“Okay, I’ll give you that.” Juliette took a deep breath and released it through her mouth. I’m behaving like a teenager. Still, the fear of ridicule and rejection were very real. Funny how you thought you were over something until it came rushing back full force.
Evonne and Joey turned and formed a semicircle around Juliette.
“What’s going on, Jul?” Joey asked.
“My nerves are flaring up.” Juliette nibbled the inside of her mouth and willed her anxiety away. Tightness developed in her chest and she breathed deep. Not now. She hadn’t had a panic attack in so long.
“It’s not just you.” Evonne exhaled. “Social activities, large groups of people and I don’t get along too well.”
“Hence why we call you Spock. You’re the only brown Vulcan I’ve ever met.” Joey nudged Evonne’s shoulder with her own.
“Hey, if that means I’m the child of Zoe Saldana and Zachary Quinto, I’ll take it.” Evonne grinned and they all burst into laughter. The familiar razzing eased Juliette’s anxiety. I’m among friends and the past is behind me. Who I was and what happened then have no bearing on the woman I choose to be today.
“Have I told you girls how much I love you today?” Juliette laughed, brushing her shoulder-length locks out of her face and tucking them behind her right ear.
“Yes, but we always love to hear it. Flattery will get you everywhere, darling.” Hil said, rolling her Rs.
The line moved ahead of them and they followed like a herd of cattle. A few more minutes and they were inside the club, sealing Juliette’s fate. Guess I’m past the point of no return.
Pure had gone with a black-and-white theme. Black walls were offset by pieces of white furniture and smoky-glass-topped tables. They walked down the hallway. Pure was double the size of other clubs she’d been to. Juliette glanced up and took in the three tiers, each catering to different tastes.
“This place is massive,” Joey said.
“Right?” Juliette said.
The hallway opened to a sleek black archway that led to a large seating area surrounding a white dance floor. Pop music came over the speakers, loosening the stiffness in her muscles. She swayed to the familiar rhythm, mouthing the words.
“Let’s hit the bar first,” Hil said.
Nodding, they followed her as she weaved a path through the crowded room. They squeezed into the middle section and waited patiently for one of the busy bar backs to make their way toward them. Juliette studied the people around her to pass the time. Her gaze reached the end of the bar and stopped.
A broad-shouldered, tan Roman god looked up. Their gazes clashed. Chocolate-brown met a whiskey-brown she could easily drown in. Bottomless pits that beckoned her to solve the owner’s mysteries. The dark brown hair slicked back off his face highlighted a broad forehead and the faintest trace of hair adorned his chin and his delectable upper lip.
Her sex quivered and grew moist. Hardened nipples strained against the silk of her tank top. The apex of her thighs heated. The air between them sizzled as he lowered his lids to half-mast and his strong jaw flexed. A long pink tongue snaked out to moisten his lips. Oh god, was the attraction mutual?
His thick eyebrows drew together. A puzzled expression marred his facial perfection. He’s probably wondering why my crazy ass is staring at him. She wanted to look away but found it difficult.
Her breaths shortened and her chest moved up and down rapidly. The muscles in her stomach clenched. The music faded and tunnel vision set in.
“Jul, what do you want to drink?” Joey’s voice shattered the connection.
She turned, grateful for the reprieve from the lasers penetrating deep into her soul, making her forget herself. The last time she’d felt a spark like that with a man it’d ended badly. Of course that man had been nothing like this one. Peter had been blond, suave and preppy. Maybe that’s why I’m drawn to him. Sometimes the boy you want to take home to mom has a monster lurking inside him. It might be better to go with the one who lets it all hang out. The stranger’s razor-sharp beams peeled back her skin and freed the stifled woman she’d slapped imaginary swaths of duct tape on and shoved deep in the closet of her mind.
“Water for me, I’m the D.D. tonight,” Juliette told the striking blond bartender with bright-blue eyes and a toothpaste-ad smile. After the ruggedly handsome face of the stranger, the bartender paled in comparison.
“You got it, sweetheart.” The cocky tone made her want to gag. Not even if I was hammered, Ken.
“Were you making goo-goo eyes at the biker? That’s bold…even for a reformed shy girl.” Joey’s eyes were full of admiration Juliette didn’t understand.
“Biker? What are you talking about?” She shook her head.
“Check him out, Jul. He’s wearing a cut.” Joey nodded toward the end of the bar.
“Cut?” Clueless, she starred at Joey, who rolled her eyes.
“A leather vest that identifies him as a member of a certain motorcycle club. Girl, you need to watch more primetime television. Sons of Anarchy is the shit.” The happiness on Joey’s round face garnered a giggle.
“Keep talking so it won’t be obvious I’m scoping him out,” Juliette whispered. Joey nodded. Juliette leaned back slightly and used her peripheral vision to take in all the things she’d missed during their stare down.