Page 38 of Getting Down to Business

His door opened and the light from the hall illuminated Alyssa’s silhouette in the doorway. She just stood there.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Would you mind…would it be okay if I stayed with you?” she asked. Her voice sounded so sad he wouldn’t have been able to turn her away even if he’d wanted to. He didn’t want to.

“Sure.” He slid over and she climbed in next to him. He draped his arm over her waist as she snuggled up against him, her back against his chest. His face was near her hair and he closed his eyes, breathing in her scent. He could do this. Casual.

They both fell asleep and slept peacefully the rest of the night.

* * * *

Doug frowned when he walked into MacGregor’s on Friday evening and found two new people behind the bar. When he’d left Chanda’s place last Sunday, they didn’t have future plans. He’d been so absorbed in his post-sex high that he hadn’t thought to ask her schedule.

“What can I get you?” the younger male bartender asked.

“Uh, is Chanda working tonight?” Maybe she would be coming in later.

“No. She’s off tonight.”

“Oh. I’ll have a beer.” He pointed to the brew list and tapped his fingers as the guy went to get it. Mac noticed him and came closer.

“You’re Doug?” His accent was so thick it took a second to piece it together.

“Yes. I’m Doug.”

“Chanda isn’t working tonight.”

“Yeah. He told me.”

“Did she give you her number?” Mac tilted his head in confusion.

“She did. I just wasn’t sure if I should bother her.”

Mac’s face broke out in a wide grin.

“Nah, you probably shouldn’t bother her.”

“So you’re saying I should call her?” Doug asked as Mac walked away laughing. Weren’t bartenders recognized for their ability to give their patrons good advice? Maybe not in Scotland.

Doug looked down at his phone and sighed.