I'd told Olivia I wouldn't be at Marco's party.But now I was agonizing over outfit choices like some lovesick teenager.The memory of her smooth skin against mine flashed through my mind, and I gripped the edge of a shelf, steadying myself.
“This is a terrible idea,” I muttered.
But the thought of seeing Olivia outside of work, away from the constraints of our professional roles, was too tempting to resist.The image of what happened between us the other night had burned itself into my brain.The vulnerable yet trusting way she'd looked at me had cracked something open inside me.
I pulled out a fitted white shirt, considering it for a moment before tossing it onto the bed.Casual, but not too casual.I didn't want to look like I was trying too hard.
As I dressed, I tried to rationalize my decision.It was just a work event after all.I should make an appearance, show support for Marco's new venture.The fact that Olivia would be there was incidental.
Liar.
I caught my reflection in the mirror and paused.The man staring back at me looked hesitant, conflicted.This wasn't like me.I didn't do uncertainty.I made decisions, stuck to them, and never looked back.
But Olivia had changed everything.
I'd been so focused on the project and maintaining my professional distance, but when I saw her suffering, something inside me had shifted.In that moment, my only thought had been to ease her discomfort.And the unexpected intimacy that followed felt...natural.
I straightened my collar, took a deep breath, and grabbed my keys.
Twenty minutes later, I was walking into Eclipse.I scanned the crowd, searching for Olivia.Doubt crept in.What am I doing here?
Then I saw her.
She stood near the bar, laughing with Meghan.Her hair cascaded down her back in loose waves, and her little black dress perfectly accentuated her curves.My mouth went dry, and sweat prickled at the back of my neck.
As if sensing my presence, she turned.It was like something out of a movie.The moment our eyes locked across the room, everything else faded away.Surprise flashed across her face.
I moved towards her, weaving through the throng of bodies.With each step, my resolve wavered.This is a mistake.I should turn back.
But then Olivia smiled, and all my doubts evaporated.
“Carter,” she said as I reached her.“I thought you weren't coming.”
I shrugged, trying for nonchalance.“Changed my mind.”
Her eyes sparkled.“I'm glad you did.”
Meghan stood next to Olivia with an impish look on her face, her eyes darting between us.
I coughed, trying to form coherent thoughts in the face of Olivia’s lingering smile.“How's the party?”
“It's great!Marco's really outdone himself.”Olivia gestured around the club.“Have you seen the VIP area yet?”
I told her I hadn’t, and she waved to Meghan before grabbing my hand.“Come on, I'll show you.”
Her touch set my blood on fire as she led me through the crowd.I was inexplicably nervous, and I desperately hoped my hand wasn’t sweaty.We climbed a short flight of stairs to a secluded area overlooking the dance floor.The music was muffled here, allowing for conversation.
Olivia leaned against the railing, her eyes bright.“So, what made you change your mind about coming?”
I hesitated.The truth was too complicated, too dangerous to voice aloud, but I made an attempt anyway.“Thought I should support Marco.And”—I paused, meeting her gaze—”I wanted to see you.”
Her cheeks flushed.“Carter, about the other day?—”
“We don't have to talk about it.”
Olivia shook her head.“No, I think we should.What happened between us?—”
Before she could finish, Marco appeared, slinging an arm around each of our shoulders.“There you are, Livvy!Hey, Carter!”He smacked a big kiss on my cheek, and my eyes narrowed as I jerked away.Marco simply laughed.“Come on, shots are on me!”
