“If you weren’t so quick to jump to conclusions and treat me like an idiot, you’d know that my brothers are coming. I’m not so reckless, I’d actually go out with all the shit’s that’s happened without some sense of safety.”
He rubs the back of his neck, a hint of guilt sweeping across his features. “I didn’t mean it like that. I just—fuck—I’m sorry.”
Well, shit, now I feel guilty.
“I’m sorry for snapping,” I admit.
“It’s okay,” he breathes. “You can go. I won’t try to stop you.”
My brows lift. For some reason, I thought he’d go as far as handcuffing me to the radiator to stop me from going. Or maybe handcuffing me somewhere else…
My eyes squeeze shut as I shove the intrusive thought away—before I end up liking the idea a little too much.
“But I’m coming with you,” he adds.
The Jackalope is loud and crowded. I thought it would be exactly what I need, but I can’t seem to let loose.
Three drinks in and I don’t feel drunk at all. I don’t even feel tipsy.
Layla is beside me, throwing back a shot. Meanwhile,Ariana’s still nursing the same drink she ordered an hour ago. Knowing her, she’ll slip out the second she thinks no one will notice.And Marisa has been eye-fucking my brother since we got here. At this point, I’d rather they both leave to prevent me from having to witness it.
Speaking of leaving, there’s one man who definitely should…
Dominic is parked at the guys’ table near the corner, sandwiched between Ethan and Gavin, with Cole Benton across from him. His arms are crossed and his gaze is zeroed in on me, making it incredibly difficult to actually relax. He hasn’t moved or sipped on anything more than water since we got here. I get that he’s trying to protect me, but I’m in a bar, surrounded by people I know. Nothing is going to happen here.
Ignoring him—or at least trying to—I down the rest of my cocktail, hoping it finally does the trick. It’s been so long since I’ve gone out, I’m not going to let Dominic ruin it.
“Another round?” Layla asks, waggling her eyebrows.
“You read my mind. But make it something stronger. I need something strong enough to make me forget my problems.”
Marisa gives me a side-eye that’s equal parts amused and concerned. “You mean the guy who can’t take his eyes off you, or…you know, the other thing?”
“Both. And I want to dance!” I declare, tossing my hair over my shoulder.
Ariana lets out a groan. “And that’s my sign it’s time to leave.”
I give her a good-natured eye roll, not surprised at all, and slide off my stool, smoothing down the short hem of my dress.The black fabric clings to my minuscule curves in a way that makes me feel like I actually have some.
Ariana gives me a hug and whispers “happy birthday” in my ear before handing me her drink and leaving. I finish the remainder of her lukewarm lemon drop in one gulp. My face pinches as the sour burn works its way down my throat.
Layla returns, and hands me a shot. We clink our glasses to cheers, tossing them both back at the same time.
It’s cheap tequila, but I feel it almost instantly. Exactly what I needed to tip me over the edge. I’ve been chasing that sweet-spot kind of drunk—where my thoughts go fuzzy and my limbs feel light.
The bass thumps through the floor as we make our way onto the dance floor, weaving between sweaty bodies. The moment we find a spot, I start moving to the beat, letting the music take over.
I grab on to Layla to steady myself while she does the same. Together, we dance, holding on to each other to keep from stumbling.
I don’t have to look to know Dominic’s watching.
Even though he hasn’t taken his eyes off me all night, this is the first time since we arrived that maybe I actually want him to watch me.
When I wear something sexy, it’s for me—because I want to feel good in my own skin. When I dance, it’s not to get anyone’s attention. It’s because I’m caught up in the moment, because it makes me feel alive.
But with Dominic’s gaze locked on me, I know the truth. Tonight, my choices aren’t just for me.
I’m not just dancing for me anymore. I’m dancing forhim. And I didn’t wear this dress just to feel good. I wore it because I wantedhimto see me in it.
