I look up at him sharply. What a diplomatic answer. That’s his response to the morality of people sleeping with multiple partners? To each their own? I mean, tigers are known for being a bit raunchy and I’ve known couples who are in polyamorous relationships, but people are still decidedly judgmental about it. I’ve never heard anyone say live and let live out loud, and while I love the idea of letting other people do as they wish, I didn’t know anyone actually believed that. Does this guy actually believe that?
“Who are you?” I ask.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean,” I say. “Who are you? Nobody talks like that. Nobody believes that. Most people think that they definitely have every right to impose their beliefs on other people, so how are you so different?” I hope I’m not coming off as aggressive because I certainly don’t mean to. What I really want to know is how he’s so self-confident that he believes each person should be able to live their life in a way that makes them happy. What I really want to know is why he’s okay with not judging other people. More importantly, why couldn’t I have met this dude at the beginning of the night? Maybe by now I’d have secured him as my date for Alastair’s special event. As it is, I’m totally drunk, and he’s confused with what I’m saying to him.
Now it’s his turn to shrug, to look nervous, embarrassed.
Shy?
Could he be shy?
Maybe he’s not used to being noticed. I can’t really tell. I look back down and grimace. What I can tell is that all of the ride sharing apps I have on my phone – which is four – have ridiculous wait times and I don’t want to be sitting outside of a bar for an hour.
I sigh and look around.
Guess I’ll be walking home tonight. There are worse things, but it means I’m going to not only be hung over tomorrow, but sore, too. Fuck. Oh well, I suppose. I start to take a step forward and then another. I’m a little dizzy, but it’s nothing I can’t handle. I mean, sure, the world is spinning, but it’s whatever, right? No big deal. I’ve got this under control.
Then I start to slip, and my body seems to flail through the air.
So that’s it, then.
This is how I die: alone in a parking lot bar.
Alone.
Alone and without a date and in front of a handsome stranger.
I close my eyes before my body can hit the ground, but I don’t feel the sensation of concrete against my skin. Instead, I’m suddenly yanked back against something hard.
A body.
Not just any body: his body.
“Where do you think you’re going?” He asks, but unlike Lester, this guy doesn’t give me the creeps. It’s not just because he’s attractive or because I’ve had a little too much to drink. No, it’s because when he asks me where I’m going, he seems curious. He doesn’t seem predatory. Besides, I think he just saved me from hitting my head on the ground. That was nice of him. What a kind man.
“Home,” I tell him. “That’s where I’m going now. To my home. I’m tired and I live that way,” I point in a direction. I’m not actually sure whether it’s the direction where my house is.
“You’re too drunk to drive.”
“I know,” I roll my eyes, but I don’t make a move to leave or pull away. I’m still pressed up against him. I’m still snug against his front and somehow, that makes me feel so damn good. It’s probably a bad idea. I shouldn’t start rubbing myself against him, but my inner-cat suddenly feels so alive, so awake.
Suddenly, all I want is to turn around, kiss this shifter, and then climb him like a fucking tree.
Fuck.
I’m in trouble.
Chapter 4
Matthew
Arousal.
The scent of it fills my nostrils as I hold the little cat close. She’s much too drunk, which is strange for a shifter. Most of us are known for being able to hold our alcohol well. How much did she have to drink? I noticed her slamming back rum when I was talking to Tanya earlier.
The redheaded fox was very aggressive and pushy, and to be honest, she really isn’t the kind of person I want to have as my date for the wedding. If a date is pushy during your first night out, she’s going to get pushier. I’m not the biggest fan of weddings, but I also don’t want to bring someone to Melanie’s special event who is going to cause a scene.