She throws her head back and laughs at my horrible acting.
“Come on, drama queen. Let’s have a good time.”
Lily spins me around and pushes me toward the bar, marching us right to Asher. He passes us each another round of shots. As much as I don’t need it, I take it, relishing the burn as it slips down my throat.
“What took you so long?” Asher yells over the music.
“The line was long.” Lily’s shoulders shrug, earning her a broad grin from Asher. “And we didn’t even go.”
I gesture toward the dance floor. “Let’s move,” I say, grabbing Lily and dragging her out into the middle of the room just as the song changes to an old-school rap that’s making a comeback in popularity. She doesn’t fight it as both our inhibitions are lowered.
Lost in the haze of my buzz, I dance with abandon, not caring who’s watching.
I feel carefree.
Beads of sweat drip down my neck, but I don’t stop. I can’t.
With the adrenaline running through my veins, all my worries from earlier are gone. My hands are thrown into the air as I swing my hips more daringly.
I spin around to find Lily, and my eyes lock on the same man again.
His eyes penetrate me from across the room. I watch as his tongue darts out, running across his bottom lip in a way that’s sexy without trying to be.
From beside me, Lily nudges my arm, and I look over at her. “He really is gorgeous,” Lily yells a little too loud. “You need to go talk to him.”
Two hands grab my hips, pulling me back into a firm chest. I know immediately, based on Lily’s expression, that it’s Asher.
“Don’t be silly. She’s celebrating with us,” Asher shouts. “A club is the worst place to meet a guy. Especially a good one.”
“You’re at a club, and you’re a nice guy,” Lily snaps.
I smile at my friend, twisting out of Ash’s grip. “You’re right, Lil. I should. And he does look...nice.”
Asher’s arm snaps out, grabbing mine. “How the hell can you tell from here? He could be a serial killer.”
“You’re ridiculous,” I accuse. “He’s a vampire,” I deadpan. “Get it right. Plus, look at him.”
“Yeah. What about him? You can’t tell anything about someone by their looks. Women liked Ted Bundy. Look how that ended.”
Lily chokes on air. “Raven’s right. You are ridiculous. Nothing is wrong with her talking to a guy at a club. It doesn’t mean she’s leaving with him.”
I nod at Lily in thanks for coming to my defense.
Asher scoffs but drops my arm.
I offer one last smile to Lily and turn to head toward the guy, but he’s gone.Again.
Clearly, it’s not meant to be.
4
Charles
My mobilenever fails to buzz at the wrong time, but this call can’t be ignored.
I’m working my way to the front of the club, desperate to find an area free of the noise, which seems impossible at the moment. Silver is packed to the brim tonight.
“Kennedy, give me one moment. I’m trying to locate a quiet place,” I yell down the line, hoping that this hiccup won’t ruin Cavendish Group’s chances to represent the hottest brand in the country.