“It’s so good to see you,” I shout, holding her tightly.
“It’s been too long.”
Pulling away from her, I allow Biff to say hi before attempting to introduce her to Kas. Lauren smiles and nods, but I’ve no idea if she hears a word that comes out of my mouth.
When I look over her shoulder, I find the man responsible for taking up her time. I smile at him and he nods in response, but not before Zach descends on him. I knew they were in the same year at school, but I had no clue they were still friends until I called Lauren for a catch up after everything blew up and she confessed to knowing all along. I wanted to be angry at her, but to be quite honest, I couldn’t find it in myself to care.
Lauren winces as she glances at the two of them. I smile back at her to tell her that everything is good. I think she thought I was going to fly off the handle when I found out, but really, I’m just glad Zach was able to open up. I can’t imagine how hard it’s been for him over the years to keep everything he does a secret.
A few of Lauren and Ben’s friends join us, and after a bear hug from Joe and a few more shouted introductions, we all start dancing. That is, until everyone around me seems to pair off into their couples.
Even Kas’ attention has been captured by Spike, who’s showing her some slightly questionable moves.
Each couple smiles at each other as they move in time with the music, and a pang of jealously hits me. I want someone to dance wi— When I look up again, my eyes lock with Carter’s, and all thoughts leave my head.
A smile curls at one side of his mouth, and my stomach twists with desire at knowing exactly what that mouth can do.
He looks around at the couples much like I did only a few moments ago before he mouths, “Shall we?” and holds both his arms out for me to step into.
I’m torn. A huge part of me wants to throw caution to the wind and walk straight into his body and start moving against him. That’s the irrational side of my brain that needs to be locked down. I need to be listening to the sensible side that’s telling me to run away from him as far as I can.
We stand, locked in our stare for what feels like the longest time as I fight my internal battle.
When I eventually manage to drag my eyes away from him, I find Zach’s concerned ones where he’s dancing with Biff’s back to his front. The way his hips are moving against her makes me want to throw up a little in my mouth, but the happiness that oozes from him stops me.
“You okay?” he mouths, forcing me to plaster a fake smile on my face.
“Toilet,” I mouth back before stepping away from our group and walking to the other side of the huge space. The temptation to take a left and leave the entire club is strong, but I don’t want to do that to Biff or Zach.
Instead, I find myself in an annoyingly long queue for the ladies. At least while I’m standing there, I can’t feel his heated stare.
By the time I get to do my thing and am staring into the mirror above the basin, I almost feel like I’ve got my shit together and am able to walk back out onto the dancefloor and put him and everything he makes me feel to one side. I’m here for Zach. That’s it. You are also going home alone, I instruct myself. Temptation might be in touching distance, but I’m stronger than it is. I will not cave to Carter James Wright again. He is off limits.
I walk out of the bathroom, intending on getting myself a drink and finding the others once again. Only, as I turn the corner, I walk straight into a wall of flesh. I don’t need to look up to know who it is. I’d remember his scent anywhere. My mouth waters and every muscle south of my waist clenches. So much for that little pep talk.
“What do you want?” I shout into his chest, refusing to look up into his eyes.
That’s not good enough, because I soon find his warm fingers tilting my chin until I’ve got no choice but to look up. I keep my eyes over his shoulder at the women walking back to the bar.
“Doll, come on. You’ve spent all night staring at me. I’m right in front of you now. You can take your fill.”
“Fuck you,” I spit.
“Yeah. That’s the exact thought in my mind too.”
A frustrated growl rumbles up my throat. Who does he think I am? Some cheap hooker who’d do anything to spend the night with him? He was good, but he wasn’t that good.
Liar.
“How about we get out of here?” He takes a step closer until the heat of his body seeps into mine. My nipples pebble, knowing that another inch and he’d be brushing up against them.
“Thanks, but no thanks.”
“I’m pretty sure I could convince you.” His hand lifts until he’s cupping my cheek, and he drops his head so his lips are to my ear. “I know you’ve not forgotten how good it was. That’s why you can’t keep your eyes off me.” I flinch when his palm lands on my waist. His touch burns but in such a good way.
I open my mouth to respond, my compliance right on the tip of my tongue. It would be so easy to agree and to take him back to my place for an hour or so to finish off the night, but I can’t. Thankfully, my rational side perks her head up and reminds me of the list of reasons why that would be a bad idea. The only positive outcome from allowing it to happen would be the orgasms, but I’ve got a perfectly suitable rubber vibrating friend in my drawer specifically for this kind of situation.
“I really doubt that, Trick. There’s not enough alcohol in this place to make that mistake again.”
He pulls back and looks at me. His brows are drawn together, but he’s way too cocky and arrogant to be hurt by that comment. His ego probably just took a bit of a hit, that’s all.
“You know my name is Titch, right?”
Dropping my eyes from his, I run them down his body. “Riiight. See, I think Trick suits you much better. Although, I’m sure I could come up with a few more options.”
I tilt my head to the side as he chuckles at my comment.
“Oh, doll. Do you know how irresistible you are when you get all fired up?”
“Good to know. Now enjoy the last of it, because I’m about to walk away and never look back.”
I take a step around him, but his hot fingers wrap around my wrist.
“This isn’t over, doll. And you damn well know it.”
I straighten my back and square my shoulders in an attempt to appear unphased by his words. I hate to admit it, but I’m already getting a little excited about the next time we meet. It’s wrong, but it is what it is.
Pulling my wrist from his grip, I walk away exactly as I told him I would: without looking back. It damn near kills me.
7
Carter
Zach: I need you in Vegas. Flight at 12.30. Biff’s cancelled your clients. Check your email for check in info.
I stare down at his message, my brows pulled together in confusion. I thought he was in LA with Corey. Why the hell are they in Vegas? And more importantly, why do they need me?
Rolling my eyes at him, I swing my legs from the bed and head towards the shower. It’s already long past lunchtime seeing as Spike and I sat drinking long into the early hours after our shifts last night.
Stripping out of my boxers, I stand under the water while it’s still cold in the hope it’ll help rid me of the lingering effects of the whiskey.