Chapter Four

      Both men in front of me stood a little straighter. My spine stiffened a little, too, at the authority he held in his voice. I was not afraid, though. I knew him better than most people would realize. Even though I haven't really seen him since my father's funeral. Phil Holloway's Oldest son, Joel, stood behind me. He was easily six foot five with a broad, muscled chest. He looked terrific in his dark grey suit. His dark hair and dark eyes were a cold mask that scared and intimidated many. If I did not know it was just a mask, I would be terrified of him. He was very handsome, but many women were scared, even when they attempted to talk to him. To this day, I still do not know why he always puts up this front with the world around us. It has been like this since he got back from college. It was a shame; he was a deeply caring man. He always takes care of the people he loves and cares about.

      “Of course, Mr. Holloway, right away, sir. You may go through Miss Ashworth.” Garrett responded and moved as if he were serving in the military. I wondered what branch he might have served in. He seemed like a Navy Seals guy to me.

      “Thank you,” I said to no one in particular as I made my way to the elevator. I was just glad I could move my legs after that. Garrett was unreasonably terrifying to me.

       “Here, I will get the door for you, Danni.” Matt moved to help me by getting the door so I could easily push the dining cart through. He gave me a very flirty smile and a wink as I passed him. No surprise there, He was always a playboy at school, flirting with all the cheerleaders. I just never realized he noticed me. No one really did. I made sure of that, especially considering what my ex did to me and the lengths I went to trying to put what he did behind me. Ewwww. What was I doing letting him cross my thoughts?

      I felt Joel close behind me as we made it past the doors and into the elevator. His warmth and cedar scent enveloped me like it was a shield. I felt a bit stronger and safer when any of the Holloways were around.  Being the gentleman he was, he let me go in first. He held the elevator door for me. I didn’t meet his gaze as I walked into the elevator. I knew he had his cold mask on. I didn’t want him to think I was afraid of him when I wasn’t. Doing this muffin run was oddly nerve-racking.

       “Thank you,” I tell him as the door closes to the elevator. He just grunted an acknowledgment to me. We began climbing up in the elevator. A heartbeat of silence sat between us. I was not as close to Joel as I was to Jordan. Joel was ten years older than I was. Where Jordan was only five years older, he was the protective older brother I never had. We lost touch a bit when I was a teenager, and he was off to college. It had been a few years since we really talked, not including my father's funeral. I was such a mess then. I don't really count it; those few weeks were filled with grief and way too much alcohol.

      “So, how have you been?” I asked, wanting to break the silence. I’ve missed him. I hope he has been well.

       “You and Matt do not have a thing going on, right?” Joel gruffly asked, not answering my question.

      “Uhh... what...? No...?! He just went to High school with me. He is two years older. I didn't even think he knew who I was.” I replied, confused.

     “Good, he is a playboy, you deserve someone better than him,” Joel replied.

      “What?” I stared at him. I was baffled, but he didn't explain. The doors to the elevator opened. He held the door open so I could easily push the cart through onto the VIP lounge.

       “You can just display the muffins right over there.” Joel pointed to a corner where an empty pastry display stood.

       “Huh?” I looked at him, still confused.

       “It is your first time up here, correct?” Joel stated,

       “Otherwise, Garrett wouldn't have given you a hard time.”

      “Ahhh... Yes, sorry, I was distracted.” I mumbled out.

       “Not a problem, Danni. You’d best get to it. I will see you around.” Joel said as he walked off in the opposite direction towards what I guess was his office.

       I quickly got to work setting up the muffins and making sure everything was labeled correctly and looking as lovely as possible. It was the VIP lounge. I wanted to ensure I did a good job and made it look nice. Surprisingly, it did not take me as long as I had thought it would. I began cleaning things up. I was getting the cart ready to head back to the restaurant. I turned to toss out a paper towel I used to wipe the counter and ended up hitting a brick wall. Well, it felt like a brick wall, but it was not. I looked up to the most handsome-looking man I have ever seen. He was probably taller than Jordan. I never thought I would ever see a man taller than him, and oh man, he was built with so much muscle. No wonder I thought he was a brick wall. 

        “Oh, my god, I am so sorry,” I quickly apologized to him.

        “It is my fault; these blueberry muffins that are served here are my favorite in the area. I couldn't wait to grab one.” The beautiful man said, his blue eyes were breathtaking. I could not stop staring. I did not know him, but something in my chest stirred in his presence. A strange, shocking sensation shot through my body as we locked eyes. His eyes seemed to widen in shock at my rude staring. He probably was thinking, Man, this girl was crazy, and I regretted bumping into her over a blueberry muffin. I felt like nothing would break me from this strange trance that I seemed to be stuck in. Until a voice rang out behind me, filling me with dread.

       “Wow, the VIP lounge has really gone downhill if they are letting your kind up here.”