Shanel stopped at the top and stomped her foot. “I don’t see him. Do you?”
My gaze scanned the area. There weren’t many people this high up, which made my search very easy. They weren’t here. “Let’s go up one more level,” I said, disappointed.
“Hurry.”
We tread the rest of the way up the stairs and stood at the edge of the highest level. This far up, the music was barely a hum. There were quite a few people scattered about, talking and laughing, some sitting at tables, some lounging on black velvet couches.
“I see him,” Shanel whispered fiercely. She gripped my forearm. “He’s talking to Erik.”
My mouth dried completely, leaving no hint of moisture. “Where?” I whispered just as fiercely, my gaze once again moving over the room.
“On the far couch. Sitting by the—Ohmygod, they’re looking this way.” She turned away from them, facing me. “Act natural. Say something funny.”
“Uh—uh…” Suddenly my gaze connected with Erik’s and I lost my breath. What should I do? What the hell should I do?
In my dreams, Erik always smiled the first moment he spied me. He always stood and approached me, wanting desperately to be near me. To touch me…to kiss me. In reality, his brown eyes narrowed on me; his lips thinned. In displeasure? My heart sank. Why displeasure? Did I look that bad?
As always, he looked amazing. His light hair was shaggy and hung over his forehead; the dark roots gleamed in the shadowy light. I think his hair was naturally brown, but he looked good as a blond. He had an eyebrow ring, a slightly crooked nose that had probably been broken a time or two, and sharp-as-glass cheekbones.
Out of his school uniform—the same white button-up and black slacks I had to wear—he was yummy. Right now he wore a black T-shirt and faded jeans. Both hugged him deliciously.
Shanel forced a laugh. “Oh, that’s hilarious, Camille. Absolutely hilarious.”
“What is?” I asked, feeling like I was locked in some sort of trance. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe his lips hadn’t thinned in displeasure but in admiration.
She laughed again, the sound more strained. “That’s even funnier.”
Finally Erik tore his gaze from me and I realized I hadn’t done anything but stare at him. Way to act like a sophisticated, older woman, Robins. I’m sure you’re everything he’s ever wanted and more, you idiot.
“There’s an empty table,” I said, trying to keep my embarrassment from my tone. “Let’s sit down.”
“Good idea.”
My heartbeat refused to slow down, slamming against my ribs with excess force. Thankfully I didn’t trip—or cry or throw up. I claimed the seat facing away from Erik. I’d stare at him some more if I had a direct view of him, and I knew it.
I plopped my drink onto the table as Shanel eased beside me. “Is anyone looking at us now?” I asked.
“No.” She sighed in disappointment.
Oh. My shoulders slumped. “Well, what are they doing?”
“They’re talking to a dark-haired man wearing a black cloth over the lower half of his face. And three Morevv females,” she huffed.
I heard the jealousy in Shanel’s tone and experienced a wave of my own. While Morevv males were gorgeous, Morevv females were exquisite. Breathtaking. Their features were always total perfection: small, straight noses, up-tilted eyes, symmetrical cheekbones, flawless skin.
“Maybe we should go over there,” she suggested.
“No!” I shouted, then felt my cheeks bloom bright. “No,” I said more quietly. “Let’s wait until they’re alone.” I wanted to talk to Erik, yes, but I wanted to do it without a group watching my every move, hearing my every word, and witnessing my every mistake.
Shanel chewed on her bottom lip. “What if they leave?”
“That’s a chance I’m willing to take.” Better to miss an opportunity than to humiliate myself.
A blanket of vulnerability fell over her features. “I just…well…do you think those too-gorgeous-to-live Morevvs are Silver’s family? The girls, I mean?”
“Absolutely,” I said, but I didn’t sound convincing. Most guys I knew didn’t hang out with their family at clubs. They were probably girlfriends. Or potential girlfriends. I so wanted to turn around and observe their body language with Erik. Don’t do it. Don’t you dare do it. “What are they doing now?”
“Still talking.”
“Is Erik paying any attention to the women?”
“No, but they’re eyeing him like he’s free candy, all you can eat. It’s disgusting, really. They’re old.”
Old. Great. Just what Erik liked. My jealousy intensified. I took a moment to breathe, letting my attention snag on a group of human girls just exiting the stairs. They approached the bar.
I was willing to bet they were only slightly older than me, but they looked infinitely tougher, each one radiating a palpable air that said “I’d rather kick your ass than talk to you.” They were a smorgasbord of colors, from brunettes, to blondes, and even a redhead. One of the girls even had a blue trident tattooed on her cheek.
Shanel gazed from the group of guys to the group of girls I’d just noticed. “Erik paled when he saw them,” she said, claiming my attention once again. “Do you think he knows them?” With barely a breath, she added, “Score! There’s an empty table next to the guys. If we move, we can listen to their conversation.”
I shook my head violently. “We can’t switch tables. That’s too obvious.”
“Well, we can’t just sit here, either. I’ve got to know what they’re saying.” She downed the rest of her drink and slammed the glass on the table. “Give me a minute to think, and—wait. I know what we can do.” Reaching out, she hit my glass and “accidentally” knocked it over.
Liquid spilled toward me and I jumped to my feet with a yelp.
“Oh, damn,” she proclaimed loudly. “I’m so clumsy, I knocked over your drink.”
Several droplets splattered on my boots and I frowned over at Shanel. “A little warning next time would be greatly appreciated.”
“Sorry. I had an idea, and I went with it.” For our now-avid audience she said, “Guess we’ll have to switch tables.”
I almost groaned. Not so obvious, huh?
Satisfaction gleamed in Shanel’s green eyes as she stood.