The close-knit clan caravanned to Sin, Denver’s most popular night club. Once there, those choosing to continue the celebration proceeded to dance, eat, drink, and talk the afternoon away.
Not really the crowd-chatting type, Ivan chose to skip the dancing and conversation for the quiet-ish space behind the bar. Generous man that he was, Jax had opened the bar and its contents to all, which meant someone had to pour.
Ivan didn’t mind. Truth be told, keeping himself busy back here gave him an excuse not to have to dance with Poppy’s nice-but-not-for-him-cousin. That hadn’t deterred her from frequenting the bar on multiple occasions, however.
Lucky for him, Poppy’s parents had decided to call it a night a little over two hours in. Since the older couple was her ride, and he was too busy ‘working’ to offer otherwise, a disappointed Laura had gone back to the hotel with them.
Before leaving, she’d slipped him her number on a napkin with strict instructions to call later if he changed his mind. The minute he knew she was gone Ivan had pulled the crumpled square of soft paper from his pocket and tossed it in the trash.
Much to his relief, the last half of the reception went by much faster. Before Ivan knew it, the place had all but cleared out, and the celebration had nearly reached its end.
“You’re sure you want to do this?”
Still standing dutifully behind the bar, Ivan turned to see the man of the hour had joined him. Looking more like the guy Ivan loved like a brother than a life-sized image of one-half of a wedding cake topper, Jax had traded his tux and dress shoes for a pair of black boots, faded jeans, a black V-neck tee, and his signature black leather jacket.
Knowing exactly what the other man was referring to, Ivan gave him a quick nod. “I’m sure.”
“There’s still time to back out, you know,” Jax offered, leaning his denim-clad hip against the sink’s edge. “Told you before, I have zero problems closing the club until I get back. I mean, you realize I’m basically offering you a two-week paid vacation, right?”
“I know, Boss. But I’m good. Really.”
The tattooed bastardwouldclose Sin, too. If Ivan told him that’s what he wanted to do, Jax would order him to close up shop without a single thought to the money he’d be losing by not being open three weekends in a row…
One for this weekend’s wedding festivities plus the two weeks Jax and Poppy would be gone.
Because that was the type of guy Jax was. Smart. Just. And loyal to a fucking fault.
Not that the citizens of Denver were privy to that side of the imposing bastard. Although if the sweet-as-pie woman who’d just joined them behind the bar had anything to say about it, the entire world would know what a closet teddy bear his boss really was.
“Seriously, Ivan.” Poppy Campbell—now officially Penelope JaneMonroe—slid past her husband to give Ivan a tight hug. “Thank you so much. I don’t know how we’ll ever repay you.”
The petite brunette’s fancy white dress and veil had been replaced by a flowery blouse, khaki jacket, dark jeans, and ankle-high boots for the couple’s departure.
“Happy to help.” Ivan squeezed her back. “You two just enjoy your honeymoon, and don’t give this place or me a second thought. After all, you only get married once, right?”
He regretted the words the minute they left his mouth.
Not because he thought these two wouldn’t last. He’d seen first-hand the lengths both Jax and Poppy would go to in order to keep a strong hold of the love they’d found. Ivan regretted the quipped words because they’d broughthispast back to the forefront of his mind.
An ex-wife he no longer talked to. An unborn child he’d never get the chance to meet. A future he’d thought he was prepared for until fate stepped in and tore it all away.
“Regardless”—Jax held out his inked hand—“something comes up, or you change your mind, just shut ’er down until we get back. You don’t even have to call first.”
Ivan used his tight grip on the man’s hand to yank him in for a half-hug. “Appreciate that, Boss, but it won’t be a problem.” His palm met leather as he slapped Jax on the back before pulling away with a sideways grin. “Now, go. Get out of here before you two miss your flight.”
“Oh, he’s right, Jax.” Poppy checked her dainty watch. “With it being the weekend, the airport’s likely to be jam-packed. We really should get on the road.”
“We’ll be fine, Kitten.” Jax gave his wife a wink and a smirk. “Promise.”
The two lovebirds shared a longing stare that made Ivan want to kick their ass out from behind the bar. Lucky for him, Jax was already linking his fingers together with his wife’s as he guided her away.
Cheers from those remaining filled the expansive club one final time. Collectively, the close-knit group followed the bride and groom out onto the sidewalk lining the building’s front. Leaving his self-appointed station, Ivan slowly made his way toward them. From behind the club’s tinted front window, he watched in solitude as his deliriously happy friends drove away.
The rest of the guests returned, and over the next forty-five minutes, they snacked on what was left of the catered food and admittedly delicious cake before slowly making their own way home. Declan and a few of the couple’s closest friends offered to help with the clean-up, but Ivan graciously turned them down.
He preferred to work alone.
Another half-hour later, after the last of the guests had left, the catering staff arrived. With impressive efficiency, the four-man crew gathered their supplies and remaining food and left. And for the first time in hours, Ivan was alone once more.