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“Deal.” He shifts, allowing me to pass and just as I step out of the office I turn, seeing that knowing smirk on his lips. “Thanks, Reg.” He nods, shutting the office door before going back to the front desk and sitting down.
“Get out of here before I change my mind.” I smile, my heart beating just a bit faster as I make my way out of the shop and toward the elevators.
It doesn't take me long to find the event. I follow the sounds of squealing women and grumbling men, and voila! My worst nightmare. I make my way through the room, staying on the outskirts since I definitely don't want to participate. Once I set eyes on my girl, I stop, crossing my arms and leaning against the wall. I don't know how long I stand there and stare, but eventually, I feel a presence beside me and look over to see a very old woman smiling up at me. Her grey hair is cut short, her makeup done as if she's never seen a mirror before and I swear I can see lipstick on her teeth when she gives me her best smile.
“Hello, there young man,” I smile, my eyes flicking from her to Ashley who is still talking to my sister, not noticing my presence. “You seem a bit out of place,” she admits, my gaze snapping to hers as a smile creeps over my features.
“And what makes you say that?” I ask, curious. My eyes cast down to her cane and do a double take. Is it shaped like a dick?
“Well, you're too good-looking to be in a room full of this many unsightly men.” My eyes widen as I hold in a laugh. “But also, from the way your eyes keep going to that stunner of a woman over there,” she nods in Ashley’s direction, “I assume you're already taken.” God, I wish.
“It's more complicated than that,” I admit, not knowing why I'm telling her this, but feeling a sense of calm wash over me as she leans against the wall with me.
“It always is,” she whispers, putting her hand on mine. “Can I give you a bit of advice from an old woman?” I smile, nodding as I take my eyes off Ashley and flick them down to meet hers. “Don't waste your time.” I narrow my eyes, tilting my head to the side wondering what she means. “I waited too long and didn't get nearly as much time with my husband as I wanted. Now he's gone and I’m here waiting for God to take me back to him.” I open my mouth to say my condolences, but she shakes her head. “It's been a long time sweetie, so no need for that shit.” My eyes widen at the curse leaving her lips.
“I’m still sorry.” She nods, patting my leg before taking hold of her cane that I swear looks like a dick, and stands straight up.
“That’s sweet. What’s your name?”
“Kacey.” She grins, holding out her hand for me to take.
“Gertrude. It’s nice to meet you, Kacey.” Before I can even utter a response, she’s off, making her way further into the room and I’m back to watching Ashley as she and my sister take their seats, that pit in my stomach growing as Gertrude’s words ring in my ears.
CHAPTER SEVEN
ASHLEY
I can feel his eyes on me as we sit down. Heat radiates off my body as I resist the urge to peer over my shoulder. He’s been there for at least half an hour, watching, waiting, and causing every nerve ending in my body to scream for relief.
“Why do you look like you’d rather be anywhere but here?” Kelsey asks, her eyes wandering around the room, smirking at the men I know she thinks are attractive but blushing when her eyes slam into the ones of the same lifeguard from earlier.
“Because I would rather be anywhere but here,” I admit, not letting my disdain for the event get lost in my words. Her eyes flick to mine, her sadness clear, and that’s when the guilt sets in. “Come on Kels, do not give me that look.” She shrugs, her eyes widening.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
I roll my eyes, trying to hold in the laugh but failing. “You’re so full of shit. You dragged me here; you get what you get.”
She opens her mouth to say something, but everyone goes silent, all eyes trained on the woman at the front of the room.
“Welcome!” Jenna’s strong voice commands the room. All eyes are on her. “I’m Jenna Montgomery, co-owner of Love Snack Speed Dating, and your host for the evening. I hope by now you’ve had the chance to get some liquid encouragement because we are going to start in the next few minutes. If this is your first Love Snack encounter, allow me to go over the basic format of the evening. We’ll start with the speed dating rounds. Men, you will be on the inside circle. The number given to you upon admittance matches your table number, where you’ll stay throughout this portion of the event. The women, sitting along the outer circle, will rotate around you. Each round will last no more than five minutes. If you enjoy your time together and want to make a match, put a checkmark beside the name and number on your cards. If both parties check the box, we’ll share your contact information tomorrow.” I stare down at the card in my hand, my eyes automatically going to where I know Kacey is standing with his eyes focused on the woman speaking. I don’t know why this wave of disappointment washes over me when I see he’s not watching me, but I turn back, wondering for the millionth time since I left his shop if seeing him would be a good idea.
A man steps up beside Jenna, standing intimately close to her. “This is my business partner, Sebastian Montenegro. He’ll take us through the second half of the evening.” She gestures to the man beside her, his smile contagious.
“Hola and welcome,” the man greets us, his voice deep and smooth with the hint of an accent. “After our speed rounds, we will have a mix and mingle. You can choose to stay or go, your connections will be sent either way, but I highly encourage you to stay. Talk to anyone with whom you had a connection. Get to know someone better who you didn’t click with right away. Make conversation, make friends”—he drops his voice and winks— “make lovers. Most importantly, have fun and be yourselves.” The idea of me staying here any longer than I have to makes me want to break out in hives. I already know once the first part of the night is over, I’m gone. Most likely back to my room and avoiding all contact with anyone.
Applause rings out throughout the room, and Jenna clears her throat. “If you’re struggling for things to talk about, remember our theme is Love at Sea. We’re all on this cruise together–talk excursions or the chocolate buffet or the line at the water slide. Maybe stay away from tales of seasickness.” Nervous laughter fills the room and I chuckle softly. “So, grab a fresh drink and head to your starting tables for our first round of little love snacks. We’ll be starting at precisely eight o’clock.” I peer down at my watch and see that we have five minutes.
“I’ll be right back,” I say. Kelsey is too busy making eyes at the lifeguard to pay any attention to me. I know I should be pissed at her for dragging me onto this ship and ignoring me but to be honest, I’m kind of glad. With Kacey lurking, the less she notices the better.
“So, you’re really doing this?” Kacey’s voice lingers against my skin as I pick up the glass the bartender just filled with rum and coke. I don’t acknowledge him, leaning back against the bar and staring straight ahead, wishing my heart wasn’t beating so hard inside my chest. “Ash come on, talk to me.” I chuckle, smirking as I shake my head.
“Talk to you about what Kace? The fact that we kissed or the fact that you’re following me?” He has the good sense to look guilty when I say the last part, but I continue, “Kacey I know we have some shit to deal with and we will, but right now I have to get back before your sister knows I’m missing.” I take a step away from the bar when strong fingers grip my wrist.
“Ash,” I stop, peer over my shoulder, and shake my head before twisting myself out of his hold and heading back toward his sister.
* * *
I’m in hell. Literal hell and I have no way of getting out.
