter 9

Hours later, I call defeat and head back to the apartment pissed-off. Who knew getting a job in Vegas would be so hard?

Not only are my options limited, but my record doesn't help, either. I was tried as an adult with my last fight. Some chick who was at the foster home temporarily was in my room, stealing my clothes. When I confronted her about it, she punched me, splitting my eyebrow. I, of course, defended myself, but because she was Aneta's brown mouse, they called the cops, telling them I started it and threatened the girl's life. They arrested me right there. The court tried me as an adult and I got probation with community service. It was all bullshit.

"Someone looks pissed-off." I look over and see Chasen leaning against the fence to the café, staring at me like dessert. "I take it the job hunting didn't go too well."

"Wow, you don't miss a thing," I sneer, walking past. The idea of flirting is not near as appealing now that starvation and being homeless are a big possibility. I need to take care of Jayden, not just myself. And not getting a job is going the opposite direction of taking care of us.

"Wait up," he hollers, jumping over the fence.

I slowly turn, my hands on my hips.

"I know a place you can try," he adds, pulling on his snug jersey which is sticking to his sweaty body.

"Mm, where's that?" I ask irritated.

"Try the kids' dentistry three blocks up. My bitch of a sister owns it and said they can't seem to keep a receptionist." I can't help but scowl. Where I come from, you don't offer things unless you want something in return. I tilt my head, eyeing Chasen, wondering what his angle is.

"Why are you telling me this?"

"Because, I'm a nice guy." He shrugs arrogantly, walking back to the café.

"Yeah, I'm sure you are," I mumble, heading down the road he pointed to.

"Good luck!"

***

"Hello, Charlotte, I'm Mrs. Jennings. Thank you for your interest in our receptionist opening." Mrs. Jennings leans over the desk, shaking my hand firmly. Her manicured nails grab my attention along with the strong smell of her perfume. Her scrubs with little cartoons fit her toned body snugly, and the way she eyes me with a perfectly waxed, arched brow makes me shift self-consciously. I look down at what I'm wearing: my shirt is damp with sweat, and distressed. The paint on my nails is chipped, the ends jagged from chewing on them. I swallow my insecurities and lift my chin high.

"Thank you, I am very happy to-"

"Look, the truth is I need someone to fill the spot quickly, and you're the third girl in here today to fill out an application. Get back here at seven in the morning and the job is yours," she interrupts, using a pen to scratch her head. Her black hair, placed perfectly into a bun, frays from the snag of the pen.

"Really! Thank you so-"

"Not a minute before, and not a minute after. Seven," she interrupts again, tossing my papers into a drawer. I raise an eyebrow, annoyed with her interrupting me. Working with her should be peachy with her nose that high in the air.

"Yes, I understand. I'll be here," I reply, nodding and trying my hardest not to come off like a bitch. But in reality, my hands flex with the urge to grab her perfect hair and slam her head into the desk.

"I hope you're right. See you in the morning." She stands, quickly leaving the office.

She's a bitch, but I can learn to deal with her. I just got a job!

I all but skip out of the dentist's office, my emotions and mind on cloud fucking nine! Finally, something is working in mine and Jayden's favor.

Walking up to the café, I see Chasen and a bunch of his football buddies just entering the little restaurant, all hooting and hollering. My eyes catch a guy in a black suit, standing out like a sore thumb amongst the college kids, sitting at a table along the back of the patio. Oh, my God, it's the sexy guy I bumped into yesterday. My stomach clenches at the recognition. He gives Chasen and his buddies an irritated look and stands to leave.

"Did you get the job?" My eyes tear away from Sexy Suit and find Chasen leaning over a table, his forehead covered in sweat as he stares at me intently.

"I did. I start first thing in the morning. Thank you. I owe you one," I inform him, smiling big.

"Hmm, I might take you up on that offer." He winks, making my belly flutter with butterflies.

I tuck some stray hair behind my ear and bite my bottom lip to keep from laughing like a bimbo.

"Chasen, what do you want to drink?" one of his football buddies yell behind him.

"See you around, Charlie."

"Yeah, see ya," I offer.

Walking around the patio towards my street, Sexy Suit charges out of the café, nearly running into me.

"This is becoming a nasty habit of yours," he states, his deep voice coming out like silk as he runs his hand through his dark hair. Little strands defy staying in place and fall just below his ear. His hair is longer than I thought, and it looks fucking sexy messy.

"I-" I've lost my words, I can't speak. There's something about this man that has me dumbfounded yet completely aroused. The feeling I get around him is so foreign. The bimbo state I seem to fall in around cute guys like Chasen could never compare to the surreal feeling I get around this guy.

"What's your name?" he questions, rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"Charlie," I reply meekly.

"Charlie," he repeats. My name slipping from his perfect lips makes my knees tremble it sounds so erotic. "Charlie, I'm Landon. I'd watch yourself around those dumb fucks." Like someone snapped their fingers, my lusty haze vanishes, the cool demeanor of Landon fading with his sudden use of profanity.

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