I turn to see a tall, dark-haired man with an easy smile.
“Well, hello,” I say.
His hands settle on my hips and we start to dance. It’s easy. Comfortable. Familiar in a way that makes my stomach flip.
“What’s your name, honey?”
“Layla.”
He says it slow. “Layla.”
We two-step, talk, grind. His body fits well against mine. I’m ready. I’ve been ready. Cole’s been staring like he wants to kill someone the entire time.
The man’s name is Jake.
I could fuck Jake. Let him do me how I imagine a cowboy would. I’ve never had one before, but I wouldn’t mind letting him be my first. But he’s not really what my heart wants. What I want. But I'll take it because I need to feel something. And the fact that Cole is watching every second? It sends lightning through me.
I catch Maggie’s eye across the room. She’s grinning, flicking her gaze toward Cole.
I know, I mouth back.
“Do you want to get out of here?” Jake asks.
“You staying at the Marshall property, right?”
“I am,” I say. “And yes I am.”
I grab Jake’s hand and head for the door, heart pounding, adrenaline buzzing through me. And I don’t turn around. But I have a feeling, Cole Marshall isn’t going to let this end quietly.
When we get outside, Jake’s arm slides around me like he owns the space. The night air is cooler, the music muffled behind us, gravel crunching under our feet as he steers me toward his truck.
I tell myself it’s fine. I tell myself this is what I wanted.
When we reach his truck, he turns fast and presses me back against the door. The metal is cold against my spine. This isn’t what I expected. His attitude feels sharper now, heavier. I get a weird gut feeling.
“Do you like it rough, baby?” he asks.
That’s when my stomach tightens.
“Maybe not on the first night,” I say, trying to keep it light.
Keep smiling Layla. Keep it light and fun.
His hand moves anyway. Slow. Deliberate. Sliding up my thigh until his grip tightens on me through my jean shorts. My body stiffens before my mouth catches up.
That’s it.
I push against his chest. “No. I think I’ve changed my mind.”
He frowns. “What do you mean?”
“I mean I’ve changed my mind,” I say again. “I’m just a little drunk. I think I’m gonna go back.”
I try to move away. He slams me back against the truck. My breath knocks out of me. The metal bites into my spine.
“No,” I say. Louder now. “I said no.”
His hand comes up to my face and he kisses me hard, all mouth and tongue, ignoring me as I shove at his chest, turning my head, trying to get away. This isn’t happening. This guy is bad news.
