Page 30 of Gravity

“Because we are not together. And to be honest, I don’t think we’ll ever be. We’re just there to satisfy each other, and right now I’m happy with that because there’s no way in hell I’m looking to settle down anytime soon.”

“Such a wild child.”

“And you wouldn’t have me any other way.” She grins. “So, I still get to check out the eye candy in the club. And now that you’re home, we can have many nights of partying while we spend our days lying on the beach ogling guys.”

“Don’t forget I have a new job now, so I can’t have too many late nights. I don’t want to be falling asleep whilst serving the food.”

“Do you realize how old you sound right now?”

I laugh. “Yep.”

“But I guess you are right. It was only last week my co-worker told me I get a little stabby when I’m over tired.”

“Oh really? I’ve never noticed.” Stabby is a polite way of putting it: evil bitch would be my interpretation.

“Yeah, I even locked one of her assistants in the storeroom one time because he pissed me off.” She giggles, stirring her drink around the glass with her straw. “And that, my friend, is a true story.”

My eyes widen with her confession. “You didn’t?”

“One of the guests reported a disturbance. I didn’t realize that the lock had broken from the inside, and poor Jon was a sweaty mess when we got him out. Apparently, I didn’t help his claustrophobia.”

“The poor guy,” I laugh.

“I still can’t understand why he refused to speak to me for weeks. I mean, it’s not like I did it on purpose.” She shrugs, grinning. “Well, at least I don’t think I did.”

“You are evil, Makenna Dixon.”

“That’s what my mother says,” she jokes. “Now, I believe it’s your turn at the bar.” She sucks the rest of her margarita through her straw and hands me her glass with a wink. It’s her fourth drink since we left her house, and we’ve only been out just over an hour.

“On a scale of one to whatever, how drunk are you planning on getting tonight?”

“Definitely the whatever part. I mean, the latter is always better, right?”

I grin. “It depends on the option, but thanks for letting me know. I’ll be sure to put a bucket at the side of your bed once we’re back at your place.”

“And this is why you’re my best friend. Now go cheer up Mr. Happy. He’s just entered the room.”

I wait to be served at the bar, and scanning my eyes around the area, I find Grayson talking to a guy at the other end, laughing with each other.

I suddenly want to know what has amused him—why he seems so relaxed with others but is a different person when we are together. When he turns toward me, his eyes lock on mine. His ocean blues change instantly, the amusement lost as they hold me captive. A hot tingle races down my spine like a deadly weapon. This is not a figment of my imagination: it’s damn right real, and I can feel the effects of his stare in places no man has ever touched.

Pushing off the edge of the bar, he makes his way over to me.

“What are you doing here, Shortcake?”

I can’t work out if it’s a question or an accusation, but what is clear is the manner behind it. Frustration seems to be running high with everyone today, and I seem to be at the core of it.

“I think the correct question is, ‘what can I get you, Shortcake?’” I smile, trying to lighten the mood, but in return I get nothing. I roll my eyes and let out an exhale. “I’m out with Makenna. She wanted to help me celebrate my new job.”

He takes his eyes away from mine and looks across the club, his jaw locked tight. “What d’you want?”

An explanation.

“Two skinny Margaritas, please.”

I watch him prepare our drinks as the music coming from the DJ area fills the space between us.

“Where are you staying tonight?” he asks robotically without looking at me, and I know he’s asking to reassure himself that I’ll be safe.