AllFreeNovel
Share Us
21
Jade
Everyone knows parties and clubs aren’t my thing. It’s not that I’m like EJ, and people think I don’t like them. I truly don’t like them.
Okay, that might be a bit harsh. It’s not that I don’t like them, they just don’t appeal to me. But Maddox apologized over the phone the day after his fight and invited me to this gig, so I wanted to make an effort. Besides, it’s not the first time I’ve been around Maddox and his outbursts.
Lily and I have been at the club for thirty minutes, and I’m all smiles. Just like the morning after being with Austin. He texted me that he was on his way, but he and his roommate got caught in traffic. That hasn’t stopped Lily teasing me as we sit in the roped-off VIP section of the club while Maddox plays for the dancers.
“This is too much,” Lily says, giggling again. “You’re like you were that day Chad Peterson asked you out sophomore year.”
“Shut up.” I push her shoulder, taking a drink of my water bottle. The smile stays in place, and I think about the time she’s talking about. “Chad had adorable dimples.”
Laughing, she leans over and wraps her arms around me. “I’m so happy for you, Jade. It’s been forever since I’ve seen you like this.”
I lift my shoulders, playing with the bottle cap. “I can’t help it.”
“Girl, don’t apologize. It’s like I always say, you never know who you’re gonna meet or where.”
“You never say that.”
“Well, I’m going to start.”
She chortles, and we take in the light and music from the club. Maddox plays electronic type stuff with heavy bass, but with enough rhythm that gets people on the dance floor and doesn’t sound repetitive.
The club also isn’t as busy as the last place. A lot of his gigs are high-profile or celebrity parties, but this is a smaller location that’s popular among people in the business but has fallen out of the limelight somewhat.
Across the dance floor, the sight of Austin catches my eye. Getting up from our spot, I head out to him and see him dressed up more than usual. I’m used to him being in jeans and either a T-shirt or a casual, short-sleeved button-up that’s not buttoned, with a plain shirt underneath.
He still has the jeans, but he’s wearing a tailored, gray, long-sleeve shirt. It’s untucked, and the sleeves are rolled up, giving him almost a casual business feel. And instead of regular sneakers, he’s wearing black boots, which provide the jeans a little more professional look.
Shawn stands next to him, and they both scan the area. Shawn sees me first, tapping Austin’s chest, then points to me. He grins, waving over to me. Lily was right, I haven’t felt like this in a long time. Little butterflies float around inside, and if I wasn’t sure I made the right decision before—I was—I am now. I love that I’m feeling like that for the first time in a long time.
“Hey,” he says. I see his Adam’s apple bob, and his eyes jump from me to the floor, then around the room.
I feel the same nerves. “Hey.” Standing in front of one another, he meets my eyes for a moment, before chuckling. “Okay, this wasn’t supposed to be this awkward.”
My joke seems to calm his nerves. “Yeah.” Taking my hand, he leans closer to me. He’s close enough to kiss, but he waits, his gaze locking on mine. Then he kisses me.
It doesn’t matter that I’ve kissed him already, this feels new. And more than new, it feels right. Breaking away from my lips, he whispers, “Hey.”
I smile back at him. “You said that already.”
He lifts his shoulders, smirking. “If I keep saying it, can I keep kissing you?”
I pinch my lips together, then lift a finger to rub off some of my lipstick from his lips. “I don’t see why not.” Kissing him one more time, I hear someone clear their throat. Looking to his side, Shawn waves to me. “Oh, sorry.” I start blushing, shaking my head to myself. “Hi, Shawn. Nice to see you again. In clothes no less this time.”
“Hey, you were the one in our apartment.”
I smile and laugh, still feeling like just a girl. Shawn’s treating me the same as Austin, and not some famous person.
“What’s going on here?” I hear Maddox’s voice behind Austin. Looking back at the DJ stand, I see someone else on stage, playing music.
While I’m still holding Austin’s hand, he turns and sees my brother. Austin’s told me how he knows other celebrities through his job at Rich Records, so I’m not expecting him to freak out at meeting him as a rock star. I am a little nervous about him meeting Maddox as my brother. Who I haven’t told about breaking up with Bret yet, either.
“Maddox, this is Austin. Austin, this is my brother.”
Maddox eyes him up and down, his gaze lingering on our hands together for a moment longer, then he glances at me. “Austin?” I nod. “What happened to Bret?”
