AllFreeNovel
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Justin saunters in, and I down the last of my Jack and Coke as he orders his drink. He turns to me and asks, “New suit?”
“Newish.”
“How’s the scene?” He leans his elbows on the bar and scopes out the place.
“Boring.”
“No hot chicks?”
“Plenty of hot women.”
“So what’s the problem?”
I sigh, setting my drink back down on the bar, and lie. “No problem.”
My phone buzzes in my pocket. I check the text, and my eyebrows rise in surprise. I hit Justin in the chest. “Cancel the drink. We’re leaving.”
“What? No! I just made eye contact with the sweetie in the corner.”
“The one in the corner with the bachelorette party?”
“Yep.”
“No. Just no. They’re too young.”
“They’re at least twenty-one.” I grab him by the tie and head for the door. “Fine,” he whines, and I drop my hand. “Where are we going anyway?”
“Tribeca”
I knew what was waiting for me when I walked into the club, but I didn’t expect to feel this way. My heart races, and I feel breathless. There she is—purple dress, sexy shoes, her hair is down with soft curls, eyes closed— swaying to the music. Charlie is beautiful, and I walk straight for her. Justin trails me.
“Damn! You see that girl?” he asks, walking past me.
“I see her.”
Rachel is next to Charlie, and at least three guys are vying for their attention. Justin stops right in front of Charlie, but as I approach, I shift him over.
She opens her eyes, and they connect with mine. Her mouth drops open as she steals a quick breath. “Charlie!” she exclaims, throwing her arms around my neck.
Wrapping my arms tightly around her waist, I feel very possessive of her. I shoot the three standbys one glare each that says all they need to know: she’s with me.
After they leave, I whisper into her ear, “Hi.” No great line or clever quip, just a simple greeting.
By the time she releases me, it’s just us. Rachel and Justin are heading to the bar.
Charlie looks up at me and smiles. “Hi. I didn’t know if I’d see you again.”
“I’m here.”
Dragging her hands down the front of my suit, she grasps my lapels. “Yes, you are. You look nice.”
“Thanks. You look . . .” I want to say stunning or breathtaking. Instead, I settle for saying, “Beautiful.”
She’s shy and tilts her face away. “Thank you.”
When she looks back, she drops her hands as if she realizes she shouldn’t be touching me in such a familiar manner. She doesn’t know how much I like her hands on me. At least she doesn’t know yet. I have hopes to clarify a few feelings tonight.
Justin hands Charlie an orange-colored martini, and Rachel gives me a JD and Coke. “Thank you.”
Rachel leans forward and kisses me on the cheek. Charlie watches, studying the interaction. “Nice to see you again,” I say. I look down at my drink, not wanting to give any mixed signals of why I’m here.
“You look great,” Rachel replies, running her hand down my arm.
I glance at Charlie, who is looking more uncomfortable by the second. Reaching over, I rub her waist in reassurance. The action isn’t lost on Rachel. “Thanks.” I continue staring into Charlie’s eyes, enjoying the view. “You’re looking lovely tonight, also.”
Rachel starts to flirt with both Justin and me, but I’ve come to realize that’s how she is with men. Justin is so entranced by her that he’s hanging on her every word, which is a good distraction for her.
But for Charlie, it’s too late. She’s irritated and spats, “I’m going to the restroom.”
She turns so abruptly that some of her drink splashes out of the glass. I follow.
“Charlie, wait up!” It’s loud, and I don’t know if she can hear me. Guys are ogling her as she passes, a few saying hello, but she ignores them all. I call out once more. “Charlie, stop!”
She does with a huff, looking over her shoulder. Her expression’s no longer playful like before. I can see her feelings are hurt. “I’ve got to use the bathroom.”
“Then I’ll wait for you.”
“No, I’m a big girl. I think I can manage my way back.”
“Don’t do this.” My hand finds her shoulder, trying to calm her.
She backs up, not wanting me to touch her. “Don’t do what? I’m going to the bathroom.” She’s saying one thing, but her defensiveness is obvious.
“No, you’re escaping a situation you have all wrong.”
Her hand flies to her hip, and her shoulders go back. “I have it all wrong? Listen, you don’t owe me anything. I don’t owe you anything. The other day,” she says, her hand waving wildly in the air, “was just two people doing each other a favor, I guess.” Her eyes drop to the ground, and she sighs. “That’s what I read all wrong.”
“No, you didn’t. It meant something to me. That back there”—I signal toward Rachel and Justin—“doesn’t.”
