I nod as he places his glass on an empty tray when another waiter walks by. The dance floor is alive and vibrant with a twelve-piece orchestra playing on the stage. On the edge of the dance floor, I see Cynthia. She looks lovely with her chestnut hair pulled back into a chignon and sparkles of diamonds across her neck reflecting glimmers of light. She throws her head back in laughter, and my own smile comes. She truly is a remarkable lady.
“There she is, Drew,” I say, pointing over in her direction, and we walk across the dance floor, weaving our way through dancing guests.
“Drew, darling,” she says as she places a kiss on his cheek, then beams up at me.
“Mother,” he responds.
“Bailey, such a pleasure to have you here tonight. You look stunning. I can see why my son is so smitten.”
My face heats, and I’m sure I’m blushing. “Thank you so much for having me, Mrs. Lawson. This is magnificent. I have never seen anything so beautiful in my life.”
“Cynthia, dear. And I’m so happy you think so. This event means so much to me.” We all stand silently for a minute, taking in the activity around us before I feel Drew’s hand make contact with the small of my back again. I love and hate this dress. Every time he touches me, I want to beg him to take me right here on the dance floor. And seeing as that’s not an option . . .
I hate the dress.
“Please excuse me. I see someone I need to speak to. Take Bailey for a dance, Drew. Enjoy yourself.” I watch as she gracefully glides away, and I turn to Drew.
“Are you going to take me dancing, or what?” I wink at him.
The corners of his eyes crinkle as his mouth curves into a wicked smirk. “You sure you want to dance, Bailey? I can think of something better to do.” His pupils are huge as he speaks, and I’m sure that if I gave him the word, he would whisk me right out of here without a backward glance. But being here, looking at the dance floor, I want to dance with him.
More than anything.
“No way, Drew. I want to see all the moves you have.”
With that, he pulls me along with him onto the dance floor. When his hands wrap around me, an electrifying shudder reverberates throughout my body. We sway together in perfect synchrony, so close it’s as if we’ve fused our bodies together. Soft fingers tilt my chin up until our eyes meet. He gleams brilliantly at me, shimmering flashes of an azure fire. I’m completely entranced by him.
He studies me closely. His steady gaze is boring into me as he tilts his head down to capture my mouth. The kiss is gentle, but it’s the way he looks at me that’s different. As if we’ve crossed an invisible line, and neither one of us is turning back. Pulling away, he whispers against my lips.
“You’re delicious.” Then he reclaims my mouth again. Shivers of emotions radiate through me. I’m falling for this man and fast.
“Well, well, well, Drew, what do we got here? You two are dating now,” he grits out through clenched teeth.
Pulling away from Drew, I look up to see Reese. I haven’t seen him since that night. He’s staring at me, scrutinizing my every move. My posture tightens, and suddenly I feel like I’m back in the bar drinking with him.
Crossing my arms in front of my body, I turn closer into Drew’s arms. He squeezes me into him protectively, and the muscles in my back loosen.
“Reese, I guess it was too much to ask not to have to see you again.” His words are curt as he places a gentle kiss on my forehead. Reese’s eyes widen as his brow knits together.
“So are you guys a thing now. Really, Drew? A cocktail waitress? I know you have no standards, but isn’t even that beneath you? But I guess you don’t care about that.” His eyes bore into me, anger glowing from them. “It’s how she looks that matters to you.”
Then he lifts his hand and swipes at his nose. Narrowing my eyes, I can see a slight film of white residue surrounding his nostril. He’s high as a kite, that much is obvious.
“Let’s go.” Drew takes my hand in his and turns to Reese. “I’ll talk to you when you’re not fucked up out of your mind.” Then he pulls us away.
He continues to drag me with him until we’re in a dimly lit alcove behind a marble column. Drew is taking deep, ragged breaths, his body shaking from the effort and the anger rolling off him in waves.
Gently, my fingers caress his. “It’s okay, Drew. I know he was high.”
“It’s not okay. His—”