Page 6 of Remember Me

I can’t find my words, so I simply nod as he leads me out onto the dance floor. The look in his eyes isn’t one I’ve seen before; they’re hooded, and his pupils are dilated. Maybe it’s the dress? The makeup? Whatever it is, he’s never looked at me this way before, and I love it.

Hesitantly, I wrap my hands around his neck and he pulls me close, so close I can feel every hard plane of his body. Even through his tux, it feels incredible. His head is burrowed in my neck as my head leans against his chest, hearing the steady thump of his heartbeat.

The country twang of Jason Aldean’s “You Make It Easy” plays as we sway side to side. We dance in silence, letting the words surround us until Jake speaks into my ear, “You look so beautiful, Lottie. Every man in this room is looking at you right now, wishing they were the lucky bastard getting to dance with you.”

My cheeks heat further at his words; he’s never spoken to me like this before. Don’t get me wrong, he’s told me I’m pretty over the years, but it’s never had this heat, this intensity behind it. My hands reach up into his hair and I pull his gaze to mine. His words and the alcohol coursing through me are making me confident, and I take a chance. “There’s only one man I want looking at me.”

Strong calloused hands cup my face, bringing our lips so close I can feel his breath on mine.

This is it.

It’s happening.

My first ever kiss.

A tap on Jake’s shoulder halts our lips from touching. He turns around, where a beautiful brunette woman—one I’ve seen photographed with him before in those gossip rags Alyssa likes to read—is standing with a smug smile on her face, knowing she’s interrupted something important.

Totally disregarding me, she smoothes her hands over the lapels of his suit jacket and purrs, “Jake, it’s been so long since we’ve seen each other.” She pouts her filler-stuffed lips at him.

Why isn’t he pushing her away? Maybe I was imagining everything? Either that or I’m drunker than I thought. God, I’m so pathetic, embarrassing myself enough for one night, I’ve seen all I need to see. My eyes start to glass over. I will not cry in front of him and this bitch.

The temperature plummets, and I shudder as I drop his hand and slip out of his hold. I feel like I’m about to throw up, my face burning so hot you could fry an egg on it. As I move to walk away, Jake grabs my hand again. “Lottie, where are you going?” He’s scanning my face whilst she’s still clinging to him as a lion does to its prey.

I remove my hand from his, straighten myself, and in my calmest voice, I manage to get out, “I just remembered, I said I’d call Wren before midnight, and I don’t have a lot of time left. If you’ll excuse me.”

With that, I walk as quickly as I can. Stumbling in these godforsaken heels toward the exit and my rideshare. Once I’m settled in the backseat, ignoring my phone pinging constantly, I remove my mask and let the tears fall.

Chapter 4

Jake

When I finally manage to shake Vanessa off, I look everywhere to find Lottie, only to come up empty-handed.

I was on the verge of having everything I ever wanted right there in that moment, until a blast from my past ruined it.

Checking my phone, I see a text from Lottie.

Lottie - I’ve gone home. I’m not feeling well.

Fuck! I head outside where I can hear myself think and try dialing her number. Straight to voicemail. I’m so angry with myself. All because I have to be Mr. Nice Guy. What I should have done was shrug Vanessa off straight away. I literally want to put my fist through the fucking wall.

Maybe I should head to Lottie’s place? No, we’ll both end up saying things we regret. I’ll speak to her in the morning, but send her a quick text back now.

Jake - I hope you feel better xoxo

Before I do something I shouldn’t, I head back to my apartment alone and think about how differently this night could have turned out.

Jake - Lotts are you feeling better?

Jake - Please let me know you’re ok.

*Hockey Guy Chat*

Theo - Saw you getting pretty cozy with Charlie last night….

Theo - Any developments?

Louis - Ooooo is this gossip I smell?