Alyssa hasn’t glanced at me once since stalking away. It’s like I don’t exist. A large pit settles at the bottom of my gut at the realization that there might not be anything I can do or say to mitigate the damage I inflicted.
“You want another?” There’s a pause. “Although, I’ll be straight with you, man—you toss back anymore drinks, and I’ll have to take your keys away. I can’t allow you to drive home in your inebriated condition.”
I snort out something that barely passes for a chuckle. “Nah, I’m good.”
Shane leans against the bar as his gaze cuts through the crowd to Alyssa. Her blond head is like a halo glowing under the strobe lights. I reluctantly pull my attention away from her and glance around the club. Unfortunately, I’m not the only one who has taken notice. Dudes are circling like hungry sharks.
“How long have you two crazy kids been together?” he asks casually, breaking into my thoughts.
Instead of admitting the truth, I narrow my eyes and glare. “Long enough.”
Shane played football until an ACL injury knocked him out of commission last season. He’s always been a fan favorite with the ladies. As much as we’re friends and teammates, I’m not an idiot. The interest was apparent in his eyes when he was talking to Alyssa earlier.
He nods toward the dance floor. “You sure she knows that?”
“It’s complicated,” I grumble, not wanting him to get any ideas. By the looks of the guy, it’s much too late for that. I don’t want to knock them from his head, but I will if I have to.
“It always is, brother.”
Before I have a chance to respond, he takes off, heading down to the opposite end of the bar to help a customer.
Alyssa’s friends come and go. There’s dancing and more shots. I caught sight of Beck earlier in the evening, but now he’s nowhere to be seen. I look around and realize Mia is also conspicuously absent from the festivities.
Hmmm. Interesting.
An hour and two more bottles of water later, Alyssa hugs a few girls and gives them a quick wave. A happy light fills her eyes as a smile stretches lazily across her face. She looks pleasantly buzzed as she saunters past the bar. Her feet grind to a halt as her gaze collides with mine, and all of the lightheartedness filling her expression dissolves. The edges of her pink slicked lips sink into a frown as her brows jerk together. “You’re still here?”
I straighten to my full height before closing the distance between us. Alyssa might be tall, but I’ve got a good ten inches on her. The closer I get, the more she has to lift her chin to maintain eye contact. “I wasn’t sure if you needed a ride home.” And it sure as shit wasn’t going to be with another guy.
“I don’t. There are plenty of friends I can catch a ride with.” She waves toward the people still filling the club. “So, feel free to take off.”
I shake my head. “I’ll head out when you do.”
A puff of exasperation escapes from her lungs. “Then you can go now because I’m leaving.”
The physical pull is more than I can withstand, and I take another step in her direction. We’re so close that I could reach out and yank her into my arms. The temptation to do exactly that pounds through me like a steady drumbeat. Except I know exactly how it’ll end. And that’s not well. It’ll only piss her off more than she already is. “I’ll take you home.” I just want to get her into my car and away from all the dudes scoping her out.
“No, thanks.” She searches the crowd for an alternative. “I’d rather Uber it.”
Sorry, that’s not happening.
“We’re headed to the same place. It’s a ten-minute drive. I think you can withstand that much time alone with me.”
“Wanna bet?” When she attempts to slip past me, I mirror the movement and block her escape.
Anger sparks to life in her eyes, banishing the mellowness that had been filling them minutes ago. “Get out of my way, Colton. I’m serious!”
“We can do this the easy way or the hard way. It’s your choice.” Already I can tell how this interaction will unfold. Although, I’m still holding out a glimmer of hope that she’ll surprise me.
Her lips form into a snarl. “You’re out of your damn mind if you think I’m going anywhere with you! I’d rather—”
“The hard way it is,” I say with resignation, stepping closer before hunkering down and hoisting her up. She grunts as my shoulder connects with her midsection.
For one blissful moment, she falls into silence as her slender body hangs stiffly over mine. Knowing the surprise will wear off quickly, I hightail it to the exit. Two steps later, all hell breaks loose.