The Russian's Assertive Lover (The Tonov Triplets Series Book 2) Read Online Free PDF

tuition.”
    Janet wrinkled her nose. “You are such a buzzkill. You really don't have to take Dave Ramsey's advice completely to heart.”
    Courtney smiled. “I know,” she said. “But at the same time, I kind of do so I can relax more later.”
    “Sweetie, you're going to be a doctor. Rest is not going to be part of your life.”

Chapter Nine
     
    That night at Suds, Courtney took her mandatory break during a slow period of her shift. She covered herself up with one of the black silk robes that hung in the break room and grabbed a bottle of water from the mini-fridge. She sank down into the overstuffed couch and rested against the cushions.
    She slipped off her heels, rubbing the soles of her feet, but she kept the gloves on. Even though the lace was slightly itchy, it was nice not to be reminded of that night every time she happened to glance at her hand. It was a stroke of genius on Nik's part, even though he would never know how much it meant to her. Especially since he's been hiding in his office tonight.
    Courtney couldn't help but think that he was avoiding her. Aside from a polite and distant hello when she came in, she hadn't seen him all evening. At least she wasn't the only one who was feeling awkward about the kiss.
    The door swung open and Scarlett walked in. She smiled at Courtney and grabbed a robe. “I hope you don't mind me joining you,” she said.
    “Not at all,” Courtney replied, scooting along the couch. She smiled at the bartender. Even though they had only exchanged a few words in between working and training, she had already taken a liking to her.
    Scarlett poured some water into a mug and put it in the microwave for tea. “So,” she said. “How are you liking Suds so far?”
    “It's... interesting,” Courtney replied. “It takes a bit of getting used to.”
    “You seem to handle yourself well on the floor. No one would ever know that you're new at this.”
    “That's a relief. I definitely don't want to stand out in a bad way.”
    “Trust me,” said Scarlett, “You don't. At least not in a bad way.” She grinned as the microwave beeped. She took the mug out and tossed in a green tea bag. Courtney's mouth watered at the thought of a hot beverage. It got cold wearing so little and a hot beverage sounded nice. Maybe tomorrow, when she took her next break, she would help herself to the tea instead of the water.
    “So how long have you been working here?” Courtney asked.
    “Oh, since it opened. Nik and I have been friends for a while,” she said. “So he made me his right-hand woman when he took over this place.”
    “Oh wow. I didn't know you and Nik were that close. I mean, he doesn't seem like someone to trust anyone especially with business matters.”
    “We've been good friends since he came to America. One of my girlfriends helped him get his citizenship.”
    “Has he always been an aloof jerk or is it a recent addition?” Courtney said, half joking.
    “I'm not going to say much, but I will say this: he has good reason not to trust people so easily. I won't say any more, but cut him some slack, okay?”
    Good reason? What would that be? Courtney nodded and smiled. “Okay,” she said. She decided to let it go because she didn't want to ruin her tentative friendship with Scarlett. She would definitely need a friend to survive this place and it might come in handy being friends with the second-in-command.
    Courtney drank the rest of the water and looked at the clock on the wall. “I guess it's been fifteen minutes,” she said, getting up.
    “It's still pretty slow out there,” Scarlett replied. “You might as well stay awhile longer and rest up.”
    Courtney smiled. If she didn't need the money so badly, she would probably stay and chat. She definitely wasn't looking forward to being felt up for an entire night. “There must be something I can do,” she replied. “And there are a few customers out there right now, so I'm sure they'll want attention.”
    Scarlett