Page 10 of In the Shadows


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I laughed as I opened the front door and entered the building, following a long, dimly lit hall. The dance floor wouldn’t open until nine, which was a few hours away, but food and drinks started at five. It was run a bit differently from most clubs, but I didn’t mind. Once we began to dance, it was hard to talk over the music anyway, so arriving early gave me time to catch up with Cami.

“I thought about what you said last night. It’s been a helluva a year, and I need to relax.”

We entered the restaurant area, and every corner of the room echoed with laughter, conversations, and the soft undertones of background music. Waitstaff gracefully navigated the maze of tables, their trays heavy with steaming dishes, drinks, and an assortment of desserts.

“Relax with an Australian bartender, maybe?” She grinned at me, then glanced around. “They’re already busy.” Cami flipped her long blonde hair over her shoulder, her smile sparkling.

“Yeah, they are.”

A pretty hostess led us to a table, and Cami cackled with glee as she slid into one side of the booth. “Thought you might want that side since Sebastian is working. The view is much better.”

I tucked my hair behind my ear and realized that I had a direct path to the bar and eye candy.

“Yes, it is.”

Cami rubbed her hands together like a devious child plotting a prank. “He’s sinfully gorgeous.”

I smoothed my top and wiped my damp palms on my jeans. My heart tap-danced against my chest as I allowed myself to drool over Sebastian. Every contour of his body seemed etched with precision. His broad shoulders and well-defined pectorals stretched the fabric of his black T-shirt, making it cling to him as if tailor-made for his physique. I imprinted the details on my brain as his coworker joined him. Black T-shirts must have been part of the uniform. My brows knitted together as the two men stood with their backs to me, appearing similar in height with broad shoulders and short brown hair. From this view, they could be twins. I wondered if they were related.

Sebastian threw his head back and laughed, the sound muffled by the chatter of the guests.

“You should go say hi.”

A tall waiter in his thirties approached our table, cutting off my response. “Hello, ladies, what can I get for you?”

Cami worried her bottom lip with her teeth. “One Jack and Coke for Ella and one Long Island iced tea for me, plus let Sebastian know that Ella is here.”

My nostrils flared, but I would have to wait to slap my best friend until we had no audience.

“Sure thing. I’ll be right back.” The waiter offered us a warm smile before he disappeared.

“Cami! What happened to allowing me to talk to him in my own timing?” I didn’t need to chide her in a soft tone. It was loud, and no one would even notice me yelling at her.

“What? I just thought I’d help move your evening along. He was clearly flirting with you last night, so maybe he’ll be happy you’re back. You’ll never know unless you get out there, babe.”

I watched our waiter approach the bar and chat with Sebastian. He turned in my direction, then flashed me a full-on, panty-dropping smile that turned my hormones into a puddle. My thighs clenched, and I crossed my legs as I gave him a small wave.

“Shit. He saw me.” My pulse kicked up with every step he took toward me.

“Oh, tall, dark, and handsome is on his way over. This is so exciting.” Cami said, wiggling her brows at me.

Sebastian’s grin never wavered as he approached the table with our drink order.

“Ella.” He set the Jack and Coke in front of me before he gave Cami her Long Island.

“I’m surprised but happy to see you again.” He folded his arms over his chest, his pectoral muscles flexing as he moved.

“Yeah, my evening plans got canceled, so we came for a few drinks,” I explained.

“And him,” Cami mouthed behind him.

“I need to get back to the bar, but why don’t you come see me after you eat?”

“Okay.” A flush crept across my face as he turned and walked away, my interest firmly planted on his jean-clad ass and thighs.

Cami fanned her cheeks. “My. God. That accent is orgasmic! I’m pretty sure I just flooded the basement.”

“Cami!” I hid my face in my hands, giggling. I peered at her through my fingers. “Did I just agree to talk to him some more?”

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