Work started normally. Busy, but normal, and I needed some normal to ground me after that mental breakdown I had with my godfather. After completing all the morning prep, I got breakfast ready for the restaurant before it opened to the public. My manager, Kelly, called me over to her back office as I finished the last table that needed to be done before opening.

"Hey, is all the morning prep done?" She asks without looking away from her computer and whatever she is working on. I don't mind it. A lot of people here get very annoyed when she doesn't stop what she is doing to talk to them face-to-face. I know she doesn't mean anything rude by it. She is just very good at multitasking the many tasks she has to do in a day. That was something I could never do.

"Yes, all set. I even have the Hotel's Breakfast Muffins cooling, so they are ready for someone to bring over to the hotel soon." I answered.

"Awesome work as always. I don't know what I would do without you. Well, I called you in here because I need you to bring half the breakfast muffins to the VIP floor and set them up in the lounge for me." Kelly told me as she handed me a VIP access card. Still not looking my way. I was stunned. In my almost five years here, I had never been granted access to the VIP area. Only Kelly and one other person, whose name I didn't know, had that privilege. It was a realm of mystery and exclusivity, and now, I was being invited in.

"Arrree... you sure?" I stumbled on my words a little as I was in complete shock. It was nearly impossible to get a job at the restaurant or the hotel unless you knew someone from the owner's family, and accessing the VIP area was even more complex. Black SUVs would pull up to the back of the building. Beautiful men and women dressed in the best suits and dresses would be escorted from the black SUVS and brought to the secret elevator to the VIP area.

In this small northern town, it was the cause of some of the significant and continuous gossip that circled the town. The rumors often spoke of hitmen and mafia sorts coming to talk shady business on that floor, and that's why it was so private and well-guarded. I'm sure it's not true, just something the bored townsfolk like to make up. Granted, Jess and I were no better. We would sit in some of the trees not far off as kids and teenagers with binoculars, trying to spot a celebrity coming to a quiet town to relax from the fast pace of city life. If we did, we didn't know what they were in; we never got that good a look. Those were simpler times, filled with innocent curiosity about the unknown.

"Yes, of course. You are my best employee, and on top of that, you are Mr. Holloway's goddaughter. I know you would never embarrass him and his family." Kelly finally looked up and smiled. Her honest smile eased the tension building in my muscles. "It's nothing to be scared of, just relax." Kelly laughed. "Mafia men up there doing shady business, or whatever crazy rumor going around right now about the VIP area is not true." Kelly gave me a knowing look before I could argue. "Don't try to deny that those thoughts didn't cross your mind. I know what the rumor mill has to say about the VIP area, now, go on."

I didn't argue. She had a point. I did have those thoughts. There was no point in denying it. So, I took the cart and went to work quickly. As soon as I was done, I went on my way. I put together a diner cart with half the muffins and other breakfast goods. I made my way to the VIP elevator that was around back. The VIP elevator was a sleek, silver door, standing out against the plain walls of the back hallway. Kelly didn't tell me if there was a specific card or password I needed to access the VIP elevator, besides the card she handed me. I hope the cart I used was okay. I didn't even think about it and just went for it. I needed to calm down. I was overthinking things again. Besides, it was too late to turn around now. The elevator was just down the hall, and I could already see two guards standing out front of the only door in and out of the VIP section.

I recognize one of the door guards to the VIP elevator as Matt. He was the high school football captain back when I was in high school. He was a handsome, well-built man. He was around two years older than me, so I doubted that he would have remembered me from high school. I held out the Pass that Kelly gave me as I approached. The other guard, who I would guess was ten to fifteen years older than me, put up a hand for me to stop.

"You are not Kelly. What is your name?" The older man asked in a deep voice that rang with dominance. It set me on edge.

"My name is Danniella Ashworth. Kelly asked me to bring the muffins to the VIP lounge." I answered as coolly as I could manage. Man, I was so nervous. I hope my nervousness didn't show by how much I was probably trembling. The fear was palpable, and I struggled to maintain my composure in the face of such intimidating authority.

"I don't know you. How do I know you're telling the truth?" The older man's voice was laced with cold anger, sending shivers down my spine. I tried to speak, but fear had stolen my words. He was intimidating, and I found myself instinctively stepping back, a desperate urge to flee rising within me. I could feel the tension in the air, thick and suffocating. The guard's eyes bore into me, and I struggled to maintain my composure.

"Oh, chill out, Garrett. You're scaring her. She is Mr. Holloway's goddaughter. Don't you know that? I am sure it's fine." Matt's words were a soothing balm to my frayed nerves. His defense and reassurance were like a warm blanket on a cold night. "Go ahead, Danni," he said, stepping aside to let me pass with the cart.

"NO!! STOP!! Not until I get an okay from a higher-up. Kelly should know better." Garrett bites out, and I am unable to move again. Then a deep, even more dominating male voice spoke behind me, sending shivers down my back, but it didn't scare me like Garrett did.

"Matt speaks the truth. Let her up. I give her permission to enter as she needs."

Both men in front of me stood a little straighter. My spine stiffened a little bit, 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."

I turned away from the beautiful man at my back, and dread and embarrassment filled me. It was my ex-boyfriend. I just had to go and think about him. It was like those thoughts summoned him here to torment me. He was the only boy I have ever dated. I did everything in my power to forget him. He was the one who ruined the rest of high school for me. Once he took my virginity, he dumped me right away. He wasn't even done buttoning his pants when he ended it. I hated his beautiful face. He made my junior year of high school hell. My senior year was just as horrible, thanks to him. Even though he did not go to my school, he made sure people knew about it and made fun of me for it. I never understood the point in all of that. To make me miserable. But what hurt the most was losing all of my friends, including a childhood best friend, Sarah. She believed his lies and turned against me, leaving me alone in the midst of all the rumors and mockery. She even helped him make my life hell. 

Fucking Chad Lockwood, he stared at me with a mocking smile on his face as he had two giggling blonde women on each arm. He could go straight to hell. What did I ever see in him?

"Oh, Chad, you're so bad, hehehe," one blonde girl snickered, giving him a playful smack on his arm.

"Oh, Chad, you don't mean she is a... You know what? I didn't think the Holloways would allow that kind of trash up here," blonde two asked in a shocked tone.

"Oh, I do, ladies. The Holloways must be really desperate for workers to hire her. A desperate human bottom feeder. She is poor as trash, too." Chad spoke to the two girls with such an arrogant attitude that I wanted to slap him. However, I refrained because I didn't want to cause problems for Phil and his family. I knew Chad's family had money and was influential in the town where they lived. So, it would start unnecessary issues for them if I did. I would never want to cause harm to the only family I had left, no matter how much I hated Chad. In Chad fashion, he couldn't keep his mouth shut.

I had no idea what they were going on about really, or what I ever did to deserve such hatred from Chad. Why did he have to go so far out of his way to make my life worse than it already was? I know I was poor, but what did that matter? I quickly grew angry with how much Chad was bad-mouthing the Holloways, though. I couldn't care less what he said about me. Yes, it hurt, but I was the idiot who slept with him. Why did he have to badmouth them? They were nothing but pleasant, and they never treated people poorly. Before I could regret bad mouthing Chad while I was on the clock, the man behind me growled out in a menacing tone that sent shivers down my spine.

"The only disgraceful person here is you, Chad." The handsome man moved into a protective stance in front of me. I don't know why he would. He didn't know me. Something instinctively told me the stranger would never let me get hurt while he was around. It was a confusing feeling.

I did not know what to say after that. He did not know me, but he must have known Chad. So maybe he already had issues with him? Perhaps that's why he is practically growling at Chad, and it had nothing to do with me. Even though the stranger was in front of me, I felt like I couldn't speak or move. I had to get going, though; Kelly would be looking for me if I didn't return soon. I had no idea how to defuse this strange standoff that these two guys were having. I felt like I should do something, but I couldn't. Nothing like this ever happened to a girl like me. I was feeling like a fish out of water.

"Hey now, this is not the place to have a pissing contest." A familiar male voice said in a playful tone I'd recognize anywhere. The handsome man moved before me like he was blocking me from anyone approaching me.

"I agree. I do not want my employee under unnecessary stress. So, knock this shit off right now." Joel stated angrily. I knew it had nothing to do with what I did. I turned to see the Holloway brothers standing side by side. Joel watched the two sets of guys glaring at each other. He didn't try to look at me; he was too busy staring down at the two guys. Jordan noticed my glance his way and gave me a wink. I smiled to myself at his easy demeanor. I relaxed knowing they were here. Their protecting me made sense.

"Jordan, please escort Miss Danniella to the elevator so she does not have any further trouble with the guests here," Joel commanded. I silently thanked whoever was looking out for me for that saving grace.

Jordan just nodded his head at his brother, then nudged his head at me towards the elevator. I got the diner cart and headed towards the elevator and Jordan. About halfway to the elevator, I turned back to steal one last glance at the most handsome man I have ever seen. If I could, I would bet on the fact that I would probably never see him again. I was shocked to see he was watching me with wide eyes. He looked like he wanted to say something or come running after me. I doubted he would. Joel looked pissed, and that stopped anyone from doing anything. But part of me wished he would, that he would defy Joel and come after me.

Jordan just put his arm around me and turned me back around, and moved me to the elevator. So off I went. Once inside the elevator and the doors closed, Jordan let go of a long breath. One I didn't realize he was holding.

"Well, that is not how I wanted things to go," Jordan said, sounding defeated.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked him, confused.

"I had Kelly send you up. I wanted to see you," Jordan admitted. He moved closer to me, wrapping his arms around me. His warmth surrounded me. He was the more affectionate of the two brothers. I accepted his hug, and I wrapped my arms around his back. He always made me feel safe.

"I have been feeling bad for not seeing you sooner. It has been a few months, but I have been so busy with work... And well, I know Joel has been feeling the same way. Even though I doubt he will ever admit to it. So what better way to see you than having you come up to the floor we work on," Jordan admitted.

"I have missed you guys, too. I understand your job here can keep you busy, but I have also not been myself since... Well, you know..." The rest of my words got caught in my throat at the thought of my dad.

"All the more reason we should have been there for you." Jordan squeezed me before letting go. A moment later, the elevator door opened.