The idea of another man’s hands on her has me seeing red. I saw her first.
The other part of me hopes she’s not there. I don’t know how to handle her walking away from me three weeks in a row. It’s not something that’s ever happened to me, and I can admit, even if it’s just to myself, that I don’t know what to do with that. I don’t know what to do with her.
There’s only one way to find out.
Grabbing my keys from the ignition, I climb out of my truck. My feet carry me to the entrance, and I avoid the long line by walking straight up to the bouncer through the VIP lane.
“Bailey, good to see you, man,” a tall, burly man greets me. His name tag says his name is Jeff.
“Thanks, Jeff. Looks packed tonight,” I comment, making casual conversation. You never know when being tight with the bouncer might be your ace in the hole. For instance, if you have to rip some jackass’s head off for dancing with your girl. Sure, she’s not mine, but I saw her first. It’s my lips that were molded with hers last weekend. If luck is on my side, she’ll be kissing my lips again tonight.
“Always is.” He nods, raising the rope and motioning for me to walk through.
The music is loud, and the lights are low, just as I suspected. This time instead of going to the bar for a drink, I linger, taking my time walking around the dance floor. My eyes scan the crowd looking for her.
Parker.
It’s not until I reach the very back corner do I spot her friends. Autumn is the only name I remember. I stand back against the wall, waiting to see if Parker ever joins them. Much to my disappointment, fifteen minutes later, she’s still not with them. Not able to take it any longer, I slide my way through the grinding bodies to stand before Autumn.
She smiles. “Bailey.”
I nod. Leaning in close so she can hear me over the blaring music, I ask, “Where’s Parker?”
I keep my head bent and turn so she has my ear. “At home.”
My heart sinks. I know I said I could go either way, but fuck, I really wanted to see her. She’s all I’ve been able to think about. I need to. I’m not really sure what I need to be honest. I’m in all-new territory here.
“Where?” I ask.
Autumn shakes her head. “Not a chance,” she yells over the music.
I pull my phone out of my back pocket and hold it up for her. “Her number?” I ask, still shouting over the music.
She grabs my hand and pulls me off the dance floor. I follow her like a puppy. She doesn’t stop until we’re at the farthest corner from the dance floor. The music is still loud, but at least we don’t have to shout at one another to be heard.
“Just because we know who you are doesn’t mean we know you.” Autumn crosses her arms over her chest and stares me down.
“You’re right.” I nod. “I shouldn’t have asked where, but come on. You can give me her number, right?” I’m very aware that I’m for the first time in my life chasing after a woman. I know that I could walk out this club tonight with pretty much anyone of my choosing, anyone but Parker. Not just because she’s not here, but because she doesn’t want me. At least that’s what she’s telling herself. Her body, when it’s pressed against mine, tells another story.
“Listen, Holden”she drops her arms to her sides“as her best friend, I can’t give you her number. I already told you where you might be able to find her.”
The coffee shop just off-campus. No way am I admitting that I’ve been there every day this week at varying times and still haven’t run into Parker. “The coffee shop.” I nod.
“You want my bestie. You’re going to have to work for it.”
I’ve never had to work for it a day in my life, and I don’t know what to do with this new development. Part of me says I should tell her to fuck off and move on, and the other part of me is excited for the challenge. It’s been a long damn time. Hell, I don’t think it’s even been a challenge. Even in high school, I was destined to go to a D1 school, and the ladies were all over that.
“I’m a professional athlete. Hard work doesn’t scare me.” It’s true. Sure, we get VIP perks and don’t have to worry about living paycheck to paycheck to make ends meet, but we also work our asses off.
“I was hoping you might say that.” She smiles.
“So let me get this straight. You want me to pursue her, but you won’t help me?” I ask.
“I have helped you. I told you where you might be able to find her,” she reminds me yet again.
“Well, I’ve yet to see her there.”
My revelation causes her to smirk. “You’ve been there then?”
“Every day this week,” I say, lifting my hat from my head and running my hands through my hair.
“Is that right?” The smile on her face is wide.
“You’ve gotta give me something.”
She studies me for far too long before asking, “Do you believe in fate, Holden?”
“Fate?”
“Yes. Fate. You know things that are beyond your control and are destined to happen.”
“I guess. I’ve never really thought about it.”
“Well, I do. I think that you running into Parker two weekends in a row is fate.”
“Okay?” I don’t really know where she’s going with this.
“Holden! I can’t interfere with fate. I already did by telling you where she might be. I can’t give you more.”
I expel a heavy breath. “Fine.” I have no choice but to let this go. Obviously, it’s not just Parker but also her friend who I can’t schmooze with my Bailey charm. “Do you have a ride home?” I ask her. I don’t know Parker that well, but I know if she found out I left her best friend stranded or let her drive under the influence, she’d never forgive me. Hell, I’d never forgive myself.
“Oh no you don’t, mister.” Autumn points her finger at me. “You are not going to use me as an excuse to find out where she lives.”
“So you’re roommates?” I ask. That wasn’t my intention, but I’ll soak any amount of intel I can get on Parker. I have a feeling I’m going to need it.
“Yes. And I have a ride.”
“Good. Well, I guess… have a good night.” I shove my hands in the pockets of my jeans.
“Are you giving up?” she asks.
“I don’t know what I’m doing, Autumn.” It’s the most honest statement I’ve ever made. I am completely out of my element here.
“Don’t give up on her. She’s a tough one to crack. She doesn’t trust easily, but when she does, she’s loyal to a fault. Just… keep trying.”
“Yeah,” I agree. Although I don’t know how much harder I can try. I guess I’ll keep hitting up the coffee shop and the club every weekend to see if I can get a glimpse of her. It’s a lot of effort for a woman who clearly is telling herself she wants nothing to do with me, regardless of what her body is telling both of us.
“She’s worth it.” Autumn’s voice holds conviction.
Before I can say anything, two other girls who I’ve seen with them join us. “Oh, damn, Parker’s going to be pissed she stayed home to study,” the blond-haired one comments.